Re: Lifeskills

[Guest guest]

What is FE?? How old is Colin?? The Life Skills you discuss is not like the

Life Skills my son is in. He is part of the regular school population, in the

same building, chnaging for " choice " subjects as other kids do, lunch is taken

at the time his whole grade " team " eats lunch and in the same place. His

prevocational work training is still in the classroom setting at this grade.

Sara

>>> <Tricphil@...> - 02/17/0 1:39 PM >>>

From: Tricphil@...

next year Colin goes into his schools FE dept,16-19 yrs,they have 2 separate

huts in the grounds,take lunch at a different time,and run as a separate unit

from the lower school,this course is totally lifeskills,part of it will be

work experience,alfho not many will go into full time employment they have

blocks at various firms in the town,at the moment some are at the main post

sorting office,they all have the complete post persons uniform and obviously

are having a great time,the po and school seem to achieve this withouy the

students feeling at all patronised,unfortunately Colin has never absorbed the

work ethic ,so he will be paid on a frequent schedule they say this has

taught some other kids that you work for gain and taufgt them to learn the

intrinsic value of a job well done Pat

---------------------------

[Guest guest]

I like the idea of teaching leisure activities. has no idea (at this

point) what to do with his spare time. And I haven't got the strength to occupy

his time all his waking hours.

We are starting with a picture schedule for for free time.

Loriann

[Guest guest]

FE further Education.Colin is 16 he is presently at a special school foe

children with a moderate to severe learning disability ,some of the children

are physically handicapped as well,he now has several options the one chosen

to stay at school and follow the FE course to 19,he could have left school

and followed courses at either of 2 local technical colleges which would be

inclusive in a building and usinf g the same facilities as a ll the students,

or left school to attend sheltered workshops, day centre type thing ,the day

centre would have continued a life skill course.At school he will now learn

as many indepent skills as possible and how to occupy himself with leisure

activities, the FE unit is run separately to emphasise that they are now

adults and are expected to behave as such,Colin is not the brightest kid

with DS and needs to mature a little as his behaviour is not always

appropriate I am sure he will achieve some degree of independance but he will

always need help and support Pat

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

I am assuming that life skills classes does not focus on the acedemics

(reading, math, science, etc). Depending on the child, most of that life

skills class can be taught at home (IMHO), however, I am sure there are some

kids who need the basics reinforced over and over again in a school setting.

While those of us who advocate for inclusion, you will find most of us also

supporting parents whose children are in life skills classes because that is

what their needs are. You will see us back the parents 100% if acedemics (in

regular classroom or self contained) is what their kid needs and schools

think otherwise.

I think basic life skills is great to teach to ALL students. We are

raising kids who are missing out on alot of basic skills needed for

independence. My 17 almost 18 year old thinks he is buying a corvette in

February...lol!!! We have to direct him ourselves to a banker, insurance

agent, etc. so he can learn he can't afford this. I wish they would teach

this at school because we are coming off as the bad guys.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/17/00 9:42:10 PM Central Standard Time,

c1ndysue1@... writes:

<< hink basic life skills is great to teach to ALL students. We are

raising kids who are missing out on alot of basic skills needed for

independence. My 17 almost 18 year old thinks he is buying a corvette in

February...lol!!! We have to direct him ourselves to a banker, insurance

agent, etc. so he can learn he can't afford this. I wish they would teach

this at school because we are coming off as the bad guys.

>>

I agree. My almost 19 year old grandson has never been able to understand

why he can't drive his mother's car when he doesn't have a license. The

reason he doesn't have a license is because he took her car and got arrested

umpteen times. Then he got mad because she wouldn't buy him his own car. He

has been on probation for almost a year because he was in a car with several

others and someone had drugs. Now he failed a drug test and is mad at her

because she won't bail him out and keep him out of jail. He's a smart kid

but has no sense. A class like that would have been good for him but it

would have to have been in Junior Hi or what ever they call it now. You have

to be strong. Jessie

[Guest guest]

What a great course!! Every senior should have this course, not just our

kids. Jena teaches in California and she teaches life skills AND academics.

