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| A novel matching work using my shell collection. "Banjo" sits on his mother's lap and confirms that these two shells are the same. His vision is pretty limited in one eye, so he's mostly using his sense of touch. |
Over the summer I started tutoring 5-year-old "Banjo," using whatever I can from my Montessori bag of tricks. Banjo cannot sit on his own, is fed through a feeding tube and has only one good eye, but he is strong and spirited!
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| Banjo's hands are often curled, so his mom helps him to touch.... |
I offered my services to sort of stimulate his senses with the Montessori materials I have at home and what I have been able to make, but honestly it's all trial and error. I have fallen in love with not only this boy, but his entire family, so I wish I could find more out there about working with children of various abilities. Do you know of any good websites or resources for us?
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| With a button he can say "yes" or "no. |
I've introduced Sandpaper Letters, Fabric Matching, Sound Matching and some large-knobbed puzzles. I'm looking forward to trying a taste matching work soon!
Along these lines I'm inspired by a movie I watched recently, The Miracle Worker. In this review you can see that Maria Montessori had great regard for the work of Helen Keller's teacher, Anne Sullivan. If you'd like to get your own copy, click here: The Miracle Worker
I love what you're doing with "Banjo," Sarah! I have a post with some sites and other resources that might be helpful for you: http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/03/13/montessori-inspired-special-needs-support/
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! :)
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI am a teacher of students with multiple disabilities with most having varying degrees of visual issues. Delta Gamma is an organization that assists children with visual impairments and has great resources. It sounds like you have utilized the use of Banjo's other senses which is great. Often I have my students match objects, colors, etc by placing the items on a black background. Also the sense of smell is a great area to focus. Making jars with garlic, toothpaste, chocolate, floral, vinegar and anything else you can think of is a tool that can assist with matching and even help parents by putting scented candles in each room in the house to help Banjo become aware of where he is. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much--what great ideas!
DeleteGREAT WORK YOU DO,I AM INSPIRED WITH YOU ,IF I GET ANCE I CAN ALSO DOING ANY WORK FOR THIS TYPES OF CHILDRENS. [ THANK'S YOU SO MUCH]
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