Need some help

[countrygirl12]

I work with young kids.  Three to Four.  We have been doing stories in little books that pertain to them such as "Learning How to Listen" or "Learning How to Share".  It's kind of a way to teach them something without having to fuss so much when they refuse to listen, constantly interrupt, or jerk things away from each other.  You can tell some of the stories are making them think.

So here is the issue and where I need help.  We have someone how has some medical problems and it causes visual differences.  I understand they are just kids but they constantly ask this person why thy are like that.  Because they were born that way.  Well why were you born that way.  It bothers the person involved and there are no other explanations other than what has been given.  It's like they won't let it go.

So my question is this - does anyone know of any kid stories ( I would be willing to order something online if you can tell me where to get it ) that deal with not treating someone who is different  - differently or not asking them over and over what is wrong with them because that is rude or mean.

[Nancy5]

First, thank you for helping building our future generation.  Seriously it takes a special person to work with young children all day.  Did you try googling for information?  If I find anything that might help you I will let you know.  I know how frustrating the same questions are asked, why, when, how, etc.

[sak4kat]

My son has a visual impairment.  He was diagnosed with it when he was 5 months old.  His vision hasn't held him back much - He's been wearing glasses since then.  He had an IEP due to visual constrains in grade school. He has his permit now at 18 and is hoping he'll be able to get a license - even if it comes with restrictions. When he was in preschool (or kindgergarten/first grade can't remember) A lesson was taught on how we are all different.  Why do people wear glasses?  Why are people different colors and sizes.  Why do some people use walkers/wheel chairs.  Why do people have curly hair?  Why do people??? The teacher asked kids to draw a picture of themselves and draw an arrow to one thing that made them unique. Freckles, glasses, curly hair etc.  At the end of the lesson she passed out awards.  Everyone got one that was hung around there neck.  His read I'm unique because I wear glasses - there is nobody like me! Others read I'm unique because I know sign language - there is nobody like me! If my son ever felt out of place or awkward he never let on.   

[countrygirl12]

First, thank you for helping building our future generation.  Seriously it takes a special person to work with young children all day.  Did you try googling for information?  If I find anything that might help you I will let you know.  I know how frustrating the same questions are asked, why, when, how, etc.

No but I may do that.  They really get drawn in to the little story books.  The issue here is the medical condition bothers the person effected.  And the questions are starting to be bothersome as well.  I am just trying to figure out a way to better explain that people are different and that you shouldn't go up to them and ask them what is wrong with them. 

[countrygirl12]

My son has a visual impairment.  He was diagnosed with it when he was 5 months old.  His vision hasn't held him back much - He's been wearing glasses since then.  He had an IEP due to visual constrains in grade school. He has his permit now at 18 and is hoping he'll be able to get a license - even if it comes with restrictions. When he was in preschool (or kindgergarten/first grade can't remember) A lesson was taught on how we are all different.  Why do people wear glasses?  Why are people different colors and sizes.  Why do some people use walkers/wheel chairs.  Why do people have curly hair?  Why do people??? The teacher asked kids to draw a picture of themselves and draw an arrow to one thing that made them unique. Freckles, glasses, curly hair etc.  At the end of the lesson she passed out awards.  Everyone got one that was hung around there neck.  His read I'm unique because I wear glasses - there is nobody like me! Others read I'm unique because I know sign language - there is nobody like me! If my son ever felt out of place or awkward he never let on.   

Wearing glasses isn't a big deal though.  Can he see normally with the glasses?  These days people with perfect vision wear clear glass glasses because apparently they are cool. lol

The teacher had a good idea though because everyone has things that make them different.

[alice44]

I'm sure you could look online and get some suggestions. l Thank you for being the kind of person who works like this with our little generation.  You are blessed with this gift and I hope you can continue with it. 

[countrygirl12]

I'm sure you could look online and get some suggestions. l Thank you for being the kind of person who works like this with our little generation.  You are blessed with this gift and I hope you can continue with it. 

Thanks.  It is trying.  That is for sure. lol

I didn't really know what to google.

Kids books that teach you not to be judgmental or point out differences seems a little long lol. 
Been busy with other things today but I may try to do that.

[braggin]

Try "It's OK to Be Different" by Todd Paar and "Who We Are: All About Being the Same and Being Different" by Robie Harris.

[countrygirl12]

Try "It's OK to Be Different" by Todd Paar and "Who We Are: All About Being the Same and Being Different" by Robie Harris.

Thank you.  I will look at both of those.  Surely Amazon will have them.  They have everything! lol

[shasha2210]

I need a job and looking

[jkhanson]

I googled:  How to teach kids about people with disabilities.  There is a lot of info out there.

