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An interview with Danielle Klan, our talented clinician from Waynesville, Ohio
Q: What are some ways to support a child’s distance learning?
Aside from having a good secure online platform, engaging the student with a variety of activities and strategies will make learning more fun and exciting for the child. Learning through games is a great way to get a child’s attention and interest. Additionally, it is important to communicate and provide parents with resources to continue the learning at home.
Q: What are some ways you make learning fun for your students?
There are a few that come to mind. One way is to use music! Music that incorporates body movements and piggybacks on math or reading concepts that were taught are great. A couple that I enjoy using are Jack Hartmann and GoNoodle. They can also be used during lessons, in the classroom or at home and are easily accessible. I also like to use games because they are interactive and keep things fun for the student. Lastly, I think it is important to focus on a child’s interests and incorporate them to their learning experience.
Q: What advice would you give to a parent who is concerned that their child is falling behind?
Staying involved would be my best advice. This includes regularly connecting with professionals involved in the child’s learning whether that is a classroom teacher, a learning specialist, resource teacher or a clinician. If you are “in the know,” you can more seamlessly connect what and how your child is learning at school in the home. This can include resources, strategies and even the kind of language professionals are using with the child.
Q: What do you think are the most important characteristics of an educator?
There are many but I was able to narrow it down to my top three.
First, an educator should be passionate. You have to be passionate and driven about what you do. If you are not engaged, you can’t expect your students to be.
Secondly, you have to be knowledgeable. You should know your student’s current wants/needs/desires and also be aware of how you can continue to foster their learning even after they’ve met their goals.
Thirdly, you have to be flexible. Being an educator requires you to adapt to changes all the time. You have to be OK with trying new and different things in the best interest of the child.
Q: If you could be a character in any book or movie, who would it be and why?
I totally would be Pete the Cat because he is just so fun! He constantly sings and brings joy to kids. His books also share valuable lessons and good underlying messages for kids.
Danielle received her MA in Special Education from Miami University of Ohio. She has experience as a general education teacher and intervention specialist in the primary education grades. She is trained in the Orton- Gillingham approach for reading intervention and instruction.
Areas of Focus: Primary Education, Structured Literacy, Reading Decoding, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Language Arts, Elementary Math, Executive Function, Organizational & Study Skills, Metacognitive Strategies, Social Emotional Learning
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