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Original poster

Can anyone offer any advice on working with a little boy with downs please? First day nerves.

17 replies

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 15:56

Hi,

I have been volunteering at both my DD2 and DD1's school in the hope of getting a permanant job eventually.

Today I was called in by the headteacher and asked if I would like to cover one of the teaching assistants while she is off sick.

Great!! The news I have been waiting for.

The only thing is, and this is not a negative but it is working with a 6 year old with Down's.

I was asked because they believe I have the right personality and because I can sign Makaton.

I am so nervous but excited at the same time.

Anyone offer me some advice

OP posts:

MayorNaze · 27/04/2009 16:05

relax! just be yourself as this is obviously why they have offered you the work.

you will have fun

just concentrate on getting to know the child letting them get to know you.

MayorNaze · 27/04/2009 16:06

and letting them get to know you.

oops

have you worked with this child before?

Original poster

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 16:10

No.

He is in the reception classs and I have always helped out in years 1 and 2.

I know he can't walk unaided and wears nappies. He's very stubborn and only uses Makaton to communicate.

OP posts:

MayorNaze · 27/04/2009 16:13

see if you can shadow whoever is currently working with the child, or sit in with the class and talk to the teacher before you start officially. it wil be wonderful experience for you, just stay calm and be patient.

goblincandoa5k · 27/04/2009 16:13

Congratulations

Talk to the teacher about things the child likes/dislikes, have a look at their IEP to see what their targets are, etc.

BUT, generally just spend time with the little boy getting to know him, and play lots of games.

Have fun !

goblincandoa5k · 27/04/2009 16:20

Also, be wary of labels being used. It may well be that he isn't 'stubborn' just doesn't like the approach being used - or doesn't understand what is being asked of him.

Good luck and you will have fun. I love the reception age children.

Original poster

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 16:22

Starting tomorrow as the lady who normally looks after him has hurt her back.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm so nervous

OP posts:

Ripeberry · 27/04/2009 16:25

We have a 4yr old in our pre-school who is similar and he will be staying for another year. But he is always on the go and it is exghausting.
Just get to know the child and have some fun

Original poster

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 16:27

Maybe I am worrying too much.

He has been with his helper since he stared school so I worry he won't like me I suppose or get upset she's not there.

OP posts:

Blu · 27/04/2009 16:30

I am not a TA, and don't know the protocols, but if it's allowed, I would introduce yourself to his parents or carer on the first day, say you will be working with him for a while, and are loking forward to it...you have access to his IEP etc, but is there anything they would like to tell you about what he likes, enjoys, is good at, confident with, and what sort of approach gets the best engagement.

Blu · 27/04/2009 16:31

Has it been explained to him that the ususal person is away? Maybe talk with him about that a bit?

Original poster

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 16:35

Thanks Blu.

I think his teacher is going to do a plan of what he likes and what he does most days.

Like I said the lady who normally looks after him has gone off sick suddenly and he really needs one to one help.

OP posts:

Original poster

MaggsS · 27/04/2009 16:35

Not sure what he has been told but his mum stayed in class with him today so I expect she explained to him.

OP posts:

Ripeberry · 28/04/2009 16:32

How was today Maggs?

Original poster

MaggsS · 28/04/2009 16:41

Hi,

Thanks for asking.

I've only just got in what with picking up DD1 and DS1 from after school clubs and DD2 from my parents.

I am worn out.

I was really nervous this morning but luckily I know some of the staff and my way around so that made things a bit easier.

I was thrown in at the deep end and basically left to get on with it.

He didn't sign much and just wanted to make a run for the computers all the time. This meant bringing him back to do what he was meant to be doing constantly but I felt by the end of the day that at least he was getting used to me and seemed quite happy..

Have been asked back tomorrow so I can't be that bad!!

OP posts:

Ripeberry · 28/04/2009 17:07

Well done. We have a lady at the pre-school who looks after an S.N child and they have a "giraffe" chair so that he feels more secure when they have snack time or if she needs him to concentrate on an activity.
It's like a big high chair on wheels.
But, yes there is a lot of running around, and trying to stop things being ripped, torn, thrown or swallowed!

Original poster

MaggsS · 28/04/2009 17:16

I have a 2 year old at home so it's preety much the same.

I'm sure my confidence will grow with time.

I really did enjoy it though

OP posts:

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