Re: need for curriculum/catherine maurice's books

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Posted By ---> A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on February 16, 2000 at 20:44:55:

In Reply to: need for curriculum/catherine maurice's books posted bylynn on February 14, 2000 at 16:20:54:

I'm not sure that Sonrise is about just going with the flow. It seems to me that it is about working with a child in a very respectful way which makes it possible for that child to develop the skills and understanding necessary for the child to be as much of himself or herself as possible.

I think it's that respect for the child's individuality that make's it possible to work with them in a way that enables them to take whatever their next step is.

I am working as a volunteer with a little boy of four who has made amazing progress in only four months. Initially he said very little and on Monday I had the beginnings of a conversation with him.

The most useful thing for me has been the the weekly meetings all the volunteers have with his Mum. We are able to review the progress he has made and identify what might be the next steps for him. So, I guess we have a kind of organic curriculum. Sometimes we get it wrong, but he soon lets us know. He always seems to know what he needs and by listening very carefully to him and noticing how he is with us and when he seems open to a challenge we are able to get the best out of our relationship with him.

We have all read tons of stuff, including Catherine Maurice's book - and there is some useful stuff in there. One of the things which has been useful is a basic text on child development, it can provide a framework within which to operate.

It sounds like the urge to do something is strong in you. Sonrise is about a way of being with your child and that can feel harder to manage.

It is possible to trust the child as teacher. I am a very experienced therapist and this little four year old boy has taught me more than I would have imagined possible. He has taught me about myself, autism and most of all him. I love the way he looks at the world, I feel moved by his struggle to communicate, I love the way he looks at me when he thinks my requests are off the wall. He's a good negotiator and strikes a hard bargain.

He's an impressive little person and I want to move with him rather than against him.

Everyone in the team works with him in a way that honours their own personal style as well as his.

I agree with Anna, you'll find a way of working with him that feels to be the right fit for you and your son and what fun and excitement you'll both have.

Enjoy!

regards

Sandra

Follow Ups

---> Name:
Subject: Re: Re: need for curriculum/catherine maurice's books

Comments:: I'm not sure that Sonrise is about just going with the flow. It seems to me that it is about working with a child in a very respectful way which makes it possible for that child to develop the skills and understanding necessary for the child to be as much of himself or herself as possible. : I think it's that respect for the child's individuality that make's it possible to work with them in a way that enables them to take whatever their next step is. : I am working as a volunteer with a little boy of four who has made amazing progress in only four months. Initially he said very little and on Monday I had the beginnings of a conversation with him. : The most useful thing for me has been the the weekly meetings all the volunteers have with his Mum. We are able to review the progress he has made and identify what might be the next steps for him. So, I guess we have a kind of organic curriculum. Sometimes we get it wrong, but he soon lets us know. He always seems to know what he needs and by listening very carefully to him and noticing how he is with us and when he seems open to a challenge we are able to get the best out of our relationship with him. : We have all read tons of stuff, including Catherine Maurice's book - and there is some useful stuff in there. One of the things which has been useful is a basic text on child development, it can provide a framework within which to operate. : It sounds like the urge to do something is strong in you. Sonrise is about a way of being with your child and that can feel harder to manage. : It is possible to trust the child as teacher. I am a very experienced therapist and this little four year old boy has taught me more than I would have imagined possible. He has taught me about myself, autism and most of all him. I love the way he looks at the world, I feel moved by his struggle to communicate, I love the way he looks at me when he thinks my requests are off the wall. He's a good negotiator and strikes a hard bargain. : He's an impressive little person and I want to move with him rather than against him. : Everyone in the team works with him in a way that honours their own personal style as well as his. : I agree with Anna, you'll find a way of working with him that feels to be the right fit for you and your son and what fun and excitement you'll both have. : Enjoy! : regards : Sandra