Guest guest Posted February 17, 2000 Report Share Posted February 17, 2000 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 --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2000 Report Share Posted February 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2000 Report Share Posted February 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2000 Report Share Posted November 17, 2000 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2000 Report Share Posted November 17, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2000 Report Share Posted November 17, 2000 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) > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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) > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 's life skills class is nothing like what you're describing, thankfully. Jackie, Mom to 13ds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 --- 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. " __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 > 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 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2000 Report Share Posted November 18, 2000 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) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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