One result was:  Explaining special needs to your child:  15 great children's books.  the link took me here:
https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2011/11/10/explaining-special-needs-to-your-child-15-great-children%E2%80%99s-books/

Another idea is to have your or your co-workers write your own Social Story specific to your situation... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC5uGeXj2ps

[bretay]

definitely try google...that is so nice of you to try and help explain...good luck and keep up the good work

[sak4kat]

My son has a visual impairment.  He was diagnosed with it when he was 5 months old.  His vision hasn't held him back much - He's been wearing glasses since then.  He had an IEP due to visual constrains in grade school. He has his permit now at 18 and is hoping he'll be able to get a license - even if it comes with restrictions. When he was in preschool (or kindgergarten/first grade can't remember) A lesson was taught on how we are all different.  Why do people wear glasses?  Why are people different colors and sizes.  Why do some people use walkers/wheel chairs.  Why do people have curly hair?  Why do people??? The teacher asked kids to draw a picture of themselves and draw an arrow to one thing that made them unique. Freckles, glasses, curly hair etc.  At the end of the lesson she passed out awards.  Everyone got one that was hung around there neck.  His read I'm unique because I wear glasses - there is nobody like me! Others read I'm unique because I know sign language - there is nobody like me! If my son ever felt out of place or awkward he never let on.   

Wearing glasses isn't a big deal though.  Can he see normally with the glasses?  These days people with perfect vision wear clear glass glasses because apparently they are cool. lol

The teacher had a good idea though because everyone has things that make them different.
[/quote

You're right.  Wearing glasses is no big deal.  However when the pediatric neuro-opthalmologist tells your 5 year old he'll never fly a plane or drive a car that creates a "can't do" attitude very early on.  No he can't see perfectly.  Even with his glasses on his vision is 20-40/30 at best.  His reaction time is slow.  Playing catch was  frustrating, not fun. Reading and testing under timed limits was frustrating.... when your eyes can't see everything around you slows down.  Once the message is received to the brain one must speed up mentally & physically to catch up to stay on track with the rest of the crowd.  His eye's "bounce" so his world is constantly seen moving left and right.  "Wearing glasses isn't a big deal though." Wow! - I hope you think before you say things like that to the children and parents of the 3 & 4 year old's you work with.  Before glasses came tons of appointments with specialists and surgery.  After glasses was followed with a lifetime of visual specialists. 

[countrygirl12]

I googled:  How to teach kids about people with disabilities.  There is a lot of info out there.

One result was:  Explaining special needs to your child:  15 great children's books.  the link took me here:
https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2011/11/10/explaining-special-needs-to-your-child-15-great-children%E2%80%99s-books/

Another idea is to have your or your co-workers write your own Social Story specific to your situation... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC5uGeXj2ps

Thanks.  I will look at those links as well.

[countrygirl12]

My son has a visual impairment.  He was diagnosed with it when he was 5 months old.  His vision hasn't held him back much - He's been wearing glasses since then.  He had an IEP due to visual constrains in grade school. He has his permit now at 18 and is hoping he'll be able to get a license - even if it comes with restrictions. When he was in preschool (or kindgergarten/first grade can't remember) A lesson was taught on how we are all different.  Why do people wear glasses?  Why are people different colors and sizes.  Why do some people use walkers/wheel chairs.  Why do people have curly hair?  Why do people??? The teacher asked kids to draw a picture of themselves and draw an arrow to one thing that made them unique. Freckles, glasses, curly hair etc.  At the end of the lesson she passed out awards.  Everyone got one that was hung around there neck.  His read I'm unique because I wear glasses - there is nobody like me! Others read I'm unique because I know sign language - there is nobody like me! If my son ever felt out of place or awkward he never let on.   

Wearing glasses isn't a big deal though.  Can he see normally with the glasses?  These days people with perfect vision wear clear glass glasses because apparently they are cool. lol

The teacher had a good idea though because everyone has things that make them different.
[/quote

You're right.  Wearing glasses is no big deal.  However when the pediatric neuro-opthalmologist tells your 5 year old he'll never fly a plane or drive a car that creates a "can't do" attitude very early on.  No he can't see perfectly.  Even with his glasses on his vision is 20-40/30 at best.  His reaction time is slow.  Playing catch was  frustrating, not fun. Reading and testing under timed limits was frustrating.... when your eyes can't see everything around you slows down.  Once the message is received to the brain one must speed up mentally & physically to catch up to stay on track with the rest of the crowd.  His eye's "bounce" so his world is constantly seen moving left and right.  "Wearing glasses isn't a big deal though." Wow! - I hope you think before you say things like that to the children and parents of the 3 & 4 year old's you work with.  Before glasses came tons of appointments with specialists and surgery.  After glasses was followed with a lifetime of visual specialists. 

And instead of being all angry and yelling at me maybe you could explain things better. Your first comment said he had to get glasses.  No that isn't a big deal.  I got them when I was really young.  You didn't say he had serious vision problems.  You said he had to get glasses.  And I even ask - can he see normally with the glasses?
No need to go on a verbal attack.  Just explain that it is more than just bad vision.