Summer Shopping!

I broke down!  I really, really, really wanted one of those HearAll or EasiSpeak recorders. I love Learning Resources products.... So I bought one. I took advantage to a no shipping fees thing I got on my school email.  I R-E-A-L-L-Y wanted one to use with a particular student, a selective  mute.  Here's the background; the student speaks at home, but not at school. Has anyone had any experience?

I have done a ton of research!  It turns out this is a severe anxiety disorder.  Contrary to popular belief the child has not had an extreme trauma.  I am going to do my darnedest to make them feel safe and comfortable.

    I have been working since May to reduce the anxiety of coming to school.  It started with me talking to the student at the end of the day during dismissal at the end of the school year.  We (school counselor and I) told the student that they would be in my room, less summer anxiety.  At summer school this student was in ELL - I taught guided reading, but I made a point of going to the bus line to talk to the student daily.  Then I invited the student, a cousin and mom to my classroom.  This week I was ready for mom and student, but surprise-- the student was cool just hangin' with me!!!  HUGE step!!  I thought that was at least 2 or 3 weeks away! 

The student has been helping me organize my classroom library.  We put up bulletin boards, we only got two finished.  I promised not to do any more without them.  I let this child choose fabric and borders.  Do you know how hard that is for me??  I am so OCD -- see below, CDO as I refer to it.  I like things alphabetical!

Anyway, I asked the child if I had a microphone that recorded would they read into it?  The student said yes!  I am praying this will give me an accurate idea of where they read.  I am also hoping the student will record some basic things, morning greeting, lunch choice, part of our shared reading.  As I understand it, if I can get the other kids to lay off the "____ doesn't talk." It will help reduce the pressure not to talk on the child.

Do you think it will work?  Help!

Kim