Revolutionize Schools To Help Alternative Learners Thrive
There’s a common phrase used throughout the education system “no kid left behind.” When a child has experienced trauma, losses, or stressors learning may come differently for them Standardized Learning is not for everyone. It’s important to remind your children when they are struggling with learning that they are not the problem. They are simply placed in a system that wasn’t designed for them.
I know many wonderful teachers- and have a ton of respect for what they do. It is overly simplistic to say individual teachers are the problem when kids are struggling. In fact most teachers are doing the best they can within system limitations. At the same time, educators can be an important tool in helping accommodate your child to learn their best when their needs have been clarified.
When having conversations with educators don’t be afraid to ask questions and be pushy. There is a way to be in partnership with your child’s teacher AND advocate actively for what your child needs. Last week's podcast episode offers tips for parents of kids who have big attachment loss and discusses the way that impacts their schooling.
Families often feel misunderstood and unsupported by their school even when administrators have the best intentions. The current one-size fits all curriculum ends up being counterproductive for most of these children who better learn through other methods. Many children leave schooling feeling low self-confidence from not being able to thrive in the systems at hand. It's not that they can't do school, but that standardized learning does not work for them. It is important to instill in children that they are not the problem. This week's guest, Kristine Altwies, MA/LMFT, aims to revolutionize schools and offer tools for parents to use in supporting their children in the places they need it most.
For many years Kristine Altwies worked in adoption as the Executive Director/CEO of Hawai’i International Child Placement and Family Services, Inc. (HIC) and coordinated adoptions around the globe. On that journey she has worked with children and families as a parent trainer, therapist and coach. She also has experience working as a secondary education teacher (public and private schools). Kristine believes every person is born perfect, and the challenges we experience along the way come at the hands of others, managed with greater or lesser success in our own hearts, minds and bodies.
What You Will Learn:
What trauma does to the brain.
How do we work with the system that is and how we can revolutionize the system to better help children moving forward.
The importance of knowing the laws.
Own being the difficult parent. You have to be willing to be pushy.
Language to stay away from in supporting kids and schools.
Resources:
Waldorf Education
A Family Tree - http://www.afamilytree.org/
Pono Roots Counseling Center - www.ponoroots.org
For more listen to my podcast here.
Thank you for connecting,
Dr. Laura Anderson
Dr. Laura S. Anderson specializes in educating and supporting families, as well as clinicians who support transracial adoptive families, across the globe to overcome barriers, derive strength from their differences, and thrive. She is a dynamic advocate for multiracial families and a strong advocate for supporting "third culture" children and families who may need support with the stressors associated with living out of their countries of origin and kids navigating gender and diversity.
Contact Dr. Anderson here.
