Guest guest Posted September 3, 2004 Report Share Posted September 3, 2004 Someone has got to go into that class on Tuesday after the Holiday and do an inservice. Maybe Mom with the principal. A woman I know took the stethaset and alcohol wipes and had each kid put the aid up to their ear. This is cool. they can all look and touch and hear. Mom and principal or teacher can comment that the little girl needs these aids to hear better just like some mommies and daddies wear glasses to see. My daughter was in kindgarten last year and the teacher had all the kids go in the front of the room to introduce themselves. Kara went up and said this is my cochlear implant and these are my new shoes. before school started we told her kids would ask about the pouch and the aids. we told her to say they make me hear better. our experience was wonderful and kara made a lot of friends. i am surprised at this reaction from kids so young. These kids are 5 and a simple explanation is all they need. Have the mom email me if she wants to chat about this some more. diane ________________________________ From: Stefanie Cloutier Sent: Fri 9/3/2004 11:58 PM To: Listen-Up Subject: A Mainstream issue Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the hearing aids would hurt them. Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't remember what. My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks, Stefanie mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2004 Report Share Posted September 3, 2004 Someone has got to go into that class on Tuesday after the Holiday and do an inservice. Maybe Mom with the principal. A woman I know took the stethaset and alcohol wipes and had each kid put the aid up to their ear. This is cool. they can all look and touch and hear. Mom and principal or teacher can comment that the little girl needs these aids to hear better just like some mommies and daddies wear glasses to see. My daughter was in kindgarten last year and the teacher had all the kids go in the front of the room to introduce themselves. Kara went up and said this is my cochlear implant and these are my new shoes. before school started we told her kids would ask about the pouch and the aids. we told her to say they make me hear better. our experience was wonderful and kara made a lot of friends. i am surprised at this reaction from kids so young. These kids are 5 and a simple explanation is all they need. Have the mom email me if she wants to chat about this some more. diane ________________________________ From: Stefanie Cloutier Sent: Fri 9/3/2004 11:58 PM To: Listen-Up Subject: A Mainstream issue Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the hearing aids would hurt them. Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't remember what. My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks, Stefanie mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2004 Report Share Posted September 3, 2004 Someone has got to go into that class on Tuesday after the Holiday and do an inservice. Maybe Mom with the principal. A woman I know took the stethaset and alcohol wipes and had each kid put the aid up to their ear. This is cool. they can all look and touch and hear. Mom and principal or teacher can comment that the little girl needs these aids to hear better just like some mommies and daddies wear glasses to see. My daughter was in kindgarten last year and the teacher had all the kids go in the front of the room to introduce themselves. Kara went up and said this is my cochlear implant and these are my new shoes. before school started we told her kids would ask about the pouch and the aids. we told her to say they make me hear better. our experience was wonderful and kara made a lot of friends. i am surprised at this reaction from kids so young. These kids are 5 and a simple explanation is all they need. Have the mom email me if she wants to chat about this some more. diane ________________________________ From: Stefanie Cloutier Sent: Fri 9/3/2004 11:58 PM To: Listen-Up Subject: A Mainstream issue Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the hearing aids would hurt them. Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't remember what. My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks, Stefanie mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2004 Report Share Posted September 3, 2004 THATS HORRIBLE! Poor thing! These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she plans to introduce it to the class. Hope it gets better! Tawnya Ian 10 mo, mild/mod, getting aids on the 8th! 3 1/2 hearing A Mainstream issue >Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on >this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started >mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the >class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears >hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing >loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could >not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the >hearing aids would hurt them. > >Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have >suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone >thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone >mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't >remember what. > >My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be >welcome. > >Thanks, >Stefanie >mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided > > > >All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2004 Report Share Posted September 3, 2004 THATS HORRIBLE! Poor thing! These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she plans to introduce it to the class. Hope it gets better! Tawnya Ian 10 mo, mild/mod, getting aids on the 8th! 3 1/2 hearing A Mainstream issue >Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on >this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started >mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the >class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears >hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing >loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could >not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the >hearing aids would hurt them. > >Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have >suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone >thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone >mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't >remember what. > >My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be >welcome. > >Thanks, >Stefanie >mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided > > > >All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 --- You wrote: These kids are 5 and a simple explanation is all they need. --- end of quote --- Hi Stefanie - I agree with Diane that something needs to be done asap Tuesday. Our teacher of the deaf shows kids in the class the structure of the ear with props - a funnel for the outer ear, dog bones for the hammer, anvil, stirrup, a hose for the ear canal, etc. - it's fun and gets the point across. We also have taken the listening stethoscope with an older pair of hearing aids and passed it around while crinkling paper - it makes quite the impression on why the teacher wears the FM, etc. I'd also suggest a full teacher of the deaf service for the teacher. Looking at the child's audiogram, strategies for communicating, etc., etc. That's terrible! Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Stefanie, That is just AWFUL! It's a parent's worst nightmare! I've been anxious for the last month (OK, all summer!) about mainstreaming for the first time (for 1st grade) and I thought I had cornered the market on worrying! I didn't ever expect anything that bad, though! I feel SO BAD for that girl and her parents!!! In this case, I do agree that something needs to be done ASAP to teach the girl's classmates. I have heard, though (at a talk by Ellen Nevins and Chute on mainstreaming kids with implants) that it is best to wait a few weeks before having the child (or child plus teacher) introduce the cochlear implant (or hearing aids) or FM technology. The idea, I believe, is to first let the kids just get used to each other naturally. This might possibly avoid such a fearful reaction by some kids as with that little girl's classmates. This is the plan in place for , but who knows, maybe there will be sufficient curiousity that they will introduce it sooner. Not Sleeping Well Lately Lydia Mom of , 7 1/2, implant at age 4 and Colin 10 1/2, hearing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Thanks, Tawnya, I appreciate that! on 9/3/04 11:58 PM, The Archers at tndarcher@... wrote: > THATS HORRIBLE! Poor thing! > > These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I > will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she > plans to introduce it to the class. > > Hope it gets better! > > Tawnya > Ian 10 mo, mild/mod, getting aids on the 8th! > 3 1/2 hearing > > A Mainstream issue > > >> Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on >> this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started >> mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to > the >> class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl > wears >> hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing >> loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could >> not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the >> hearing aids would hurt them. >> >> Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have >> suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone >> thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone >> mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't >> remember what. >> >> My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be >> welcome. >> >> Thanks, >> Stefanie >> mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided >> >> >> >> All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post > is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to > copyright restrictions. >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Thanks, Tawnya, I appreciate that! on 9/3/04 11:58 PM, The Archers at tndarcher@... wrote: > THATS HORRIBLE! Poor thing! > > These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I > will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she > plans to introduce it to the class. > > Hope it gets better! > > Tawnya > Ian 10 mo, mild/mod, getting aids on the 8th! > 3 1/2 hearing > > A Mainstream issue > > >> Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on >> this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started >> mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to > the >> class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl > wears >> hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing >> loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could >> not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the >> hearing aids would hurt them. >> >> Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have >> suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone >> thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone >> mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't >> remember what. >> >> My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be >> welcome. >> >> Thanks, >> Stefanie >> mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided >> >> >> >> All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post > is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to > copyright restrictions. >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Thanks, Tawnya, I appreciate that! on 9/3/04 11:58 PM, The Archers at tndarcher@... wrote: > THATS HORRIBLE! Poor thing! > > These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I > will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she > plans to introduce it to the class. > > Hope it gets better! > > Tawnya > Ian 10 mo, mild/mod, getting aids on the 8th! > 3 1/2 hearing > > A Mainstream issue > > >> Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on >> this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started >> mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to > the >> class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl > wears >> hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing >> loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could >> not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the >> hearing aids would hurt them. >> >> Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have >> suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone >> thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone >> mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't >> remember what. >> >> My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be >> welcome. >> >> Thanks, >> Stefanie >> mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided >> >> >> >> All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post > is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to > copyright restrictions. >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:20:48 PM Pacific Standard Time, stefanieac@... writes: <<Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? >> I don't see why not. Kids at that age can change their opinions pretty easily. It's too bad that the mother didn't talk to the teacher beforehand and go over what she would say to the class, or arrange to talk to the class herself, but working with what's left, it seems like talking to the class is the best route now. Talking to the child with the hearing aids and explaining to her why this happened and that the other kids were mean, but probably didn't realize they were being mean because they didn't have good information, etc will be the harder part. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:20:48 PM Pacific Standard Time, stefanieac@... writes: <<Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? >> I don't see why not. Kids at that age can change their opinions pretty easily. It's too bad that the mother didn't talk to the teacher beforehand and go over what she would say to the class, or arrange to talk to the class herself, but working with what's left, it seems like talking to the class is the best route now. Talking to the child with the hearing aids and explaining to her why this happened and that the other kids were mean, but probably didn't realize they were being mean because they didn't have good information, etc will be the harder part. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:20:48 PM Pacific Standard Time, stefanieac@... writes: <<Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? >> I don't see why not. Kids at that age can change their opinions pretty easily. It's too bad that the mother didn't talk to the teacher beforehand and go over what she would say to the class, or arrange to talk to the class herself, but working with what's left, it seems like talking to the class is the best route now. Talking to the child with the hearing aids and explaining to her why this happened and that the other kids were mean, but probably didn't realize they were being mean because they didn't have good information, etc will be the harder part. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:29:29 PM Pacific Standard Time, tndarcher@... writes: <<These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she plans to introduce it to the class.>> I guess it could be that there were just a small group of kids who would have been mean either way. I just don't see kids that age being that interested in it though. I guess I'll see next year in Kinder. Right now I have recently started Neal in a Tae Kwon Do class. It's his first experience in a class of hearing kids his own age (and boy was it hard on mom to let him go out there and deal with the kids on his own). The kids were curious and several asked Neal what that thing on his head was. Neal said it was his hearing, and the teacher overheard everytime it was brought up and stated matter-of-factly that that was how Neal hears. After that, the kids didn't seem to care about it, and they are all 4 and 5 years old. One funny thing though, one boy tried to say something to Neal about it, but Neal was busy messing around with some other boys and didn't hear him, so apparantly the boy decided to investigate on his own. I saw him looking at Neal's headpiece, and then he pulled the neck of Neal's shirt out a little and looked down his shirt (to see where the wire was going I assume). That was enough to satisfy his curiosity I guess, and Neal never even noticed it. LOL. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5, CII 6-11-02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:29:29 PM Pacific Standard Time, tndarcher@... writes: <<These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she plans to introduce it to the class.>> I guess it could be that there were just a small group of kids who would have been mean either way. I just don't see kids that age being that interested in it though. I guess I'll see next year in Kinder. Right now I have recently started Neal in a Tae Kwon Do class. It's his first experience in a class of hearing kids his own age (and boy was it hard on mom to let him go out there and deal with the kids on his own). The kids were curious and several asked Neal what that thing on his head was. Neal said it was his hearing, and the teacher overheard everytime it was brought up and stated matter-of-factly that that was how Neal hears. After that, the kids didn't seem to care about it, and they are all 4 and 5 years old. One funny thing though, one boy tried to say something to Neal about it, but Neal was busy messing around with some other boys and didn't hear him, so apparantly the boy decided to investigate on his own. I saw him looking at Neal's headpiece, and then he pulled the neck of Neal's shirt out a little and looked down his shirt (to see where the wire was going I assume). That was enough to satisfy his curiosity I guess, and Neal never even noticed it. LOL. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5, CII 6-11-02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 In a message dated 9/3/2004 9:29:29 PM Pacific Standard Time, tndarcher@... writes: <<These might be the kind of kids that are going to be mean no matter what. I will definately remember to ask my little guys kindergarten teacher how she plans to introduce it to the class.