The Odd One

We have all seen "the odd one" who marches to the beat of his or her own drum. And there is usually no particular order or regular pattern to that beat. It simply is. I'm sure even now,  flashing through your mind, are the names and faces of those children who just cannot seem to follow directions, or just cannot see things your way.

As disruptive to the class or as difficult to teach as they may be, I can't help but feel that it is most likely these oddballs, stuck inside the world of their own heads, who are going to be worth millions one day. I hate to be the teacher to stifle creativity, but for the sake of the class, one can give only so much special attention. How does one teach a child who is very bright, but refuses to learn with the rest of the class, and who cannot follow simple instructions because he is too busy contemplating why a robin's egg is blue?

Ideally, I would say, "Homeschool!" or even "Montessori!" But alas, it is my school and my class in which this child has been placed, and the parents seem to want to keep it that way.

But then, I take a closer look at each child. Holy cow! They are ALL oddballs! One of my favorite parts about being an assistant Kindergarten teacher, as well as a private tutor, is that while the primary teacher is talking, I get to do the watching. I get a feel for their unique learning styles, their little ticks and quirks, and their own particular strengths. When music is playing, who are the ones who are tapping their fingers and toes to the rhythm? Who gives the most attention to detail in their artwork? Of course, I love the obviously bright and good-at-everythingers, but what about the ones who are behind in other academic areas?

Another perk of my job is helping the kids who are struggling. As I observe each one's particular struggles, I begin to detect patterns, and informally diagnose certain disabilities. It is not so much the discovery of the disabilities that fascinate me, but rather the challenge to find creative ways to overcome those disabilities. Here are a few of the practical exercises I have tried.

-For the auditory learners who have trouble recognizing their letters, I found "hidden picture" worksheets or I Spy books can help them focus, and help strengthen their visual skills.

-For my dyslexic, kinesthetic learner, I wrote giant phonogram letters on brightly colored construction paper, and had him walk from letter pad to letter pad, saying the sound out loud as he stepped on it, until he had successfully constructed the word as a whole.

-I have also turned spelling words into a memory game. Instead of pictures on the cards, I write duplicates of the spelling words on the cards, and mix them up.

I would LOVE to hear what other fun things my fellow educators have tried! Please respond with any creative suggestions :)

-Miss C