Elaine

lifeskills

> I have read several times on this list posts from

> parents stating that their respective school systems

> wanted to place their children in a " life skills "

> class. And now a friend of mine has moved from our area

> (South Alabama) to North Carolina, and she is having the

> same problem.

> Forgive my ignorance, but what is a life skills class?

> Am I correct in assuming that it is things such as self

> care (brushing teeth, hair, dressing), eating (serving

> oneself, opening containers, carrying a tray), and will

> also include money, laundry, shopping, cooking, and

> telephone skills (as they get older). And I also assume

> that a class such as this is very short on academics.

> Am I also correct in assuming that most of our kids

> already know the first things I mention, and will learn

> others, such as laundry and shopping, as they do these

> things with their families?

> It angers me, and disappoints me, that there are

> supposed educational professionals that feel this is the

> only appropriate way to educate our children.

> When I attended high school in California, all seniors

> attended a quarter long life skills class. In this we

> were taught how to open and maintain a checking account,

> all about the different types of insurances, paychecks

> to include all the deductions, what they mean and how

> they affect the bottom dollar, how to rent apartments

> (leases, deposits), purchasing a vehicle, and how to

> budget money. I loved the course, and looking back,

> consider it a true life skills class. But you had to

> have a basic education before you could understand what

> this course taught.

> It seems that a life skills class for our kids would be

> wonderful, but only after they have obtained that all

> important basic education.

> Any thoughts out there?

>

> --

> Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My son has always spent some portion of his day in a life skills class room.

He has ALWAYS received academic instruction there! It is used as a

classification, I suppose when they abolished the use of TMR and EMR and

special ed class room. My son is classified as a life skills student which

with this classification entitles him to a whole gamate of services and more

individualized attention.

I know some parents choose to have their children classified as learning

support, which would be the other option for us, and learning support, the

children are generally at grade level academically but need assistance in

certain areas of the curriculum. We also have learning support classrooms

which they can be pulled into for certain things. It has been my experience

in our district that the learning support rooms are overflowing with children

and not enough individual attention is given to them. This is not

appropriate for my child.

does his math, language arts, and reading in his life skills classroom.

They do cook once a week and go to the grocery store once a week (usually the

same day they cook, to buy what they'll need). Some people on this list say

they don't want the school to do things like going out into the community,

that that isn't their job, it's our job as parents to do this. Let me tell

you one thing about that.

I have put myself on many a guilt trip for not making every trip out into the

community a " learning experience " for . Not anymore. I have 3 children

that I have to take with me most places and I barely have time to get my mind

together to get the things done that I set out to do, let alone " teach "

something about it. I am thankful for teachers who do teach how to make

a list for the store, choose coupons, go shopping, and figure the money out.

When I'm rushing to get dinner together (which is basically every night, when

we all go in 3 diffferent directions) I have no time to " teach " how to

cook. I am thankful, again, for teachers who teach this.

Why is it so criminal for teachers to do this? I know I can't be the only

one on this list with a hectic life and who can't find the time (and I wish I

could) to teach some of these skills. But I am glad it is in his

curriculum.

So, I know I sorta drifted here, but the point was to say " yes " , is in a

life skills classroom, and " NO " , he is not just learning how to shop, and

cook, but gets hammered with academics which are then laced through things he

will need to know to survive independently.

Jackie, Mom to 13ds (sixth grade)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/2000 6:02:57 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

<< when they abolished the use of TMR and EMR and

special ed class room. >>

HHmmmmm... When did they do this? We still have them in our district,,

which is why I have to fight so hard to keep Mav included.

[Guest guest]

Looks like and yourself did a spendid job. By the way, I was a

stay-at-home mom and still didn't have the time to do the things I wanted to

do with as far as life skills goes!!!! What's my problem??? : )

Jackie, Mom to 13ds

[Guest guest]

I know at least for as long as has been in school those labels weren't

in existance. We're in PA, where are you? I know some other districts in

our county use these labels.....but I didn't think many.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/2000 6:18:54 AM Pacific Standard Time,

Michdock@... writes:

<<

<< when they abolished the use of TMR and EMR and

special ed class room. >>

HHmmmmm... When did they do this? We still have them in our district,,

which is why I have to fight so hard to keep Mav included.

