Now wait a minute. Were you assuming that I meant modeling clothing? Did you think I was suggesting that your child should strive to strut down a runway in her future? Ahem, no. But perhaps that’s a good way to explain what I really mean. When a designer puts his clothes on someone, he chooses a person with a fabulous figure, tall, slender, who can walk with confidence and grace. He wants to demonstrate the possibilities with his design, and how it’s supposed to look and fit, ideally.
And what does his model do? (Excuse the use of pronouns here. I realize women can be designers and men can be models.)
- She attracts and holds attention.
- She motivates the observer by making herself look sophisticated, “cool,” and like she’s having fun. The observer thinks, “I want to be like that.”
- She demonstrates the “right” way to walk and wear the clothing.
Now, of course, in this blog I’m actually referring to modeling as a device for learning. Modeling is the physical act of setting an example for someone else. Just like models in the media can have a tremendous power over our society, modeling as a learning strategy can be a powerful teaching tool for your child.
Modeling Can Lead to Success
I remember hearing a certain famous motivational speaker explain how, as adults, if we really want to accomplish particular goals or dreams, we must use the concept of modeling. For example, if you want to be a pilot, you’ve got to meet other pilots and find out where they go to learn and become certified. You’ve got to follow the same path that successful pilots have taken to end up in the same place. Similarly, if you want to write fantasy novels, you’ve got to meet with other fantasy writers and see what they do and how they work. You’ve got to learn the business and follow the example of what other authors have done to achieve their success. Sure, you bring your own style and unique talent to the trade, but you’d still have to follow in the footsteps of others who are farther along in the process to get where they have gotten.
So how does this relate to your special needs child?
Numerous studies have been done in the realm of special education with respect to the concept of modeling. What we’ve learned is, essentially, that it’s very effective with special needs kids. Modeling, perhaps better than any other strategy, really helps them learn.
Sure, but aren’t we always modeling for our kids? And don’t teachers naturally model things for their students?
Yes, technically, everything we do is potentially “modeling” for anyone who happens to be watching. But if we learn to do it more frequently and more effectively, studies have shown our children can improve behavior and learning.
Here are some ways to provide modeling for your child:
1. Mainstreaming. In theory, if your child is mainstreamed into a regular classroom, regardless of his disability, he is going to have models all around him. He is going to sit next to students who ideally know how to sit still, work, and pay attention. The special needs child is more likely to improve his behavior to match his peer models than if he were in an isolated classroom of only behaviorally-disordered kids.
2. Play Dates. You can select a child who is your son or daughter’s age, who is well-behaved and cooperative, to come to your home and play with your child several times a week. Cousins, neighbors, children of friends, etc., are all possible playmates. Explain to the child visitor that you are trying to teach your child how to be a friend and how to behave. Most children are natural teachers and will gladly take an instructive role. Play dates can help your child learn to share, take turns, cooperate, and socially interact.
3. Peer Tutors. A peer tutor is another student your child’s age who has been specifically assigned the task of role modeling appropriate behaviors for him or her at school. The peer tutor can also provide tutoring with school assignments, and generally help to integrate your son or daughter into a typical social circle. I am a huge fan of peer tutoring and think it has fabulous possibilities for children with all kinds of disabilities.
4. Teacher Selections. Choose a teacher for your child who is dynamic, motivating, and who gets down “in the mud” with her students and builds and creates. You might need to observe teachers silently in their classrooms or get referrals from other parents. If there is a special education teacher your child has been assigned to, make careful evaluations of her teaching style. Does it match with your child’s specific learning style?
5. Floor-time play. Be a model yourself by spending time playing with your child and demonstrating language, imaginative play, and turn-taking. Take time to train your child and explain how certain tasks should be completed. With special needs children, the more you can demonstrate and show, hands-on, the better.
Remember that a model:
- Attracts attention.
- Motivates the observer.
- Demonstrates the task or behavior.
Use modeling as an effective teaching strategy for your child!
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.