This morning we were running late. My son who is in the special needs 1st grade was really "off" this morning too. This combination can be explosive. He's already cranky and crying... then to stress him out with having to hurry can be just too much for him.
I noticed that when my husband held him and just rocked him that my little Power Ranger (what he calls himself) was able to chill out and actually get some stuff done (eat, get dressed etc...).
By the time we got to school we were still in hurry mode. I had the twins take off to their door to get in the school while I carried Power Ranger to his class that were standing outside by the busses. Students were still being unloaded. I could feel him relaxing in my arms. I do this so he's as relaxed and destressed as possible before pawning him off on his teacher and the aids.
Then we walked to the cafeteria where more than half the kids eat breakfast. This is where it got LOUD!!! Kids yelling, freaking out, panic attacks, running whever they felt like it. Meanwhile these ANGELS stood nearby making sure the kids didn't hurt themselves or anyone else. They used soft words and gentle hands to bring these kids back from whever their minds had taken them.
These women are true angels without wings. They deal with children with all sorts of mental and physical disorders. They keep some level of order and figure out how each of their student's "tick". They are the calmest and most tender hearted women in the world. They can be firm when necessary so don't assume their sweet nature means they are all pushovers.
We are blessed to have the same teacher this year that Power Ranger had last year. It took both of us working with him for about 3 months to figure out how to push the right buttons to get the right actions out of him. Since she already knows him we don't lose that 3 months of figuring him out again. Mrs. "C" got him to read about 4 words last year. I'm eager to see how far she can push him this year.
Teaching is a TALENT!!! It takes a great deal of patience (that I don't have). I am always grateful for these men and women who take on the HUGE responsibility of molding my children into intelligent, creative, well rounded adults. They have skills and talents that I do not have. But I truely believe that God gave an extra serving of love and patience to these women who take on the huge responsibility of teaching and nurturing the special needs children. I wish I could give them all awards and special recognition just for them being them.
3 comments:
Hooray for awesome teachers who "get" your kids!
I completely agree. Teachers make all the difference. Like you, I'd follow a good teacher anywhere- and have.
LOL - Friday Power Ranger's class had a substitute. His regular teacher was having surgery on her heart to close a hole. She has suffered a lifetime of migranes and the doc believes this is the cause of them.
Anyway... You should have seen the sub at the end of the day. One of the classroom aids said that she thought he was very worn out. She said that subbing in a special needs class can be very shocking if you're not use to it. He did have a VERY calm personality when I met him Friday morning.
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