Reflection and Philosophy
Over the last few months, I have been thinking a lot about what I have learned from various positions and one that constantly comes to the fore is my experiences in Bounds Green Infants School in London. I feel very honoured that in the first few years of my teaching career, I worked with Sarah and her family*.
Keeping uppermost in mind the question of how best to serve the needs of the whole child, I draw - every day - on those experiences in my professional life when working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, family members, and specialists.
In addition, I quickly learned the power of words. The use of positive language (referring to students who experience dyslexia or a student with Down's, rather that a dyslexic student or a Down's student) ensures we see students, like all of us, as multidimensional individuals with areas of strengths and weaknesses. Some see this as being pedantic or politically correct, rather than as an act of respect.
As such I see a diagnosis, not as a label, but simply as a starting point from which to consider appropriate strategies to best support the individual student holistically in the here and now and as the foundation for future growth.
* Sarah's dad, Andy Merriman, wrote A Minor Adjustment. The Story of Sarah - A Remarkable Child (1999) and included references to her schooling.