Meeting the Needs of Students

Since the students I work with have emotional problems, it is important to meet those needs first and foremost. It is difficult for anyone to learn new things while dealing with emotional issues. We learn and remember best when we are relaxed and in a low stress environment. It is important to understand something about what upsets each student in an E. D. class and to have solutions for those emotional issues. For example, you are not going to teach to a student having a panic attack (a common problem with emotionally disturbed students). You must first calm the student and provide the necessary atmosphere for learning. Students do not learn in the midst of chaos. A quiet calm, reassuring voice is often called for, and at other times a stern warning has to be given to restore order. Each day, each hour and each moment require constant adjustment. One of the keys in keeping these types of students calm so learning can take place is to make sure the assignment is tailored to their individual needs. Students need to be challenged but not frustrated to the point of a panic attack where they attack the teacher and other students.