Posts Tagged ‘Student’

In an experiment, piranha were placed in a large tank separated from their food by a see through glass divider.  After several days of ramming their heads against the glass divider the piranha learned that it was a futile effort to try and get the food. The glass divider was then removed yet they starved to death while [...]

It is not enough for a youth ministry program to simply be ready to serve the Disabled Youth Community.  Rather, the ministry should be proactive in making the Disabled Youth Community aware of it’s accessability.  It is hoped that any ministry targeting  youth with disabilities will be in contact from the outset with any known families or organizations [...]

As a general modification to the typical youth ministry gathering, it is necessary to accept different types of body positioning for people with disabilities – some people may need to stand up or move during group, and this activity should not be considered rude.  Youth workers may have to keep group meetings short or schedule frequent breaks [...]

Accommodations for students with cognitive impairments can include the use of visual cues, mixed media, and the repetition of major points.  Experiential exercises is often effective for a young person with intellectual or cognitive disabilities.  Role-playing works well for a person with developmental disabilities – the process of playing a role themselves helps them to internalize [...]

This is the first in a series of posts on youth ministry and youth with disabilities. While accommodations may be needed to integrate people with disabilities into your youth ministry group settings, it is important to first emphasize what all group members have in common.  Youth workers can emphasize to the group that, despite a wide variety [...]

Remember the old Highlights Magazine we use to read as kids?  I remember spending hours looking for the hidden objects scattered throughout the magazine.  I also remember the Goofus and Gallant comics.  They were two polar opposite characters meant to teach the children reading about right and wrong.  I used to love reading them but must admit [...]

If the student was a follower/supporter of the bully: Intervene Immediately Provide a system of graceful accountability while allowing natural consequences to occur Create opportunities to “do good” Nurture empathy Teach friendship skills – assertive, respectful, and peaceful ways to relate to others Monitor/Criticize/Converse about TV shows, movies, music, and video games that reinforce violence [...]

Four Reasons for not intervening: 1.  The bystander is afraid of getting hurt himself.  The bully is bigger and stronger and has a reputation that justifies the fears; so jumping into the melee doesn’t appear to be a smart thing to do.   2.  The bystander is afraid of becoming a new target of the [...]

A boundary is a real or understood line in what is acceptable adult volunteer behavior, what falls within their responsibility and competency. A boundary crossing is a benign deviation from the standards of care that is done so in a way that is not harmful or exploitive to the student. An example of this is [...]

Because of the difficulties students have in early and mid-adolescence to manage strong feelings of intimacy, the new experience of having someone who listens and whom they can trust sometimes lead them to believe that they are in love with their youth worker.  Sadly, many at-risk students are so accustomed to negative feelings (shame, fear, [...]