Stahlke Adoption

Step 3

More from Madeline-Hunter's framework for educating post-institutionalized (PI) children:

First, a parent or teacher selects a concept (called a "power standard") to teach, followed by accommodations to instruct the student. For example, the number of examples might be reduced compared to other students so as not to overwhelm the PI child. The pace should be at a "just manageable level of difficulty," which means the student is challenged but still confident of success.

"Children with issues related to institutionalization often have increasing academic difficulty at about the 4th grade level, because of their difficulties reading and comprehending, understanding abstract concepts, and processing complex, content-related language . . . . Many of these students have serious memory impairment." [italics are mine]

It's easy for a PI child to become frustrated, and it's important to have visual and verbal examples of the concept ready to pull out if needed. Review is always helpful.
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I'll add one of my own suggestions to the above ideas. My son David is easily frustrated with new concepts, especially those from Ukrainian school. If I praise his ability instead of criticizing his impatience, he often gains enough confidence to forge ahead. In addition, if I allow him to stand and move his body while he works, he often concentrates better.

posted by Stahlkes @ 12:24 PM