help for a student of mine

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I am currently student teaching, and today I was told that after spring break, a student wiht Aspergers is going to be transfered into the class (algebra 1). I have been working with this student one on one as a tutor, and have worked very well with him.

What I want to know is there anything I can do to ease his transition into the new class? I am hand picking who he will be in a group with, as we do alot of group work (looking for students who are patient and are likely to tollerate his quirks).

Thanks in advance for the help.

Nicole

One very simple thing to do is to get him as far away from any kind of bullies as possible (I am sure you know the type.) The easiest way to do this probably is to just but him near girls or people you know would never bully anyone.

Maybe seat him near the quieter people who won't distract him with talking, etc.

Endersdragon,I disagree about girls,as females can also be vicious when it comes to bullying,from my experience; stereotypical NT females are typically less accepting of differences, although it depends on the age and maturity level of the girls.

I agree girls can be more brutal than boys at time, however, the boys in this class tend to be more immature. I would be afraid that the boys would either be crule, or attempt to take advantage of this student (it is a boy) and try to get him do something he shouldn't.

I will definately pick students who are more mature and less likely to tease him.

Thanks for the input everyone!

One thing that I would try to do is treat everyone the same if possible. I think if the kids see any kind of special treatment it makes their attitude worse (jealousy) and can solidify their faulty assumptions ("I knew that kid was a dummy!"). I would try to give everyone the same options.

Ex. "AS kid, are there too many noises for you to be able to concentrate? Would you like for me to turn off this fan?"
"Hyper kid, I notice you are chewing your pencil to shreds. Do you need some gum?"
"Tactile kid, I see you are playing with Hyper kid's chewing gum. Do you want my pencil grip?"

If you give everyone in the group the same options and opportunities you convey the message that everyone is unique and that's okay. We all have "issues" and preferences and that's natural.

I thought of this because I have seen teachers and aides treat neurologically diverse students like china dolls and the other kids pick up on it and treat the child differently also. The affected child usually resents this, even though they do need special accomodations.

Wow, I must say I rarely ever see a teacher take this kind of inituative to help out a student. I wish I had teachers as open minded and caring as you when I was younger.

I think if you really want to help the student out you should treat him like all the other students. If you make it seem you are giving more time to him other students will see this as a weakness or even become jealous, then he'll surely be picked on.

Edit: Just noticed the guy above me pretty much said the exact same thing.

Quite allright. Great Minds Think Alike!

That is hilarious!! ! sad thing is, i have a few kids i could easily see playing with other's chewing gum (which isn't allowed).

I will definately make every effort to treat him as I would everyone else. I know one thing I have been learning from tutoring him is that even though his social skills are poor, there is alot more in his mind than he tends to show. I was told the other day he was actually helping others in his study skills class with concepts I have tutored him on.

Thanks for the great suggestions!