------ >>

well we in MN became more creative about 5 yrs ago I believe. hehe. We have

MMMI and MSMI. :-)

Joy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/00 7:02:56 AM Central Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

> Why is it so criminal for teachers to do this? I know I can't be the only

> one on this list with a hectic life and who can't find the time (and I

wish

> I

> could) to teach some of these skills. But I am glad it is in his

> curriculum.

Hi Jackie

Im all for an individual education. My problem with teaching Sara the things

you mentioned are; the difference in the ways I want her taught. My mother

taught me how to make a bed and Im sure it is very different then the way the

school would teach her OK bad example lolol my Mom taught me the nurse's

style of bed making lolol

From what Ive seen Life skill classes here are a joke, mostly self care

skills or movie watching uggggg When I teach Sara life skills I make sure

they are all functional and age appropriate, hey is raking 2 feet of leaves

age appropriate???? Im considering this now lolololol

Kathy mom to Sara 8

[Guest guest]

Ooooooh I forgot something else Jackie, Sara's school day is about 6-7 hours

long, soooo some of her skill learning has to be done at home. I look at MY

own strengths and weaknesses lol and I know I am a better teacher at life

skills then reading or math soooooo I opt for the life skill lessons to be

taught by me

Kathy mom to Sara 8

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

It would appear that Life Skills is different things in different places.

was in Life Skills here and thrived on it. Heavy emphasis on

academics, only instead of an aide, she had three teachers with a master's

in spec. ed, plus three aides. Each student had an individualized program.

In the lower grades, it was all academics. The other stuff were not taught

until middle school. Some, such as , got more academics than others.

Depended on the skill level of the student and the wishes of the parents.

Computers were a big part of the training. The best part is that was

not treated like a pet, but expected to perform on her own with minimum

assistance. She was mainstreamed in reading and PE until junior high. I

pulled her out of mainstream reading in junior high because of a couple of

incidents of her being mugged and molested. However, she received the same

reading instructions in the Life Skills class, so it didn't matter. All

's classmates, who are able, now have jobs in the community or are

attending special classes at the local college. The jobs include sacking at

grocery stores, working in a green house at Moody Gardens, working in

restaurants, laundries, tending animals at research facilities, and the

like. A real effort was made by the school to match the skill level of the

student with the job. I would never have considered inclusion for

because I wanted her to be a big fish in a little pond rather than a little

fish in a big pond. And I did not want her treated like the class mascot, as

I so often see children with DS being treated in the inclusion setting.

Now, before I start getting flamed for my choice, let me state that

is 27 years old. Things were very different in schools now. Were she just

starting out, I would do as I did when she was little, explore my options.

If she were just beginning school now, I may have made a different choice.

Also, bear in mind, that I was a widow, working a 40 hour week and had three

other children at home. I didn't have the time or energy to spend on ,

teaching her living skills, that stay-at-home moms have.

granny

---

God loves everyone, but probably prefers " fruits

of the spirit " over " religious nuts " .

http://home.earthlink.net/~bspyle

lifeskills

> I have read several times on this list posts from

> parents stating that their respective school systems

> wanted to place their children in a " life skills "

> class. And now a friend of mine has moved from our area

> (South Alabama) to North Carolina, and she is having the

> same problem.

> Forgive my ignorance, but what is a life skills class?

> Am I correct in assuming that it is things such as self

> care (brushing teeth, hair, dressing), eating (serving

> oneself, opening containers, carrying a tray), and will

> also include money, laundry, shopping, cooking, and

> telephone skills (as they get older). And I also assume

> that a class such as this is very short on academics.

> Am I also correct in assuming that most of our kids

> already know the first things I mention, and will learn

> others, such as laundry and shopping, as they do these

> things with their families?

