advice for mainstream teacher

hjcespana

Hi - I have a 5 year old child with CP joining my class.  She is a new arrival to the UK and currently has no health provision in place. She has visited the class 2 times for a short period of time accompanied by a parent who has carried her due to her difficulties walking. I am looking for any advice groups that might be able to guide us as a school and me as her teacher, beyond referrals to Locala, Occ Health and the GP all of which have now been made.
It is a situation where I am not sure what I am looking for, or what help to ask for, and I am hoping that someone here will have some ideas so that we can help this child.
Thank you

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @hjcespana, I've reached out to my colleague who liaises with and supports the Cerebral Palsy members of our community. He likely will not respond until Monday but in the mean time I'll look at what advice and support we have available in our advice sections!

poppy123456

@Richard_Scope will be the best person to advise you with this I think. 

MW123

Hello hjcespana 

I lack specific solutions to provide, but I wanted to convey my respect for your professionalism and unwavering dedication in seeking the most effective means to assist the child who is joining your class.  I am certain your commitment to helping the child will have a profound and positive impact on this child's path ahead.

 

Adeline

Don't make assumptions about capability based on disability. I'm sure you won't but all too common my experience of mainstream schools for disabled children is they assume capability based purely on a diagnosis. Speak to the child, challenge her, have high expectations and goals. Find out what she can do rather than assuming. Have the family looked into mobility aids for her? I don't imagine her being carried is fair or a long term solution.
Also I wanted to add how wonderful a teacher you are to be trying to do additional research to support your student. It's refreshing to see.

Richard_Scope

Hi @hjcespana
Thanks for your post. Does the child have an EHCP in place yet? 

I can only really give very broad pointers that might be of use. My main bit of advice is to use trial and error. Sometimes what doesn’t work one day will work the next day, week, or month. It can take a while to get the muscles and the brain working together. Have patience, flexibility, and commitment to make this process enjoyable for both of you.  

1. Toys with a variety of colours and shapes: Children usually like bright colours and big shapes. Sometimes with cerebral palsy brightness can make our muscles tighten up. So, have toys and pictures with a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes to try to avoid overstimulation. 

2. Music: Music also is wonderful, and you should use it generously. Music is not only good for the mind but also stimulates speech and communication. Encourage children to move with the music. For example, stomp their feet, clap their hands, and let them dance in any way they can. You can encourage them to dance while in their wheelchairs or with whatever mobility device is needed. Loud or sudden music often overstimulates muscle tone, so keep that in mind when you work with music with your child. 

3. Sorting games: Sorting games are good for gross and fine motor control. I recommend that you play sorting games on a regular basis because the repetitive motion of muscles helps teach the brain and muscles to work together. Have them sort coloured paper clips that are colourful and big enough for them to pick up. For example, have them put blue ones in a basket on the right and red ones on the left. Make sure that whatever the item, they can grab it and manipulate it in a relaxed manner. Don’t overwhelm them with a large quantity. The key is to keep it as fun as possible. 

4. Teamwork: Working as part of a team boosts self-esteem no matter the age. If you have your child work with other children, he or she will be very happy. Rolling a ball back and forth and kicking it, and tug-of-war are some examples. Try to keep the mood upbeat and fun so no one feels discouraged. 

5. Arts and crafts: Arts and crafts are excellent for any pre-schooler. With a child who has cerebral palsy, all you need to do is keep it real for their needs. Most everything can be adapted, and you can use teamwork to accomplish a task. Cutting, beads on a string, colouring, and painting are great for motor skills. Remember not to do the project for them. Let them do what they can. 

6. Water activities: Water play also is great fun. Splashing, pouring cups, playing with a water table, and anything water-related is good physical and mental activities. Take your child swimming any opportunity you have. Swimming isn’t just fun, it also will strengthen muscles. 

7. Going outdoors: Go for walks and talk about what you see, hear, and feel. Always encourage speech and dialogue. Go to playgrounds and let your kids do whatever they can. Accessible or fully inclusive playgrounds are growing throughout communities. Ask around or do a Google search for one close to your area. 

8. Technology: Use technology such as a computer or tablet with fun, age-appropriate applications. Chances are that technology is going to play a very important role in their lives, so getting them used to it early is helpful. 

Any time you can devote is extremely valuable. Activities that keep them moving, reading, and stimulating their minds are brilliant to use. I can also highly recommend reading Including Children With Cerebral Palsy in the Early Years Foundation Stage by Lindsay Brewis. It is excellent but some of it will be outdated. It should help you tailor your learning plans.