Black boys with epilepsy may have working memory issues but that doesn’t require any special magic to teach them.
“Be an advocate for your child. If you believe your child can do more speak up. If you feel that they are in a learning environment that is not a good fit for them speak up. You are your child’s voice.”, states a local Atlanta teacher and advocate for Black boys with epilepsy.
Traci Bryant has seen success with her son and Black boys she teaches by their growth in responding to questions or prompts that use the information they know.
She uses thematic teaching which engages Black boys in learning similar concepts and skills throughout the day in different capacities.
Black boys with epilepsy thrive on consistency and repetition. Thematic teaching provides students with an opportunity to receive and apply information in a variety of ways.
“Being a teacher and a parent of a Black boy with epilepsy has allowed me to help them find academic success!”
Assignments and instruction should focus more on recognition and less on retrieval of information.
This builds confidence for Black boy. It also demonstrates their level of understanding.
She told me in a recent interview that the best advice she could give a fellow parent would be to not compare your son to another Black boy.
It’s also important for teachers to remember that every child is different and epilepsy affects everyone differently.
Ms. Bryant believes it’s very important for parents to communicate with their child’s teacher frequently.
Discuss the challenges your child has and collaborate with them to ensure your child receives what they need.
Traci Bryant is a Science Teacher (K-2) and Summer Camp Director for Midtown International School
Jason has worked in education for over 15 years as a teacher, blogger and community advocate. He speaks and writes primarily about the need to improve education for Black boys, particularly increasing the number of Black male educators in schools. In addition to blogging here at EdLanta, Jason is also a featured writer at Education Post.