It’s Not About Managing Kids, It’s About Knowing Them

Every person is unique and talented in their own way. I have always known this but through the TAP program I actually witnessed it. I learned about many different types of disabilities and also how to make a comfortable space for those with them and how to help every kid do their best. There were many different situations that we encountered as a group. I met a lot of different people and I have gotten a better understanding of the world from the program. 

When I first started the TAP program I really wanted to get involved with something meaningful and contribute to my community. The TAP program has taught me a lot and has forever changed me as a person too. Not only do I understand people with disabilities better but I also know how to find different ways to teach everyone and help every kid depending on their needs. I have gotten to put these skills to use when teaching and being a classroom aid at my synagogue, I was assigned to a large class with many different personalities and skills. Each kid needed different things and luckily I now had the skills to help. 

One important thing that I knew I wanted to make sure did not happen was that I didn’t want any kids to feel like they needed to be managed. In the TAP program I learned that this term and feeling can make someone with disabilities feel like an issue so I wanted to make the classroom as comfortable as possible. For example, my class had one child that would easily get unfocused and start being loud. Instead of reacting I simply asked “Do you want to go for a walk?” After this they quickly agreed and even said that they wanted to go outside until they felt better. It was when they said this that I knew I was doing something right. I was able to help this 2nd grader figure out how to help themselves and to find what works best for them.

Additionally, I was also inspired to join a class at my school called partners and adaptive learning. In this class, I help high schoolers with disabilities learn how to swim and we do gym class together. I’m there to help the teachers but also to make friends and make these kids feel just as loved and included as anyone else. I have been able to put my skills from the TAP program into this class at school as well. Overall, throughout my time in the program I have gained a lot of knowledge about all different people in the world and I have become a more understanding and better person because of it.