About Being A Role Model
Have you ever realized that everyone is a “role model” for someone? From what I understand, the idea behind inclusion in school is that those who have trouble communicating, behaving, or doing what others do, are included so they can copy other students or have “role models.” I understand this idea, but do the students in the school all realize that they ARE “role models”? I wonder. Some kids didn’t want to take my class because the word Autism was used in the title. Or they wanted to be with kids who didn’t appear to have autism. Hmm. No matter what the class is called it’s fun, the students only have to copy me and the other students, and for some students it is therapy. It’s therapy if a child cannot speak yet. Last week I invited the parents of my 3-4 year old students in to dance with us. One of the students yelled out very clearly, “No! Go! Go away!” to her parents. Some parents might be offended but the parents were very happy because she spoke to them. Therapy is about connecting the body to the brain on the student’s timetable. I wait patiently for responses, for participation, and I think they appreciate that I don’t get upset if it takes “too long” to do something. Everyone is a “role model” for someone.
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My students have no previous training in dance. When children first come to my class they run around the room, spin, talk and run back and forth, any of those or other behaviors. But they smile.
In subsequent weeks they copy me a little, then more and more. The more they are able to copy, the more they smile. There is no timetable, no one is told they are doing the movement incorrectly. Each week there is a bit more participation, eventually they are dancing with me. One boy creates new movement WITH me, another loves to lead the other students in movement. Even though some science studies show there are reasons why some people can't dance or reasons why they can't relate to the world doesn't mean that they shouldn't try to dance. In college (I won't tell you how long ago) dance was not the most respected major. Movement therapies, expressive therapies, are more common now, and I see it's critical for so many children. I see programs for children to study ballet and other forms of dance resulting in better grades, self-esteem, confidence, discipline in other areas of life. Unfortunately, there aren't many dance classes for special needs children to have that experience in dance. But that doesn't mean it isn't important for these kids to learn to dance. I see my students get control of their body over time, I see improvement in social skills, speech, fewer melt downs, and some just having fun with other children. Don't underestimate your autistic or child with SPD, PPD-NOS, Downs Syndrome or other special needs. Look for dance instructors, like me, who have the patience to teach ANYONE to dance. Since I'm thinking a lot about the brain, just a thought:
Our brain isn't fully developed until the age of 25, the part of the brain that develops last is where we organize, control impulse, etc. So, if you wonder why your kids just don't remember and if you will always have to remind them to do things I want to let you know that the answer is yes. Yes, you will have to remind your child(ren) to do things, the same things every day, you will have to help with organization, often. When my mom asked, "How many times do I have to remind you?" I answered, "A lot." I wish I'd known that.I wasn't being "fresh" like she thought, I was stating a fact. So, let's all take a deep breath and remind our kids again today to put things away, to wash up, and so on. What's your favorite reminder? My favorite reminder? "I love you!" |
Elizabeth Rose ChaconAs I said, I was born a dancer. I love the word "dance" and I love dancing. Archives
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