Stepping into their world: My first experience as a special educator
I was pursuing my Special Educator degree from IPU. During my third semester, we had a month-long internship at a special school ( SkillsKOol Foundation ). It was an incredible and enriching experience. Working with special children left a lasting impression on me. I had the opportunity to interact with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Intellectual Disabilities (ID), and Learning Disabilities (LD). I worked with both senior and junior students, and the exposure we received there was truly remarkable. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of special education but also deepened my passion for supporting and empowering these unique learners.
A New Chapter: My First One-on-one session with a child with ADHD
As my fourth semester began, an unexpected and exciting opportunity came my way. The principal of SkillsKOol Foundation, where I had interned earlier, offered me the chance to conduct one-on-one sessions with a child diagnosed with ADHD. Although my specialization is in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I eagerly accepted this offer, viewing it as an opportunity to expand my skills and understanding in special education.
The sessions were to take place at the child’s home, which added a personal and unique touch to this experience. Before diving into the formal sessions, I dedicated 3–4 days solely to building rapport with the child. This phase was crucial in establishing trust and comfort, which I knew would be the foundation for a successful intervention. During these days, I observed the child, engaged in informal conversations, and participated in activities he enjoyed.
On February 2, 2024, I officially started the sessions. I remember feeling nervous as I walked into the house that day, wondering how it would go and whether I would be able to meet the child’s needs effectively. However, to my surprise, the child immediately put me at ease. Despite his mild ADHD, he was cooperative, curious, and full of energy. His warm and accepting nature helped me overcome my initial jitters, and I found myself quickly adapting to his pace and needs.
The first session went better than I had imagined. I realized that the key was to remain flexible, patient, and responsive to the child’s behavior and mood. While I had prepared strategies and activities beforehand, I also made space for spontaneous adjustments to suit his preferences. The session taught me that working with children is not just about following structured plans but also about understanding their individuality and letting them guide you at times.
Overcoming challenges: Teaching Beyond Rote Learning
Every day during my sessions with the child, we worked hard to achieve the set targets. The child, being a fast learner, grasped concepts quickly, but there was a challenge that required my constant attention—his tendency to memorize things by rote rather than understanding them deeply. This was a crucial aspect of my role as a special educator. I had to ensure that the child comprehended the concepts rather than simply memorizing them. This challenge pushed me to think creatively and plan several teaching strategies tailored to his needs and learning style.
I introduced interactive and hands-on learning techniques to engage him in a more meaningful way. For example, I incorporated games, role-playing, and real-life examples to explain abstract concepts. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and using visual aids also helped reinforce understanding. Additionally, I encouraged the child to ask questions and actively participate in discussions rather than passively absorbing information. This approach not only helped him develop critical thinking skills but also boosted his confidence and interest in learning.
Every session required me to be patient and persistent, but seeing the child gradually shift from rote learning to genuine comprehension was immensely rewarding. It was a reminder that with the right strategies and consistent effort, any challenge can be overcome. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and creativity in special education and strengthened my commitment to fostering meaningful learning experiences for every child.
Looking back, I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to explore a different facet of special education. The experience not only deepened my understanding of working with children with ADHD but also taught me valuable lessons about patience, adaptability, and the importance of individualized teaching strategies. It was incredibly fulfilling to witness the child’s growth and progress, and I feel privileged to have been a part of his learning journey.
However, I had to make the difficult decision to stop the sessions as I needed to continue my higher studies in another state. While it was hard to say goodbye, I take comfort in knowing that the foundation we built together will continue to support the child in his future endeavors. This experience has further strengthened my passion for special education, and I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned as I continue my journey of learning and making a difference in the lives of incredible children like him.
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