by Anna Danowitz,

Temple Sholom in Broomall

I have learned many helpful strategies from my sessions as a TAP teen. Some of the most influential approaches I use to help a child when needed include: games, visual aids, and fidgets. Usually these solutions work, but as every child is different, with a disability, or without, not every strategy will work for every child. I learned that because no two children are the same, adapting to the child’s needs is necessary in any situation.

When presented with a child who has learning differences or special needs, I have learned that patience is key. Giving the child time to process important information or allowing a quick break to help remain focused will allow a bond of trust to be created. Patience and trust among myself, and my students, allow for a more cohesive environment.

Through TAP training, I have also learned that although two people might have the same disability, they will have many learning differences. From understanding, to learning and communicating, any child, or person, who has physical, intellectual, or behavioral differences, will need various levels of assistance, whereas some people may need none. Overall, the TAP training has taught me that every child with, or without a disability is different in their own way.