TA chat forum

Swizzle · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:22 pm Post subject: Phobia

I was in a Science lesson today (year7) where a pupil almost fainted (took him about 10 mins to recover) over the sight of one of those anatomical models of a human torso. (first Biology lesson!)

Has anyone tried to deal with anything like this - if so, how?!

I tried getting him to think that it was just plastic shapes - & assured him that we wouldn't be cutting / handling any real bits & pieces but he also said he wasn't sure how he'd react to diagrams or photos.

Just wondered what the best approach was to help him deal with this.

BabyBoo · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:47 pm Post subject:

1-1 work outside the science lesson and introduce the model a bit at a time maybe. Show diagrams and pictures first, let him touch the model and go as fast or as slows as he needs.

trueblue · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 7:14 pm Post subject:

How awful for both of you. Yes I'd say 1:1 starting with pictures too. And at whatever pace he can deal with.

Safe to say you do not have a doctor there then Confused

Swizzle · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 7:37 pm Post subject:

The teacher & I didn't think he needed medical attention - just some time outside the classroom. Thankfully I noticed how pale he was going before he keeled over !!
I could understand it maybe if we were cutting up something - but to have such a strong reaction to a plastic model !!
I will ask the teacher for advance warning of whats next to try & prepare the lad (poor thing!)

Shirazee · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

trueblue wrote:

Safe to say you do not have a doctor there then Confused

I think true meant that the pupil doesn't have any ambitions to be a doctor Smile

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Tiki · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:54 pm Post subject:

Have you checked with his family to see if there is any medical history why this might have occurred. A bad visit to the doctor, hospital stay or even a tv program or game he played.

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Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue

Jack-of-all-Trades · prefect Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 9843 Location: england

I agree Tiki could be a reaction to something he has seen when tiny and may not remember.

Swizzle · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks all - he said his dad has the same sort of reaction to things like that, so it may be that he has 'picked up' the fear from his dad. I think know that we are aware of his worries, it may make it easier to work round. It was quite a sudden switch in topics too - which may have caused him to panic about what was coming up next maybe.

Ill see how he is with the next lesson

Embarassed

yes, I missed the doctor comment !!! It's been a trying day !

trueblue · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:15 pm Post subject:

Shirazee wrote:

trueblue wrote:

Safe to say you do not have a doctor there then Confused

I think true meant that the pupil doesn't have any ambitions to be a doctor Smile

Yes I did, sorry to confuse Shocked

Swizzle · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject:

His mum sent in a letter to the science teacher to say to be aware that he is affected by 'discussions about body parts' - not really much help!

This section of the curriculum should be interesting !! Wait till we get onto the topic concerning reproduction !!??