In addition to being appropriate for students identified as educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, hearing impaired and orthopedically impaired, this program is also appropriate for students who are moderately handicapped. It's important to keep in mind overall goals for each student when determining how to use this program. Students should feel good about their bodies. They should work toward being as safe and as healthy as possible. It is hoped that they will have the best social experiences possible.
Teachers need to think in terms of identifying which information the student will be able to understand and use. Although students who are moderately handicapped may not be able to understand the more abstract information in the program, the positive tone of the program should remain an integral component.
Here are some specific suggestions for adapting this program for students who have lower cognitive abilities.
- Simplify the text when appropriate.
- Use teaching questions that encourage students to demonstrate their understanding of the information. That is, have them point to or name something related to the topic on the card.
- Focus on the teaching strategies in the Lessons that involve actual hygiene products.
- Students may need to learn some of the information presented in this program as situations arise in their daily lives. For example, it's important to give the girls information about menstrual hygiene ahead of time, but specific training may be needed once a girl starts her period.
- It may be helpful as situations arise to take out the book or a specific picture card to reinforce student learning. For example, when a student begins to need deodorant and doesn't seem to understand, it may be helpful to bring the book out and see if the student can somehow relate to the picture as you explain deodorant in simple terms again.
- In order to help students with social acceptability, teachers may need to focus on helping students practice appropriate hygiene as well as helping them develop a clear understanding of which body parts, clothing and behaviors are private. The more their appearance reflects good hygiene and their behavior reflects an under- standing of the issue of privacy, the more socially acceptable they will be.
It is believed that with this simplified and more everyday approach students identified as moderately handicapped can benefit from the information presented in this curriculum.