> It angers me, and disappoints me, that there are

> supposed educational professionals that feel this is the

> only appropriate way to educate our children.

> When I attended high school in California, all seniors

> attended a quarter long life skills class. In this we

> were taught how to open and maintain a checking account,

> all about the different types of insurances, paychecks

> to include all the deductions, what they mean and how

> they affect the bottom dollar, how to rent apartments

> (leases, deposits), purchasing a vehicle, and how to

> budget money. I loved the course, and looking back,

> consider it a true life skills class. But you had to

> have a basic education before you could understand what

> this course taught.

> It seems that a life skills class for our kids would be

> wonderful, but only after they have obtained that all

> important basic education.

> Any thoughts out there?

>

> --

> Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well said, Jackie. I know precisely what you mean. The student/teacher ratio

in 's Life Skills class was 5-1. Factor in the aides and it was 5-2.

Had been in an inclusion program, it would have been, at best, 20-1.

As for the PC language. You and I both know how fast it changes. I quit

trying to keep up years ago. I just call a spade a spade and if it offends

someone it's their problem, not mine.

Hugs to you and your son,

granny

---

God loves everyone, but probably prefers " fruits

of the spirit " over " religious nuts " .

http://home.earthlink.net/~bspyle

Re: lifeskills

> My son has always spent some portion of his day in a life skills class

room.

> He has ALWAYS received academic instruction there! It is used as a

> classification, I suppose when they abolished the use of TMR and EMR and

> special ed class room. My son is classified as a life skills student

which

> with this classification entitles him to a whole gamate of services and

more

> individualized attention.

>

> I know some parents choose to have their children classified as learning

> support, which would be the other option for us, and learning support, the

> children are generally at grade level academically but need assistance in

> certain areas of the curriculum. We also have learning support classrooms

> which they can be pulled into for certain things. It has been my

experience

> in our district that the learning support rooms are overflowing with

children

> and not enough individual attention is given to them. This is not

> appropriate for my child.

>

> does his math, language arts, and reading in his life skills

classroom.

> They do cook once a week and go to the grocery store once a week (usually

the

> same day they cook, to buy what they'll need). Some people on this list

say

> they don't want the school to do things like going out into the community,

> that that isn't their job, it's our job as parents to do this. Let me

tell

> you one thing about that.

>

> I have put myself on many a guilt trip for not making every trip out into

the

> community a " learning experience " for . Not anymore. I have 3

children

> that I have to take with me most places and I barely have time to get my

mind

> together to get the things done that I set out to do, let alone " teach "

> something about it. I am thankful for teachers who do teach how to

make

> a list for the store, choose coupons, go shopping, and figure the money

out.

> When I'm rushing to get dinner together (which is basically every night,

when

> we all go in 3 diffferent directions) I have no time to " teach " how

to

> cook. I am thankful, again, for teachers who teach this.

> Why is it so criminal for teachers to do this? I know I can't be the only

> one on this list with a hectic life and who can't find the time (and I

wish I

> could) to teach some of these skills. But I am glad it is in his

> curriculum.

>

> So, I know I sorta drifted here, but the point was to say " yes " , is

in a

> life skills classroom, and " NO " , he is not just learning how to shop, and

> cook, but gets hammered with academics which are then laced through things

he

> will need to know to survive independently.

>

> Jackie, Mom to 13ds (sixth grade)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Re: lifeskills

> Looks like and yourself did a spendid job. By the way, I was a

> stay-at-home mom and still didn't have the time to do the things I wanted

to

> do with as far as life skills goes!!!! What's my problem??? : )

>

> Jackie, Mom to 13ds

*chuckle* Even if you did, the little ankle biter probably wouldn't have

listened to you. Mine sure didn't.

granny

---

God loves everyone, but probably prefers " fruits

of the spirit " over " religious nuts " .

http://home.earthlink.net/~bspyle

[Guest guest]

Re: lifeskills

> I know at least for as long as has been in school those labels

weren't

> in existance. We're in PA, where are you? I know some other districts in

> our county use these labels.....but I didn't think many.

