Shadow Teacher means having an “additional support” in mainstream classrooms for children with different needs and abilities. They work hand-in-hand with lead teachers to bridge the gap between the specific needs of these children and the resources available within the regular classroom setting.
Firstly, it’s required by the school to have 2 teachers for such young children in school, one lead and other shadow, so that the children who aren’t able to keep up with the lessons in class, can catch up on the lessons with the help of the shadow teacher. Preschool teachers are especially trained in ways that they can understand different learning preferences and styles of each little kid, so that they can help each child based on their specific needs. Since lead teacher may not be able to do that, there is shadow or secondary teacher, school counselor, special educator who can help in understanding the basic concepts being taught in class. So looking for a school that has such facilities for easing the transition for the child can be of great help. Shadow teacher doesn’t teach, she helps the child understand & learn what is taught in class better, by understanding their learning style & bridging the gap in early years.
Secondly, children don’t learn by preaching but by example, play & observation. For the child to become comfortable with the new language, the family members around her would need to also embrace the new language at home. And make it a play.
She knows only Tamil & Hindi because that’s probably the language you all talk in or teach her at home. Plus, Giving her activity sheets, while she is on bed rest could easily bore & overwhelm her (hence not paying attention or becoming adamant).
Make sure that while she is on bed rest make it enjoyable for her, watch cartoons shows or movies in Hindi/marathi, learn the basics of the new language (Hindi/marathi) with her & make it into a game, atleast in addition to the activity sheets. You can also contact her class teacher & take the lesson plan & activities planned from her, and plan activities for your daughter around that. And if the parents are busy, search for in call teachers to come home for your grand daughter. (Ask class teacher for reference or help in case she knows anyone)
Third & lastly, your child isn’t adamant, she is uncomfortable with something & trying to communicate that. She is not sitting in one place in class or not writing because there is some challenge she is facing wrt interest in what’s being taught, the way it’s being taught + children this age have lot of energy that they want to direct only towards play. Understand your child’s challenges rather than labelling her to help her better.
Next Steps
1. Look for a school that provides additional support system (show or secondary teacher, counselor, special educator).
2. Speak in the language you want to teach her at home, in conversations, learn the language with her & make it a play. Watch shows or movies together.
3. Ask class teacher for what she plans to teach in next one month, ask for activities planned & take reference for any teacher or resource person that could come teach her at home.
4. Talk to the child regarding the challenges they are facing at school, understand from them what’s happening instead of judging/labelling or telling what’s happening or whats wrong.