>> I guess it could be that there were just a small group of kids who would have been mean either way. I just don't see kids that age being that interested in it though. I guess I'll see next year in Kinder. Right now I have recently started Neal in a Tae Kwon Do class. It's his first experience in a class of hearing kids his own age (and boy was it hard on mom to let him go out there and deal with the kids on his own). The kids were curious and several asked Neal what that thing on his head was. Neal said it was his hearing, and the teacher overheard everytime it was brought up and stated matter-of-factly that that was how Neal hears. After that, the kids didn't seem to care about it, and they are all 4 and 5 years old. One funny thing though, one boy tried to say something to Neal about it, but Neal was busy messing around with some other boys and didn't hear him, so apparantly the boy decided to investigate on his own. I saw him looking at Neal's headpiece, and then he pulled the neck of Neal's shirt out a little and looked down his shirt (to see where the wire was going I assume). That was enough to satisfy his curiosity I guess, and Neal never even noticed it. LOL. ~Rhonda~ Mom to Audrey, 7, hearing & Neal, 5, CII 6-11-02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Ian was older than kindergarten but I don't remember if it was 2nd or 3rd grade. A TOD (not Ian's) went into the class and explained about Ian's hearng and loss. They played a game with cotton balls and had the kids block their ears and try to play telephone. They thought it was hilarious That helped to explain why Ian might not answer them if they spoke to him from behind. They used Ian's aide to listen through. It went really well. None of the kids were afraid of him or his aides and some thought the aides were cool. After Ian got his blue aides and red-white-blue molds, sometime the kids ask if they are little radios. If the kid is interested, Ian will pop out an aide, wash it off and let them listen through it. He is very open and sharing about his aides, so that helps others accept them. I don't think he has ever been teased about his hearing or aides. When he was in 4th grade and had surgery (an attempt to replace what was thought to be a mal-formed incus) the kids were told about the operation. The boys in class thought it was the coolest thing and they all constantly wanted to see the scar where his " ear was almost cut off. " It was not a source of teasing but a badge of honor among the boys that age. All because of presenting it appropriately to the age group. I agree that someone should go into that classroom on Monday and address this immediately. The few kids who said that they were afraid of the equipment can cause others to follow their lead. The child will become self-conscious or nervous and therefore not be able to simply be herself. And that is just plain wrong. The presentation of the equipment was too matter-of-fact without enough details. If the kids knew what an FM was, it would have been enough. But they obviously didn't, so they need some more infornation as soon as possible. The Mom can go in, if there is a TOD or speech therapist for this child, he/she could do it. And in my opinion, the teacher has to participate in this presentation to reinforce that there is nothing to be afraid of, since it was her presentation that set this off. Someone who is familair with the equipment and how it works would be just fine. The kids need to see the pieces up close, they need to touch them to see that it doesn't bite or give off poisonous radioactive waves. Please tell your friends that we send her our sympathy and emapthy. -- Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Ian was older than kindergarten but I don't remember if it was 2nd or 3rd grade. A TOD (not Ian's) went into the class and explained about Ian's hearng and loss. They played a game with cotton balls and had the kids block their ears and try to play telephone. They thought it was hilarious That helped to explain why Ian might not answer them if they spoke to him from behind. They used Ian's aide to listen through. It went really well. None of the kids were afraid of him or his aides and some thought the aides were cool. After Ian got his blue aides and red-white-blue molds, sometime the kids ask if they are little radios. If the kid is interested, Ian will pop out an aide, wash it off and let them listen through it. He is very open and sharing about his aides, so that helps others accept them. I don't think he has ever been teased about his hearing or aides. When he was in 4th grade and had surgery (an attempt to replace what was thought to be a mal-formed incus) the kids were told about the operation. The boys in class thought it was the coolest thing and they all constantly wanted to see the scar where his " ear was almost cut off. " It was not a source of teasing but a badge of honor among the boys that age. All because of presenting it appropriately to the age group. I agree that someone should go into that classroom on Monday and address this immediately. The few kids who said that they were afraid of the equipment can cause others to follow their lead. The child will become self-conscious or nervous and therefore not be able to simply be herself. And that is just plain wrong. The presentation of the equipment was too matter-of-fact without enough details. If the kids knew what an FM was, it would have been enough. But they obviously didn't, so they need some more infornation as soon as possible. The Mom can go in, if there is a TOD or speech therapist for this child, he/she could do it. And in my opinion, the teacher has to participate in this presentation to reinforce that there is nothing to be afraid of, since it was her presentation that set this off. Someone who is familair with the equipment and how it works would be just fine. The kids need to see the pieces up close, they need to touch them to see