I got to witness the morning routine in Lincoln's class this morning. From the drop off, to the bell ringing, to getting undressed and emptying back packs, to them writing their names - at assigned chairs, then grabbing a book and patiently waiting for the national anthem and morning announcements. Even though they were thrilled to have a 'new' student (a.k.a. Parker) in their class, they were amazingly well behaved - especially since he was "Lincolns brother!" Lincoln was one of the rest. He traced his name : L-i-n-oOOl, followed by a free hand L-i, and then proudly wavied it in the air saying "I wrote my name". Then he got up, grabbed a book, said "hi mom (turned to Parker) - Parker, grab a book - sit" and sat - ready for circle time. He knew what to do. And he did it, quite quick! They then sang an ABC song with letters and sounds. Lincoln was recognized for doing an amazing job sounding all the letters, and he totally got his "F" sound PERFECTLY! (which we have been working on). They did some reading, about having a special guest (which they said was Parker, but his teachers called the guest a her - either way...) Then it was ME time. I was quite nervous about what to talk about to be honest with you, but after much thought and research on the appropriate thing for that age group, I came across a few books. None of which were available at any indigo's in the city!! I did find a book on differences, then bought a book from an online book store called "my friend Isabelle" Its a book about a boy who has a friend named Isabelle. He mentions that in some ways they are different, but they still like to do the same things. He is tall, she is short, he runs fast, she takes her time, they eat snacks, play at the park, dance, etc. together. Isabelle happens to have Down syndrome, and I thought the book explained everything I needed to say. Not too many questions were asked (I'm kind of thankful for that). After the book, we did some discussing, then an activity I found online that involved marshmallows. I think thats where I won them over, because they were SO interested in everything!! They were having a blast!! They put a marshmallow in their mouths and we sang the ABC's. When the song was done, they enjoyed their marshmallows (yes - even Lincoln - had.a.lick. yup. not kidding), and said "that was hard!!" The example was to give a bit of an explanation as to why its much harder for Lincoln to talk, and how they really had to work hard to be able to say the alphabet with a mouth full. Then they wrote their names with socks on their hands for the same purpose. Some did quite well, but others admitted to a struggle. Then we read another story that talked about why its ok to be different - called "Its OK to be different" I also printed a little thing for the kids to take home in their agenda (see pic below). Lincolns note home today said that they all loved it, and were very happy I could come in to talk with the class, and the note was sent home with each classmate. Im so glad the kids had a blast, and I loved being able to witness Lincoln in a classroom situation with a whole bunch of other kids. He made me so proud. I honestly couldn't be happier. So a big Thank you to Lincoln's school for letting this happen.
