John

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Posted By A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on September 08, 1999 at 01:11:57:

I think it is neat that you're going to try this. I had one professional paid for by my school system work with Josh. It varied, but sometimes she was the least enthusiastic and never joined Joshua in a "ism." With her we all felt the most pressure for Joshua to demonstrate improvement. She had an IEP with a vauge agenda, but an agenda nonetheless.
Joshua has learned the most at the times I totally let go of needing him to be any different than he is. I can remember a session where for what seemed like hours we circled his trampoline with little people in cars "going to Wal-Mart." It was very repetetive, bordering on obssesive. My knees and neck were killing me, but I thought "he is really enjoying this. Today I just want him to be happy. I will be less seeable and hearable if I push him to play something different." After that Josh started to make the little people go to McDonalds, order food, eat it, throw away trash, use the restroom and play in the ball pit.
And now I've lost my point. Oh yeah, professionals have a hard time letting go of the agenda because it is their job to make the child progress. Not their fault, but it doesn't really fit into a son-rise program.
High school students make great volunteers. They have energy and open minds. Explain carefully that Adam makes his own choices. I had one wonderful volunteer who lost steam and felt she was "not a good teacher" when Josh didn't respond to her.
I felt the same way about the markers because Josh stuck them in his mouth. I just removed them from the playroom for awhile. You can always use washable crayons I don't think they are as tasty.
You are doing great. How do you feel?

Follow Ups

• Re: John John Koumoutseas 04:11:49 9/08/99 (2)
  • Re: Re: John Hilda 00:35:33 9/09/99 (1)
    • Re: Re: Re: John John Koumoutseas 05:32:52 9/09/99 (0)

Name:
Subject: Re: John

Comments:: I think it is neat that you're going to try this. I had one professional paid for by my school system work with Josh. It varied, but sometimes she was the least enthusiastic and never joined Joshua in a "ism." With her we all felt the most pressure for Joshua to demonstrate improvement. She had an IEP with a vauge agenda, but an agenda nonetheless. : Joshua has learned the most at the times I totally let go of needing him to be any different than he is. I can remember a session where for what seemed like hours we circled his trampoline with little people in cars "going to Wal-Mart." It was very repetetive, bordering on obssesive. My knees and neck were killing me, but I thought "he is really enjoying this. Today I just want him to be happy. I will be less seeable and hearable if I push him to play something different." After that Josh started to make the little people go to McDonalds, order food, eat it, throw away trash, use the restroom and play in the ball pit. : And now I've lost my point. Oh yeah, professionals have a hard time letting go of the agenda because it is their job to make the child progress. Not their fault, but it doesn't really fit into a son-rise program. : High school students make great volunteers. They have energy and open minds. Explain carefully that Adam makes his own choices. I had one wonderful volunteer who lost steam and felt she was "not a good teacher" when Josh didn't respond to her. : I felt the same way about the markers because Josh stuck them in his mouth. I just removed them from the playroom for awhile. You can always use washable crayons I don't think they are as tasty. : You are doing great. How do you feel?