REFLECTION: CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES 1

Reflection: Children with Exceptionalities

Children with exceptionalities are students who need inclusion given their disability; they

more than likely feel a sense of not belonging. So what better way to make them feel inclusive

than including them in a traditional classroom. Inclusivity will bring their self-esteem up and

overall will make students with exceptionalities feel a sense of belonging. Not only do students

with disabilities benefit, but you will be surprised how attentive and helpful their peers will be

when it comes to working together. Children will learn about compassion, support, unselfishness,

and kindness.

Teachers play a significant part when it comes to having children with exceptionalities in

a regular classroom. Many will argue that inclusion may lead to bullying. I think otherwise

because teachers set the rules and culture of their class. Teachers also lead by example, so not

making any disability the center of attention will allow for other characteristics and skills to

shine. They are allowing children to look past their classmate's disability treating them no

different than their peers. Teachers can also modify or accommodate lesson so that all children

can participate no matter their needs. For example, in our previous Physical Education course,

we were exposed to different ideas and strategies. Such as always being conscious of the abilities

of all our children, continually modifying when needed, so no students feel targeted or left out

when they participate in an activity. A great example that I recall during a class discussion was

when a student was concerned that her classmate on a wheelchair would not be able to

participate in their dance activity. Mrs. Corona reassured her that her classmate will join and will

and will have a great time. So when it was time to do the dance activity the video presented was

a dance routine sitting down instead of standing up. And everyone was excited, and they were up
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for the challenge. Simple activities like these reassure students with exceptionalities that

educators do care that they participate in taking the time to create and organize an event that

includes them in every way.

The student mentioned above was concerned about her classmate being left out is just the

beginning of students thinking of others instead of only themselves. Which I think is an excellent

strategy because we live in a world filled with different diverse people. So learning how to treat

others with respect no matter their disabilities is something that should be introduced at a young

age. A classroom is ideal because kids will learn how to be patient when their peers need just a

little bit more time to finish activities. In addition to helping, for example, opening the door,

helping them walk, or even taking the time to change their every day recess games to include

their classmate that otherwise would feel left out.

If the exclusion is a constant thing, especially when it comes to children, it can cause

depression and low self-esteem in children with exceptionalities. Separation only points out the

differences. Especially when students are old enough to notice that they are isolated away from

the rest of their peers, they are questioning if there is something wrong with them, drawing more

light on their disability, which is why as educators, we must be careful how we address any

situation. We must build our students up to think far past their disability because they are worth

just as much as any other individual we have to work endlessly to make them understand that

and what better way than including them in traditional classrooms.

Overall children with exceptionalities are beautiful human beings separated from their

peers in the education system. As a student and future educator, I believe that students with

exceptionalities should be in a traditional classroom. Not only does it boost their self-esteem,
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providing a sense of belonging, but inclusion also helps their peers build compassion, support,

unselfishness, and kindness. Every student will benefit, so why not allow a child the opportunity

to feel as if they belong in their classroom.