Today during the 5pm chat we discussed labels and how sometimes we put people into a box that simply don't fit into a box. This is common when preparing students for exams and as teachers we think of our own level of perfection, some students may never be able to reach that level and often we forget that each person has their own level at which they can work.
On the other hand sometimes we do need a label in order to fully understand why a students reacts in a certain way. This fits in with my research where I have been studying the relationship between dyslexia and dance, here as a teacher it is important to know of any difficulties in order to fully help the student achieve.
I have found that generally there is a lack of understanding when it comes to learning difficulties and dance and have been surprised at the extent that some of them can affect the way in which we learn. This also ties in to the discussion where we approached the area of history and how this can affect the students in your class, everyone has their own little story. My son has dyslexia, simple instructions given to him too many at a time can be completely mis understood and can leave him very confused. His dyslexia cannot be seen, its a hidden disability. If you didn't know that he was dyslexic you might assume that he was misbehaving in some way by not completing your instructions. Here comes the assumptions, without knowing the history. There is always a bigger picture.
This is a wonderful post on your son and his disability. I have discovered many students who are ADHD whose parents wish to hide that fact hinder my ability to effectively work with their children. While I do not need to know every medical,physical, or emotional limitation a student may have, some knowledge helps me think of different methods I may need to utilize to help a student understand and succeed.
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