Paul Garcia

Paul Garcia

Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Pre-K - 5

[email protected]

Lessons Learned

• Children experiencing maltreatment may be withdrawn or quiet. With these children it is important to be vigilant and to find a few moments daily to connect with them.
• Communication is key; With parents, family, as well as school staff, to ensure success of students, in particular, those experiencing maltreatment.
• Lower expectations for children with disabilities and inadequate instruction and interventions, in particular in the area of literacy, is a form of systemic maltreatment. 

Resources Developed

• Mindfulness Video created for my school: https://youtu.be/JKz92c0Gvf8?si=Lg6mLWemxxrkFF8M 
• School Song “Children of Valor”
• Ferny the Dragon’s video messages: https://youtu.be/AxWCWP1xuHI?si=kX2kP3SnSiO70lzL

Suggested Resources

• Four Powerful Ways You Can Shift Your Language to Welcome Students
• Music Therapy for Traumatized Children 
• School counselor/Social Worker or School nurse 

Collaborative Areas of Interest

• The importance of literacy and connection between illiteracy and maltreatment
• Games as a way of bringing students together and creating a sense of community and belonging 
• Music as an intervention for students experiencing maltreatment