INTASC+Standard+06

__I____NTASC Standard 6__ The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

__Understanding Sentence__ The teacher understands that children need to be active participants in their education and encourages this by using many different forms of communication.

__Specific Category of Standard 6__ 6.C. K: The teacher recognizes the importance of nonverbal as well as verbal communication. __Artifacts__  __Reflect__ One of the projects I had to do for a special education class was to spend a day in the life of a special needs child, follow them around, and interview them and their family. This is probably one of my most favorite projects because it gave me a glimpse into a world I had never experienced. Chris has CP and has a very hard time talking. He gets short of breath very quickly and his muscles spasm to where he is unable to speak clearly. Because of this Chris uses a Vanguard, a type of AAC device, to speak with. (Augmentative Alternative Communication). I chose this project because I worked with AAC users for three years. While I don't believe that this is exactly what the standard was talking about, I truly believe that after working with these kids who are unable to use their words to speak, I know the importance of communication verbal and nonverbal as well. I understand that communication comes in all forms. Communciation can be a kind word, it can be a pat on the back, or it can be a small smile. I have worked with these kids and had to learn new ways for me to communicate to them, and them communicate to me.
 * Being Chris[[file:Being Chris 2.doc]]

__Project__ I think that this artifact says a lot about who I will be as a future educator. Having this experience with special needs children, especially ones who are nonverbal, has really opened my eyes up to new worlds. I have learned so much from working with these kiddos. I have learned tolerance, acceptance, how beautiful and ugly this world can be. I have learned that neurotypical kids are amazing, accepting people when given the chance to understand. I have learned communication in a whole new language (minspeak) and I have learned to look past the outside and instead look deep into hearts to truly see who people are.