Why a Child may need a Shadow Teacher?
Importance of a Shadow Teacher
Why a child may need a Shadow Teacher?
Allow me introduce you to Shivan, Aana and Krish.
Shivan, a five-year-old boy cries unstoppably at the mere site of the gate of his preschool. All attempts to console him fail, until he sees the garden area where he wishes to roll on the grass and bask in the sunshine. For almost two months in a row, this has been Shivan’s patterned behaviour. Her class teacher faces a tough time getting him to room, manage him and teach other ten children in the same class.
Now, let’s bump into Aana. She is seven years old but is unable to sit still. She constantly rocks her chair and makes disturbing noises in the class. Her teacher keeps complaining about her fidgety behaviour and a tendency to ask questions repeatedly. In spite of instructing her to stay quiet and patiently listen to the teacher, she hasn’t showed improvement.
Hear the story of Krish! He is nine years old and studies in Grade 4. He has a difficulty managing himself in a queue and during recess. He likes playing with other children but often pushes them and doesn’t communicate his feelings effectively. The teacher tries her best to make him a part of class study and discussions but cannot be available during the breaks.
What’s the common thread?
Shivan, Aana and Krish have one thing in common. They are children with special needs. They require special attention to help them learn, behave and socialize in appropriate and regulated manner.
When left to attend by themselves, they feel a sense of inadequacy in spite of the capabilities they possess. Such children want to be a part of the mainstream activities but for various needs, cannot.
A class teacher often feels frustrated having to manage children with special needs along with other kids in the class. This leads to guilt feelings on the part of the teacher, a chaotic class room and an upsetting childhood on the part of the special child.
Is there a solution?
Let us think over this.
What choices does a school or a parent have in such a scenario? Who can help?
Home schooling? Can Home schooling be an option for such children?
May be. The main advantage home schooling brings is learning at one’s own pace and convenience. Special needs would mean, taking a few subjects slowly. Encouraging the child to learn one thing at a time and helping the child learn as per his schedule.
But, what about the social skills that a child would learn if he went to school? The skills of interaction and communication, team building, sharing and social exposure would get lost.
Counselling?
Yes. That too may help.
Many a times, such children are pulled out of class and have to sit in the counsellor’s office while the other students study or participate in class.
Is the pull-out method an inclusive model?
The above options, have advantages but have limitations too.
Is there a better solution that can be found on a middle ground?
A solution where a child can study in an inclusive environment with other kids in an inclusive setup: grow, learn, play with other children without disturbing the class harmony?
A shadow teacher is a solution!
Who is a Shadow Teacher?
A shadow teacher is someone who is appointed specifically for such children is a comrade. He/ She guides him through his day in school and help him perform his academic and social behaviour skills appropriately.
Take the case of Krish – the nine-year-old lad whom we met at the start.
A shadow teacher, let’s name her Seema, would accompany Krish to school. She would help him interact with others in the class. This would reduce the violent pushing around that Krish is used to, during recess time. Seema would also help Krish with concept explanation, practice exercises and discussions.
That’s how a shadow teacher aids in a child’s overall development by helping him integrate into the mainstream environment.
But, what’s her key role?
A shadow teacher guides the child throughout his day at school including recess and break times. She provides a structure to his day and incorporates break time, sensory time, academic and social strategies according to the need of the specific child.
She understands the need of the teacher and the counsellor in the school. She also incorporates the expectations in the child's routine making it possible for the child to have an inclusive education within the society.
The rising need for it!
More and more parents and guardians have realised the importance of having shadow teachers. In fact, even parents and guardians are learning the skills of shadow teaching so that they can aid their child’s growth.
Here is one of our parent’s request for a shadow teacher:
How does one get into shadow teaching?
At Sahas Pediatric intervention Centre, we have designed a two-and-a-half-month shadow teacher training program which is done in a hybrid mode (online and offline). At the end of the course, we also provide the candidate with a certificate of completion.
We also provide placement opportunities according to parental requests.
Here is a testimony of one of our course participants:
For more info about SAHAS
www.saathittc.com (for shadow teacher training)
www.instagram.com/saathittc
Write to us
saathittc@gmail.com