>

> Jackie

If you're talking to me, I'm in Texas. It's my understanding that Spec. Ed.

has deteriorated considerably in the past three years or so. Dubya wanted to

make the regular kids look as though academics had improved here, so,

instead of improving the schools, he just eliminated as many handicapped

kids from the stats as he could.

granny

---

God loves everyone, but probably prefers " fruits

of the spirit " over " religious nuts " .

http://home.earthlink.net/~bspyle

[Guest guest]

's life skills class is nothing like what you're describing, thankfully.

Jackie, Mom to 13ds

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/00 5:04:58 PM Central Standard Time,

sharonhughes@... writes:

> Her new school

> system has told her that her child needs life skills

> only, with very little academics, and that inclusion

> would not work for her child. Funny, it worked

> wonderfully well for the 3 years they were here.

> Amazing to me.

> Thanks for your help

HI

One piece of advice, check out the life skill class before you agree to it.

Ive seen different ways it's run....in different schools here don't buy

into it if academics aren't worked on IMHO

Kathy mom to Sara 8

[Guest guest]

--- jbocci55@... wrote:

> My son has always spent some portion of his day in a

> life skills class room.

> He has ALWAYS received academic instruction there!

> It is used as a

> classification, I suppose when they abolished the

> use of TMR and EMR and

> special ed class room. My son is classified as a

> life skills student which

> with this classification entitles him to a whole

> gamate of services and more

> individualized attention.

>

> I know some parents choose to have their children

> classified as learning

> support, which would be the other option for us, and

> learning support, the

> children are generally at grade level academically

> but need assistance in

> certain areas of the curriculum. We also have

> learning support classrooms

> which they can be pulled into for certain things.

> It has been my experience

> in our district that the learning support rooms are

> overflowing with children

> and not enough individual attention is given to

> them. This is not

> appropriate for my child.

>

> does his math, language arts, and reading in

> his life skills classroom.

> They do cook once a week and go to the grocery store

> once a week (usually the

> same day they cook, to buy what they'll need). Some

> people on this list say

> they don't want the school to do things like going

> out into the community,

> that that isn't their job, it's our job as parents

> to do this. Let me tell

> you one thing about that.

>

> I have put myself on many a guilt trip for not

> making every trip out into the

> community a " learning experience " for . Not

> anymore. I have 3 children

> that I have to take with me most places and I barely

> have time to get my mind

> together to get the things done that I set out to

> do, let alone " teach "

> something about it. I am thankful for teachers who

> do teach how to make

> a list for the store, choose coupons, go shopping,

> and figure the money out.

> When I'm rushing to get dinner together (which is

> basically every night, when

> we all go in 3 diffferent directions) I have no time

> to " teach " how to

> cook. I am thankful, again, for teachers who teach

> this.

> Why is it so criminal for teachers to do this? I

> know I can't be the only

> one on this list with a hectic life and who can't

> find the time (and I wish I

> could) to teach some of these skills. But I am

> glad it is in his

> curriculum.

>

> So, I know I sorta drifted here, but the point was

> to say " yes " , is in a

> life skills classroom, and " NO " , he is not just

> learning how to shop, and

> cook, but gets hammered with academics which are

> then laced through things he

> will need to know to survive independently.

>

> Jackie, Mom to 13ds (sixth grade)

>

Jackie, I am so glad to here this point of view. I

gives me one more thing to think about. is 8 and

two more years in the elementary school and I have to

have some position when transition comes. I have alot

of thinking and planning ahead of me. I have found all

the replys on this list from the parents of older

children and adults very thoughtful and useful in

starting me considering what will be best for my son.

