Children with Developmental Challenges

Children With Developmental Challenges 3(2+1)

Lesson 9 : Cerebral Palsy Effects, Diagnosis and Treatment

Tips for Teachers

• Learn more about CP. The resources and organizations at the end of this publication will help you.
• This may seem obvious, but sometimes the "look" of CP can given the mistaken impression that a child who has CP cannot learn as much as others. Focus on the individual child and learn firsthand what needs and capabilities he or she has.
• Tap into the strategies that teacher of students with learning disabilities use for their students. Become knowledgeable about different learning styles. Then you can use the approach best suited for a particular child, based upon that child's learning abilities as well as physical abilities.
• Be inventive. Ask yourself (and others), "How can I adapt this lesson for this child to maximize active, hands-on learning?"
• Learn to love assistive technology. Find experts within and outside your school to help you. Assistive technology can mean the difference between independence for your student or not.
• Always remember, parents are experts, too. Talk candidly with your student's parents. They can tell you a great deal about their daughter or son's special needs and abilities.
• Effective teamwork for the child with CP needs to bring together professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The team must combine the knowledge of its members to plan, implement, and coordinate the child's services.