Samantha Asks the lessons that my students and I learn when we grow together . And our classroom is full of problems that provide plenty of opportunities for growth ; there are conflicts with drug , thieves and poverty , for example .
I cannot solve all of these problems . But as a teacher , I have helped students to recognize the issues and , instead of creating more problems , I ’ ve encouraged them to be daring enough to face and solve them . Something beyond my expectation is seeing my students becoming brave and gaining the courage to express themselves .
One moment that really stands out had to do with a shy student who didn ’ t make eye contact with anyone . I built a special relationship with him , becoming like a friend he could trust . One day , he sent me a message . It said , “ I thank you . You trusted me , gave me a chance and helped me to make friends . I have more courage and confidence in myself because of your support .”
THE IMPORTANCE OF REALLY LISTENING
Paula Stavornvisit , Head of early years and primary section and ABA coordinator at Village International Education Centre
I began my work in special needs as a behavioral therapist in the United States . The first child who I worked with had autism and was seen by most as a difficult “ wild child .” I remember sitting with her reading a Dora the Explorer book in her room . She pointed at the sun and looked at me , and I said , “ Yes , that ’ s the sun .” But she shook her head .
She pointed more forcefully and looked at me with eyes that were trying to tell me something more . I shrugged my shoulders and told her that I didn ’ t know what she was trying to say but to try and tell me again . She pointed again at the sun and pretended to sleep . Then it dawned on me : She was trying to tell me that the sun was setting and going to sleep .
She was so overjoyed to convey her message . It ’ s been an experience that ’ s always stuck with me because it was a turning point . It was when I learned that each child has something to say , if only you are patient enough to listen . It ’ s not just what we can teach children but what we can learn from them , too . This translates in the United States and here in Thailand . That ’ s why I am so thrilled to be working here now . I hope to create more understanding and awareness on the topic of special needs in Thailand .
GIVING A CHILD THE FREEDOM OF SELF-EXPRESSION
Casey Reed , Nursery teacher at IPC Green International School
My most memorable teaching experience was when I was teaching kindergarten and realized that one of my students was having a hard time learning in a large class setting . He would hide under the tables and become really nervous .
I noticed that he stayed the calmest when I taught him through music . With music , he began learning how to be confident , play with other children and be happy . For our first concert at school , he was so nervous and did not want to participate with his classmates . But knowing that music was his happy place , I gave him a drum to allow all of his nervous energy to be focused on that instrument .
He smiled from ear to ear when he walked on stage , full of confidence as his parents watched him join in with the other kids for the first time ever . It was a truly uplifting moment as a teacher to watch this student succeed and become the person I knew he was .
SEE WHAT SAMANTHA HAS TO SAY
Would you like to ask Samantha a question about life in Thailand ? Send an email to editor @ wanderlustmag . com and you might see your question answered in the next issue of Wanderlust !
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