This last set of advice is from The Parent as Teacher: A Practical Guide
for Parents of Developmentally Disabled Adults. The School Board of Pinellas
County, Florida developed this guide.
- Atmosphere: Successful teaching very much depends on
creating a positive atmosphere (physical environment / attitudes / emotions).
The learning environment needs to be comfortable, nonthreatening and accepting.
- Objectivity: Every learner has varying abilities and
limitations, and these should be viewed objectively. The tutor should set
aside any unrealistic hopes, and yet show confidence that the learner will
show progress.
- Attitude: A positive attitude is important for effective
learning. A tutor can easily become frustrated and impatient, especially
when a learner is progressing slower than expected or hoped for. Tutors
must always remain positive, encouraging, and calm.
- Persevere: The tutor’s patience can be tested as
she watches the learner struggle to complete a particular literacy task.
The tutor may think it would easier to simply give the answer or to do the
task for the learner. However, the learner needs to face challenges if progress
and potential are to be reached and independence eventually realized. The
learner should not be encouraged to be an underachiever.
