I work with kids with significant disabilities who we keep in public school until they’re age 22. They do unskilled jobs and volunteer ‘work’ and safety is a big concern. If there are five students and one teacher at a table, a plastic device that automatically measures and has a hidden blade is going to be much better for them than scissors or box knives. Yes, we do need to teach children to safely use everyday items and for most kids that’s fine, but there are some for whom ‘just do it my way’ doesn’t work. Your life experience may not be the same as that of other people. Teach generally, but make space for the individual.
That’s great. Use this thing. It’s what I’d give my developmentally disabled 55 year old uncle as well.
But, it’s definitely not what I’d teach my child or the vast majority of other children. A typical child only needs a couple of safety accommodations relative an adult: an auto-reteact safety knife and a double fence.
I work with kids with significant disabilities who we keep in public school until they’re age 22. They do unskilled jobs and volunteer ‘work’ and safety is a big concern. If there are five students and one teacher at a table, a plastic device that automatically measures and has a hidden blade is going to be much better for them than scissors or box knives. Yes, we do need to teach children to safely use everyday items and for most kids that’s fine, but there are some for whom ‘just do it my way’ doesn’t work. Your life experience may not be the same as that of other people. Teach generally, but make space for the individual.
That’s great. Use this thing. It’s what I’d give my developmentally disabled 55 year old uncle as well.
But, it’s definitely not what I’d teach my child or the vast majority of other children. A typical child only needs a couple of safety accommodations relative an adult: an auto-reteact safety knife and a double fence.