Lesson 11

This week we read chapter 10 in the book which was all about teaching independent strategies to our  students and how we can help them to achieve personal independence. This has so much to do with helping our students see the importance of self advocacy. We live in a society now where everyone wants immediate outcomes and everyone wants something for nothing, no work. But if we can teach the importance of doing things for yourself and taking advantage of all opportunities at a young age then think of how competent and self reliant those children will group up to become. They will then live in a world of "I can do anything I work for", instead of "these are my limitations, i'm going to stay here. " Today in class we skyped with a girl names Emily who was born will no sight whatsoever. When she was little she wanted to become a bus driver. Now this desire really is unrealistic because she can not see to drive, but her mother never told her that she couldn't. Instead he mother instilled in her self advocacy and that she can accomplish anything that she works for and puts her mind to.
  No child wants to grow up being told they can't do something. when this happens creativity decreases, self-esteem decreases, and the desire to explore and learn will never increase. We as parents and educators MUST teach children that they can no ANYTHING they desire and work for.
  Another profound thing that  Emily shared with us today was that she feels like she do not have a disability and her not being able to see is not a deficit to her. She actually said she hopes she doesn't have the ability to see once her body is resurrected because she likes this part about her. WOW!! Just wow! A 15 year old girl explaining that she doesn't want to see because she likes who see is...i was speechless when she said that. If we all as parents could help our children love who they are and not see disabilities as a set back but as positive unique characteristics, then out children would learn to love themselves for who they are.
  I hope when I become a mother I can help my children feel empowered and confident in themselves and love who they are. This little thing can go a long ways.

Don't use the would can't...its the new swear word.