Helping Kids Like Me

My name is Annalena Lattanzi and I’ve been working with second graders at Germantown Jewish Centre for the past three years. Each year brings a new group of kids, all with different needs. As a kid with several learning difficulties I know what it’s like to have trouble in a classroom, but sometimes it’s hard to deal with my own set of challenges while working with kids.

TAP has not only taught me how to manage my challenges but also understand how to help kids like me, to help them learn in the ways that will benefit them. It brings me so much joy to see the kids happy and learning, something that was hard for me growing up. TAP taught me techniques in ways to support the kids, keep them focused while also giving them fun things to do.

I had a kid last year with ADHD. It was hard for me to understand what he needed. He didn’t express his frustration with words, but with actions. TAP has helped me now understand ways to help kids who cannot express themselves with words and how to make this learning environment best for the kids.