Pediatric Neuropsychologist Dr. Eavan Miles-Mason discusses language based programs with Kid CenterED educational advocate and former Landmark School special educator Joni McLaughlin.
Welcome to the latest entry of our blog, where we delve into the enriching world of special education, inspired by the Speaking of Kids podcast. This blog post is an overview of what was covered in the recent podcast episode “What Is A Language Based Learning Program?” which you can listen to below or wherever you get your podcasts.
Our guest, Dr. Eavan Miles-Mason, had an enlightening conversation with Joni McClaughlin, a seasoned special educator with a 25-year tenure, including over two decades at the Landmark School in Massachusetts. Joni’s expertise lies in educating students with language-based learning disabilities, a field where she has been a trailblazer, especially in founding elementary school programs. Joni is now a member of the Kid CenterED team.
Joni’s journey in special education is remarkable. She’s not only taught across all curricular areas but also served as an academic advisor and public school liaison. Her involvement in progress monitoring for students reflects her deep commitment to their development.
The podcast’s main focus was on language-based classrooms, a topic Joni is particularly passionate about. She elaborated on the four domains of language: reading, speaking, listening, and writing, emphasizing how a student with a language-based learning disability often struggles in multiple areas. Students with such disabilities, including dyslexia, face challenges in phonemic awareness, rapid naming, and efficient reading, which subsequently impacts their comprehension and vocabulary development.
Joni stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges in a structured, compassionate educational environment. Her approach to teaching, which involves integrating these four domains of language into each lesson, is not just about imparting knowledge but empowering students with the tools to manage their disabilities effectively.
One of the podcast’s highlights was the discussion on the nuances of language processing and how it affects students in various ways. For instance, a student might have strong oral language skills but struggle significantly with written expression. This disparity can lead to challenges in participating in fast-paced classroom discussions, impacting their confidence and learning experience.
Throughout the podcast, Joni emphasized the need for a specialized, strategy-based teaching approach for students with language-based learning disabilities. She illustrated how lessons designed to address the four language domains, delivered by trained educators, can significantly enhance a student’s learning experience. By creating a supportive, understanding environment, educators can help these students not only to learn effectively but also to build confidence and a positive self-image.
In conclusion, this episode of Speaking of Kids podcast was a deep dive into the transformative power of language-based instruction. Joni McClaughlin’s insights shed light on the unique challenges faced by students with language-based learning disabilities and the effective strategies educators can employ to help these students thrive. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated, informed teaching can have on the lives of students with special needs.