Is your child special?
We believe that every child is special. As parents and teachers we like to help all students achieve their full potential.
However, some children need to be helped differently with their learning. At SMIS, we meet the special educational needs of such children according to established regulations and norms.
Most common learning difficulties
Experts have identified certain categories of children who have distinct difficulties in learning compared to most other children in the same age group. The have a special name for each category of such difficulties.
However, some children need to be helped differently with their learning. At SMIS, we meet the special educational needs of such children according to established regulations and norms.
Most common learning difficulties
Experts have identified certain categories of children who have distinct difficulties in learning compared to most other children in the same age group. The have a special name for each category of such difficulties.
- Difficulty with reading and writing (dyslexia)
- Difficulty with numbers and mathematical operations (dyscalculia)
- Difficulty with motor coordination (dyspraxia)
- Difficulty with written expression and handwriting (dysgraphia)
- Problems with paying attention (attention deficit disorder or ADD)
- Problems with paying attention and a tendency to talk or move constantly (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD)
- Developmental delays, problems with socializing and communicating, difficulty adjusting to a change in routine, and repetitive movements and behaviours (once known as pervasive developmental disorder or PDD; now known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD).
How we help
Yes, it is important to identify the specific difficulties, so we use scientific tools for this. No, we do not label the child as having a special difficulty or isolate the child in any manner. Instead, we help the child cope with the difficulties in the best possible manner and develop the other gifts such children tend to have.
These are the steps we follow when we address the special educational needs of a child.
IDENTIFY
We identify the children who need special help using standardized screening and assessment tools. Informally, our teachers observe and make notes during a classroom session. Where necessary, our special educator interacts with the child and shares her observations with us.
INTERVENE
We design a special enrichment plan for every child. Two children may have a similar difficulty, yet it is important to understand and address the unique needs of each child. This plan includes exercises involving words, numbers, physical movements and mental abilities.
COUNSEL
Our experts in special educational needs counsel the students as well as their parents. We believe it is important for the parents to understand the difficulties the child is facing and how we are helping the child, so that they can continue the support at home.
SUPPORT
Children with special needs attend regular classes with other students. Our observation is that this helps all students. However, we provide extra in-class support to the child with a special need so that she or he is able to learn in her or his unique way and speed.
These are the steps we follow when we address the special educational needs of a child.
IDENTIFY
We identify the children who need special help using standardized screening and assessment tools. Informally, our teachers observe and make notes during a classroom session. Where necessary, our special educator interacts with the child and shares her observations with us.
INTERVENE
We design a special enrichment plan for every child. Two children may have a similar difficulty, yet it is important to understand and address the unique needs of each child. This plan includes exercises involving words, numbers, physical movements and mental abilities.
COUNSEL
Our experts in special educational needs counsel the students as well as their parents. We believe it is important for the parents to understand the difficulties the child is facing and how we are helping the child, so that they can continue the support at home.
SUPPORT
Children with special needs attend regular classes with other students. Our observation is that this helps all students. However, we provide extra in-class support to the child with a special need so that she or he is able to learn in her or his unique way and speed.
Have a question for our expert on special education needs?