Rebekah

How I teach children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

This September, I started my master’s degree in special education.

When teaching, I use a tailored approach to each young person and communicating effectively with parents/carers. In addition to this, I strongly promote independence and teach skills that will be useful in the outside world. I have been teaching student nurses for two years in the hospital environment and have now completed my first year as an early-carer teacher in a specialist school (all needs school). This is a school who caters for children with a whole range of learning disabilities, ASD and physical/ medical conditions.

I have experience teaching from the initial sensory approach to learning to Year 9 English and Maths. I have also been trained in a range of mainstream primary schools, with experience in all year groups. This year, I have co-led the communication pathway for the school and have undergone training in Makaton, of which I can use to a good level.

I also have experience of working with children and young adults who require a rigid structured approach to learning but on the flip side have worked with the child-led approach. Both techniques can be utilised and adapted accordingly to the young person. I use a careful balance of a calm approach with bursts of high energy to keep the young person engaged but ensure that they are not over-stimulated. I have a very positive approach when teaching and will focus on the achievements on the young person.

How I teach children and young people with medical needs

Before becoming a teacher, I spent 5 years as a registered nurse. I have experience working with people of all ages with a range of physical health conditions and learning disabilities. I have a calm approach when required but also can engage with people with a wide range of communication needs. Young people may have missed significant time from school due to these medical conditions and this can be a source of frustration for parents/carers and the young person themselves. I am very sensitive to this and will take all of this into consideration when teaching.

How I teach children and young people online

I currently have a pupil who joins in class sessions online and so have experience of engagement through online teaching. I undertook my post-graduate qualification during the first lockdown and therefore have a strong sense of what it like to be taught by others online. I have knowledge and understanding about ideal session length to gain maximum engagement. However, this can be tailored specifically to your child or young adult.

My creative experience

When not teaching. I am a member of the local theatre group where I write, direct and act in plays. I also assist with scenery, stage management and technical support. I am very creative and like to apply this to my teaching style.

I am also very musical as I sing and play the piano to a good standard. Through my experiences in teaching, music can be a valuable tool for helping young people to self-regulate, process information and to retain knowledge. I currently use signifier songs for activities so that after a few sessions, the young person knows what session to expect. This is especially helpful for those who need that structure.

How I teach children and young people who have mental health conditions

During my nurse training I gained experience in young people’s mental health and undertook a placement in CAHMS. I currently work with CAHMS with my current students which has given me some understanding as to the challenges faced by young people with mental health conditions. I am also a qualified Mental Health Champion and therefore have sound knowledge on mental health as well as individual conditions.