Day 1: Differentiating learning amongst siblings
Managing multiple learning needs of children within the same household is more than just challenging— it can be downright impossible. And today is only Day 1 of school closures across New York City and Long Island.
A few of the pitfalls that you may have encountered today—
Attempting to facilitate a group speech and play therapy session amongst your toddlers and school-aged child
Conducting circle time with your children of different ages and abilities
Figuring out a synchronized activity schedule that mirrors what your children would have received at school
Trying to insert social skills feedback during teachable moments
After putting forth your very best effort, perhaps you were lucky enough to escape to the local park, like I was.
Without the support of special education services, you’re probably feeling ill-equipped to execute learning for your child with special needs— especially while handling the education of a sibling at the same time. In the wake of the latest school closures, parents of special needs children are left to fend for themselves, which is a frustrating process. For those families without access to a school-approved distance learning program, you may feel similarly left in the dark when it comes to your typically-developing child.
I encourage parents to keep track of any purchased or freely available programming that they may attempt to use during this period of mandatory ‘home schooling’.
Please stay tuned in to this blog for more information regarding special needs parenting during the coronavirus crisis.
In the meantime, be well.
Oroma Mpi-Reynolds, Esq.
Founder, MSR Legal & Consulting Services, PLLC
Oroma@MSRLegal.ORG
Mobile: (516) 725-5514
Terms + Conditions: This blog is intended to inform and educate the public about due process rights stemming from special education law. No attorney-client relationship is established until a retainer or engagement agreement has been executed. Although I am a parent to children of varying needs, I am also an experienced special education law attorney. As such, the content of this blog may be considered attorney advertising.