Take care from,Pam ...who just recieved an evaluation

with a recomendation at the end of a very long set of

papers for " in the future a life skills placement

should be considered. "

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/00 5:04:57 PM Central Standard Time,

sharonhughes@... writes:

<< I needed mine way back when, and the only

thing I wished they had talked about more was those evil

credit cards. Took me awhile to get the hang of those. >>

hehe, this life skill I taught my kids....before they got any they were told

explicitly that whatever the charged they would have to pay for so they'd

better make sure they didn't charge more then they could pay for in any given

month. tHe oldest had the hardest time, got up to like 8 cards (that

included a bunch of those store cards) she cut most of them up about 2 yrs.

ago. not because she owed alot of money, but because she decided to close

the accounts since she didn't need them...and it was less tempting. hehe

Joy

[Guest guest]

> they are all functional and age appropriate, hey is

> raking 2 feet of leaves

> age appropriate???? Im considering this now

> lolololol

>

> Kathy mom to Sara 8

>

Hey Kathy we live in the woods and get huge piles of

leaves going. 8 loves to rake leaves and does a

great job. But alls he does is spread them around

again when he jumps and wallows in them. LOL So

picking them up and composting them is the next

step.LOL Pam

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jackie-

This sounds like the kind of life skills class I would

be interested in, combining both life skills and

academics. I think the combination is a winner.

As for teaching to cook, is constantly asking me

to teach her, or let her do it. The problem is, dinner

is always a rush time for me also. On top of that,

cooking is not my fav thing to do at all, so teaching it

isn't either. I think it is good that the teachers can

do that in the classroom, certainly not criminal.

No, this class sounds great. And that was my question

to begin with. I had no understanding of what a life

skills class was, and wanted clarification that it

covered more than basic skills. And I am glad to here

that academics are included.

Thanks for sharing with me,

--

Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

> does his math, language arts, and reading in his life skills classroom.

> They do cook once a week and go to the grocery store once a week (usually the

> same day they cook, to buy what they'll need). Some people on this list say

> they don't want the school to do things like going out into the community,

> that that isn't their job, it's our job as parents to do this. Let me tell

> you one thing about that.

>

> I have put myself on many a guilt trip for not making every trip out into the

> community a " learning experience " for . Not anymore. I have 3 children

> that I have to take with me most places and I barely have time to get my mind

> together to get the things done that I set out to do, let alone " teach "

> something about it. I am thankful for teachers who do teach how to make

> a list for the store, choose coupons, go shopping, and figure the money out.

> When I'm rushing to get dinner together (which is basically every night, when

> we all go in 3 diffferent directions) I have no time to " teach " how to

> cook. I am thankful, again, for teachers who teach this.

> Why is it so criminal for teachers to do this? I know I can't be the only

> one on this list with a hectic life and who can't find the time (and I wish I

> could) to teach some of these skills. But I am glad it is in his

> curriculum.

>

> So, I know I sorta drifted here, but the point was to say " yes " , is in a

> life skills classroom, and " NO " , he is not just learning how to shop, and

> cook, but gets hammered with academics which are then laced through things he

> will need to know to survive independently.

>

> Jackie, Mom to 13ds (sixth grade)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also agree life skills are important for all

students. I needed mine way back when, and the only

thing I wished they had talked about more was those evil

credit cards. Took me awhile to get the hang of those.

And yes, I have seen the support on this list for

everyone and their decisions on behalf of their

children. I have been " lurking " for awhile, and that is

one thing I like about this list.

I didn't understand the whole concept, and it has

sounded in the past that some school systems want to use

this as a catch all for all students, instead of seeing

each student on an individual basis. I know that this

is the problem my friend is having. Her new school

system has told her that her child needs life skills

only, with very little academics, and that inclusion

would not work for her child. Funny, it worked

wonderfully well for the 3 years they were here.

Amazing to me.

Thanks for your help

--

Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

> While those of us who advocate for inclusion, you will find most of us also

> supporting parents whose children are in life skills classes because that is

> what their needs are. You will see us back the parents 100% if acedemics (in

> regular classroom or self contained) is what their kid needs and schools

> think otherwise.