that it doesn't bite or give off poisonous radioactive waves. Please tell your friends that we send her our sympathy and emapthy. -- Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 I wonder if boys aren't more likely to find it cool since it is a gadget?! Tawnya Re: A Mainstream issue >Ian was older than kindergarten but I don't remember if it was 2nd or 3rd >grade. A TOD (not Ian's) went into the class and explained about Ian's hearng >and loss. They played a game with cotton balls and had the kids block their >ears and try to play telephone. They thought it was hilarious That helped to >explain why Ian might not answer them if they spoke to him from behind. They >used Ian's aide to listen through. It went really well. None of the kids were >afraid of him or his aides and some thought the aides were cool. > >After Ian got his blue aides and red-white-blue molds, sometime the kids ask >if they are little radios. If the kid is interested, Ian will pop out an >aide, wash it off and let them listen through it. He is very open and sharing >about his aides, so that helps others accept them. I don't think he has ever >been teased about his hearing or aides. > >When he was in 4th grade and had surgery (an attempt to replace what was >thought to be a mal-formed incus) the kids were told about the operation. The >boys in class thought it was the coolest thing and they all constantly wanted >to see the scar where his " ear was almost cut off. " It was not a source of >teasing but a badge of honor among the boys that age. All because of presenting >it appropriately to the age group. > >I agree that someone should go into that classroom on Monday and address >this immediately. The few kids who said that they were afraid of the equipment >can cause others to follow their lead. The child will become self-conscious or >nervous and therefore not be able to simply be herself. And that is just >plain wrong. The presentation of the equipment was too matter-of-fact without >enough details. If the kids knew what an FM was, it would have been enough. But >they obviously didn't, so they need some more infornation as soon as >possible. > >The Mom can go in, if there is a TOD or speech therapist for this child, >he/she could do it. And in my opinion, the teacher has to participate in this >presentation to reinforce that there is nothing to be afraid of, since it was >her presentation that set this off. Someone who is familair with the equipment >and how it works would be just fine. The kids need to see the pieces up >close, they need to touch them to see that it doesn't bite or give off poisonous >radioactive waves. > >Please tell your friends that we send her our sympathy and emapthy. >-- Jill > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 I always went to the school on the first day of class and talked to the kids first thing about Jake being a normal little boy that could not hear. That he had a little computer box that he wears to help him hear (CI), and explained that he could hear them but not always well, so they would need to get his attention if he did not answer right off. I would wear the FM and I told them that the teacher would be wearing the mic I had on so that he could hear her better. They all thought it was funny when I said it was a mic like Britney Spears wears (she was the in thing then). When he got to second grade most all the kids knew him and he did not want me to come in and do it. Now new kids come in the classes each year but if he sees them looking at his mic for the CI or the FM stuff/soundfield speakers he tells them he is deaf and that helps him hear. Sounds like two bratty little girls in that class your friends child is in. He has never had a child say anything mean to him about his equipment. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 Oh my Eileen - stay safe! Barbara --- You wrote: I am in the middle of a hurricane and this is my first message to the group. I felt so strongly about it that I just had to respond to your message. I have a son CJ (yes it's me) who started mainstream 1st grade this year in Florida. He had been in a very small specialized class before this (7 kids to be exact) and he is now in a class of 18. I spoke wioth the teacher before school started and told her that we should probably do a little presentation before too long or she would have lingering questions all year long. Then schooil stated and lo and behold, CJ did a little presentation (probably only 30 seconds...he said my ears don't work so I have to wear these to hear you. Then the teacher explained the FM..the kids thought it was cool. They asked some questions but basically enough was covered and it has been great. The kids are very accepting. I know that kindergarten is a bit young but maybe a brief hands on (as much as possible) and maybe a demonstration to show what the FM does. It sounds to me like the kids are more scared (i.e. monster) than cruel. Rememeber, the unknown is a frightening thing to any kid. Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps a little. --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 Oh my Eileen - stay safe! Barbara --- You wrote: I am in the middle of a hurricane and this is my first message to the group. I felt so strongly about it that I just had to respond to your message. I have a son CJ (yes it's me) who started mainstream 1st grade this year in Florida. He had been in a very small specialized class before this (7 kids to be exact) and he is now in a class of 18. I spoke wioth the teacher before school started and told her that we should probably do a little presentation before too long or she would have lingering questions all year long. Then schooil stated and lo and behold, CJ did a little presentation (probably only 30 seconds...he said my ears don't work so I have to wear these to hear you. Then the teacher explained the FM..the kids thought it was cool. They asked some questions but basically enough was covered and it has been great. The kids are very accepting. I know that kindergarten is a bit young but maybe a brief hands on (as much as possible) and maybe a demonstration to show what the FM does. It sounds to me like the kids are more scared (i.e. monster) than cruel. Rememeber, the unknown is a frightening thing to any kid. Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps a little. --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 Oh my Eileen - stay safe! Barbara --- You wrote: I am in the middle of a hurricane and this is my first message to the group. I felt so strongly about it that I just had to respond to your message. I have a son CJ (yes it's me) who started mainstream 1st grade this year in Florida. He had been in a very small specialized class before this (7 kids to be exact) and he is now in a class of 18. I spoke wioth the teacher before school started and told her that we should probably do a little presentation before too long or she would have lingering questions all year long. Then schooil stated and lo and behold, CJ did a little presentation (probably only 30 seconds...he said my ears don't work so I have to wear these to hear you. Then the teacher explained the FM..the kids thought it was cool. They asked some questions but basically enough was covered and it has been great. The kids are very accepting. I know that kindergarten is a bit young but maybe a brief hands on (as much as possible) and maybe a demonstration to show what the FM does. It sounds to me like the kids are more scared (i.e. monster) than cruel. Rememeber, the unknown is a frightening thing to any kid. Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps a little. --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 I am in the middle of a hurricane and this is my first message to the group. I felt so strongly about it that I just had to respond to your message. I have a son CJ (yes it's me) who started mainstream 1st grade this year in Florida. He had been in a very small specialized class before this (7 kids to be exact) and he is now in a class of 18. I spoke wioth the teacher before school started and told her that we should probably do a little presentation before too long or she would have lingering questions all year long. Then schooil stated and lo and behold, CJ did a little presentation (probably only 30 seconds...he said my ears don't work so I have to wear these to hear you. Then the teacher explained the FM..the kids thought it was cool. They asked some questions but basically enough was covered and it has been great. The kids are very accepting. I know that kindergarten is a bit young but maybe a brief hands on (as much as possible) and maybe a demonstration to show what the FM does. It sounds to me like the kids are more scared (i.e. monster) than cruel. Rememeber, the unknown is a frightening thing to any kid. Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps a little. Eileen Mom to CJ 6 3/4 bilateral hearing loss, aided and hearing > Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on > this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started > mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the > class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears > hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing > loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could > not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the > hearing aids would hurt them. > > Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have > suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone > thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone > mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't > remember what. > > My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be > welcome. > > Thanks, > Stefanie > mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 I am in the middle of a hurricane and this is my first message to the group. I felt so strongly about it that I just had to respond to your message. I have a son CJ (yes it's me) who started mainstream 1st grade this year in Florida. He had been in a very small specialized class before this (7 kids to be exact) and he is now in a class of 18. I spoke wioth the teacher before school started and told her that we should probably do a little presentation before too long or she would have lingering questions all year long. Then schooil stated and lo and behold, CJ did a little presentation (probably only 30 seconds...he said my ears don't work so I have to wear these to hear you. Then the teacher explained the FM..the kids thought it was cool. They asked some questions but basically enough was covered and it has been great. The kids are very accepting. I know that kindergarten is a bit young but maybe a brief hands on (as much as possible) and maybe a demonstration to show what the FM does. It sounds to me like the kids are more scared (i.e. monster) than cruel. Rememeber, the unknown is a frightening thing to any kid. Sorry this is so long winded. Hope it helps a little. Eileen Mom to CJ 6 3/4 bilateral hearing loss, aided and hearing > Hi, I have a question for the group on behalf of a friend of mine not on > this list. Her daughter (moderate to severe HOH, bilateral HAs) started > mainstream kindergarten this week. Apparently, her teacher explained to the > class that she was wearing a microphone (for the FM) because this girl wears > hearing aids (with no other explanation about the hearing aids, hearing > loss, etc.). Two other little girls subsequently told this child they could > not be her friend because she was a " monster " and they were afraid the > hearing aids would hurt them. > > Now that this has been brought up in the wrong way, does anyone have > suggestions as to how it can be rectified? Can you go back and have someone > thoughtfully explain hearing aids to the class? I seem to remember someone > mentioning something a while back that would accomplish this, but I can't > remember what. > > My heart is breaking for this child and her mom; any suggestions would be > welcome. > > Thanks, > Stefanie > mom to Ben, 6, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 9, mild loss, unaided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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