You are the head teacher for the four year old classroom at the Little Angels Learning Center. A new student, Luke, is entering your classroom tomorrow. You meet with your director who fills you in on Luke’s history, and well as challenges he has. He explains the following:
Luke was removed from his single-mother’s care when he was six months old due to neglect. Reportedly, she was propping him up on a pillow to feed him, and leaving him alone in their apartment for hours at a time. When child protection officers became involved, they were able to place Luke with his grandmother. Luke seemed to do well in her home where he was offered nurturance, nourishment, and love. Sadly, Luke’s grandmother passed away when he was 18 months old. Luke was placed with his aunt, who decided after a few months that he required too much attention. He lived with several other relatives before being placed in a foster home six months ago. You learn that this is also Luke’s fourth pre-school setting.
Luke’s foster mother has expressed concern over Luke’s social development. She reports that Luke often isolates himself from the family, and refuses to follow through on any expectations, including brushing his teeth or reading books with their older daughter. When Luke does join the group, he quickly becomes aggressive and tries to take the toys away from their two year old son. He also would prefer to watch television than play with his toys or participate in outdoor activities.
Luke’s foster family wants to remain committed to him. They add that at times, he will hug them or say he loves them, which gives them hope that he has the ability to give and accept affection. They have learned that they can’t “push” him, but allow him to trust at his own pace.
You realize that Luke’s success in your classroom depends upon a plan of action. Your task today is to develop a Play/Social Development Plan for Luke that will accomplish the following:
Introduce Luke to the classroom in a non-threatening manner (page 55 in the text offers a good example)
Provide him with three play activities that address his social development
Structure three opportunities during the day to initiate building a relationship with Luke, ie: making it a point to wash his hands with him- ensuring that you’re touching his hands in a non-threatening manner
To accomplish this task, refer to developmental learning websites, stores, and your own experiences for ideas.
A recommended site is http://www.educational-toys-mart.com
Also, think of activities that do not require actual toys, such as a game of hot potato which would include him in the group but not require him to be the center of attention. It would also model appropriate peer interactions
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attach your Play/Social Development Plan. Be specific in your description of each step. Describe your body language, your verbal communication, the positioning of your body while speaking with Luke, your directives to the other students
Write a short summary of your experience in developing this plan. What did you learn? How was the assignment helpful? How did it enhance your understanding of a child’s social development?
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