>

> I think basic life skills is great to teach to ALL students. We are

> raising kids who are missing out on alot of basic skills needed for

> independence. My 17 almost 18 year old thinks he is buying a corvette in

> February...lol!!! We have to direct him ourselves to a banker, insurance

> agent, etc. so he can learn he can't afford this. I wish they would teach

> this at school because we are coming off as the bad guys.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks very much for your response. It sounds like

was in a wonderful situation.

I agree, life skills classes must be different from area

to area. The ones that I have heard about locally do

not come close to measuring up to what the responses I

have received on my question have shown.

Again, thanks for responding. And don't worry, I don't

question other parents choices. This thing called

parenting is hard enough as it is, and I personally am

looking for all the help I can get!!!

Thanks

--

Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

> Sharon,

>

> It would appear that Life Skills is different things in different places.

> was in Life Skills here and thrived on it. Heavy emphasis on

> academics, only instead of an aide, she had three teachers with a master's

> in spec. ed, plus three aides. Each student had an individualized program.

> In the lower grades, it was all academics. The other stuff were not taught

> until middle school. Some, such as , got more academics than others.

> Depended on the skill level of the student and the wishes of the parents.

> Computers were a big part of the training. The best part is that was

> not treated like a pet, but expected to perform on her own with minimum

> assistance. She was mainstreamed in reading and PE until junior high. I

> pulled her out of mainstream reading in junior high because of a couple of

> incidents of her being mugged and molested. However, she received the same

> reading instructions in the Life Skills class, so it didn't matter. All

> 's classmates, who are able, now have jobs in the community or are

> attending special classes at the local college. The jobs include sacking at

> grocery stores, working in a green house at Moody Gardens, working in

> restaurants, laundries, tending animals at research facilities, and the

> like. A real effort was made by the school to match the skill level of the

> student with the job. I would never have considered inclusion for

> because I wanted her to be a big fish in a little pond rather than a little

> fish in a big pond. And I did not want her treated like the class mascot, as

> I so often see children with DS being treated in the inclusion setting.

>

> Now, before I start getting flamed for my choice, let me state that

> is 27 years old. Things were very different in schools now. Were she just

> starting out, I would do as I did when she was little, explore my options.

> If she were just beginning school now, I may have made a different choice.

> Also, bear in mind, that I was a widow, working a 40 hour week and had three

> other children at home. I didn't have the time or energy to spend on ,

> teaching her living skills, that stay-at-home moms have.

>

> granny

> ---

> God loves everyone, but probably prefers " fruits

> of the spirit " over " religious nuts " .

> http://home.earthlink.net/~bspyle

>

>

> lifeskills

>

>

> > I have read several times on this list posts from

> > parents stating that their respective school systems

> > wanted to place their children in a " life skills "

> > class. And now a friend of mine has moved from our area

> > (South Alabama) to North Carolina, and she is having the

> > same problem.

> > Forgive my ignorance, but what is a life skills class?

> > Am I correct in assuming that it is things such as self

> > care (brushing teeth, hair, dressing), eating (serving

> > oneself, opening containers, carrying a tray), and will

> > also include money, laundry, shopping, cooking, and

> > telephone skills (as they get older). And I also assume

> > that a class such as this is very short on academics.

> > Am I also correct in assuming that most of our kids

> > already know the first things I mention, and will learn

> > others, such as laundry and shopping, as they do these

> > things with their families?

> > It angers me, and disappoints me, that there are

> > supposed educational professionals that feel this is the

> > only appropriate way to educate our children.

> > When I attended high school in California, all seniors

> > attended a quarter long life skills class. In this we

> > were taught how to open and maintain a checking account,

> > all about the different types of insurances, paychecks

> > to include all the deductions, what they mean and how

> > they affect the bottom dollar, how to rent apartments

> > (leases, deposits), purchasing a vehicle, and how to

> > budget money. I loved the course, and looking back,

> > consider it a true life skills class. But you had to

> > have a basic education before you could understand what

> > this course taught.

> > It seems that a life skills class for our kids would be

> > wonderful, but only after they have obtained that all

> > important basic education.

> > Any thoughts out there?

> >

> > --

> > Sharon, Mom to (9, DS) and (5)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >