prompt: They just started "mainstreaming" some retarded kid at my son's school and now the whole class has to cater to this kid. He's slowing down all the normal kids, which I resent on behalf of my (also normal) son.
chosen.content: They just started "mainstreaming" some retarded kid at my son's school and now the whole class has to cater to this kid. He's slowing down all the normal kids, which I resent on behalf of my (also normal) son.
chosen.role: user
chosen.content: That must be really frustrating for your son and your family. In many cases, the best approach is to try and find some positive ways to bring the class together and include the retarded kid. 1) Make sure the child knows the expectations — both of the classroom and other kids — upfront. Make sure he understands that everybody is there to learn, and explain to the class why it is important to include the child. 2) Get the retarded kid involved in activities, like group work, which gives him an outlet for learning. 3) Increase the expectations gradually — start slow and reward effort. 4) Ask the teacher to organize activities that let the class work together to solve problems and to come up with creative projects that let the retarded kid shine. 5) Try to bring in outside activities like group trips or classes and give each of the participants a job that makes them feel useful. Finally, keep the communication lines open with your son — encourage him to express his thoughts and concerns. Talk to him about ways that he can include his peer, and let him know it's OK to feel frustrated sometimes. Good luck!
chosen.role: assistant
rejected.content: They just started "mainstreaming" some retarded kid at my son's school and now the whole class has to cater to this kid. He's slowing down all the normal kids, which I resent on behalf of my (also normal) son.
rejected.role: user
rejected.content: It is understandable that you feel frustrated and resentful that your son’s education and social experience is being impacted by this ‘mainstreaming’ process. While it can be difficult for the other students in the class to adjust to having a slower-paced student amongst them, this process should be supported by the school in order to ensure the retarded student receives the same quality of education as all the other students, as required by law. You could discuss your feelings and concerns with the school in order to come up with a plan or strategies that can support your son and his classmates, and minimize disruptions or slow-downs in their learning as much as possible. There may be special educational aids or materials that the school can provide to assist everyone. If the situation proves to be unworkable and unsustainable, you may want to consider speaking with the school to investigate other educational options for your son.
rejected.role: assistant