https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2 Please answer the questions below! en-us 2017-07-08 23:50:10 UTC 2017-07-13 17:33:54 UTC hello@padlet.com dianapullins1 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178587107 I think the best thing we can do, as educators, is offer support.  We can  offer support to the student in several different ways.  Having access to a counselor when needed is important; I know our school counselor is great-so allowing her/him to go if it's been a bad night or he/she needs to talk is important- even if it is during class time.  And, I think we should  be available to students like Via as well.  I know there are times that I have had conversations with students like Via about not being able to get homework done because of a bad night at home, or just to let her vent, or even just listen and help in any way we can- including extra time if needed for work or to talk.  
Being a sounding board is important as many times they don't have someone to 'vent' to or talk to outside of the family.  Many families have counselors outside of school for siblings, but being another resource and sounding board for siblings is important as well so they always have someone to talk to/resources at school as well! ]]> 2017-07-12 19:18:24 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178587107 dianapullins1 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178587557 I have found that students with disabilities, such as Auggie's want to share their story and want people to feel comfortable around them. Many students want to share information up front so peers are not afraid, avoid, or react. I think it is great when a student advocates for himself and wants to educate others- I think it puts everyone at ease just by getting it out there so Auggie can just be Auggie and everyone else is at ease around him and get to know Auggie for who he really is. As educators, we can spread awareness by taking the lead. We need to talk with a student, like Auggie, to see what he wants in terms of how to educate his peers. I think ignoring differences does make others stare, whisper, and fear as it is the fear of the unknown. By spreading awareness, everyone is educated and I seriously think it puts the issue at rest as people are informed and fears die down. Of course, I teach middle schoolers; they are much more open and honest, but also more accepting when they know the facts instead of guessing, fearful, or afraid.

]]> 2017-07-12 19:29:07 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178587557 dianapullins1 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178588135 I think it is difficult to prevent bullying if we are unaware. Again, I think education is key, then there is no excuse and disciplinary action can happen at school. That still doesn't help outside of school, but I do think bullies pick on people like Auggie because they are fearful or think they are an easy target because they really don't know Auggie as a person. I read this book and think a lot of the bullying stemmed from Julian and others being fearful or the 'unknowns' about Auggie and his condition. I think it would be much different if they were educated about Auggie and got to know him. It is hard to totally prevent bullying of disabled students, but by being proactive, always aware and listening, hopefully it minimizes the chances. Students can't be bystanders either-they need to report as well! ]]> 2017-07-12 19:41:28 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178588135 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178660445 Wow. Tough question. I think that if I were Via's teacher, I would make sure to give her a little extra attention if possible. Not really as a replacement parent, but as another supportive adult figure in her life. I know ALL my students appreciate when I attend plays/concerts/sports and I would make sure to know what she was up to because I would be one person who wasn't "orbiting" Auggie either. 
Further, I would ensure that she was aware of all services available to her for free through the school - it sounds like many siblings of students with disabilities are more independent and I think awareness would be all that they need to make choices on their own about where they might need help.

]]> 2017-07-13 17:15:35 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178660445 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178660666 It seems like Auggie was more than willing to share this - and if he were comfortable sharing in front of the class (or maybe making a video or something), then I would encourage that! I find that this is helpful especially in high school with students who wish to be referred to using gender neutral pronouns. If the student is confident enough to share and wants others to know that they can ask questions, I think that can alleviate a lot of awkwardness and actually open communication in the class!]]> 2017-07-13 17:18:51 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178660666 https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178661504 Honestly, on day one of class I state that bullying will not be tolerated in my class. Research has shown that if you are forward and direct with this rule, students respond to it better. You can follow up throughout the year by reminding students of this, but also by helping them understand what actions are "bullying". For example, when students use "That's so gay" or "That's so retarded", I stop instruction and write on the board "gay = " and ask the students what they thought was meant by the statement. Often they reply "stupid, pointless, dumb, idiotic" etc. Then I replace the word gay with a picture of a stick figure and remind them that there are many who identify with the word "gay" in a different meaning, but when we use it in this manner, then they begin to associate with the words on the other side of the board as well. This is short, sweet and to the point. Oftentimes a curt "John, inappropriate." works more efficiently as a reminder to students who already know what they are saying is bullying but need the reminder.

]]> 2017-07-13 17:30:40 UTC https://padlet.com/christina_jester/fbu0vofzkkp2/wish/178661504