October 2005
Sofia's School
Sofia hard at work enjoying Arts and Crafts.
An Amazing Report Card!
I wondered how they could come to such an assessment on a little girl of only three years -- in fact, she was only two-and-one-half at the time. One day I spent a morning in the classroom with the kids and got a chance to see what was going on. I was able to watch Sofia in action, and was so darned impressed that I just have to tell the world.
Sofia is usually there a little before most of the other kids arrive, and when they do, she is there by the door, a big smile on her face, waving and saying 'Hi!' to them as if she were an official greeter. The children vary in age from two to four years, and have a wide variety of disabilities although a few have none at all -- the school is fully integrated. The children aren't really aware of each other's disabilities, or that they themselves have disabilities -- at that age they just see other children and all are treated equally. The staff are aware, but very little is done to make any of the kids feel different from one another.
When Sofia sees one of the kids upset about something, she will go over to them and puts her hand on their shoulder or pats them gently on the head as if to say 'everything will be OK'. She has an amazing look of understanding and compassion on her face, and surprisingly, she sometimes does have a calming influence on them.
One young fellow has problems when his father leaves him there, and clings to his dad. If you try to say anything to him, he hides behind his father. If you go behind, he moves around in front. Today Sofia actually climbed between the father's legs to be able to try to console the boy. It was beautiful to behold! (Note - he is slowly coming around but it's going to take a while!)
There are boxes of Kleenex hanging on the wall at handy locations as it seems we are frequently wiping noses, tears, and little bums. Today, during Snacktime, Sofia was trying to reach a box, but was too short. I reached over and gave her a Kleenex, wondering what she wanted it for. She took it over to wipe the crumbs from a little friend's mouth! Another teacher saw it and was amazed! I, of course, was bursting with pride!
She is very at home in the classroom, and requires little if any guidance. I almost feel guilty as some of the children need a lot of help, and I have to devote more of my time to them, but it doesn't seem to bother Sofia who is busy visiting all the others to see what they are doing. She always has a smile for them.
When the class is finishing, Sofia is always there waving 'Bye Bye' to her little friends and blowing kisses. What an amazing little kid she is turning out to be!
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| Sofia's friend and Classmate from last year, Cole. | Bronte -- a new little friend and Classmate |
Cole was in Sofia's class last year and this year continues as her good friend. Little Bronte is new this year but already they are good friends. They are always happy and smiling, and glad to give hugs and blow kisses. The children in the class number from ten to twelve depending on the day of the week, and their ages range from two to four years old. They are not all special needs as the school is integrated which is a wonderful thing. Aside from the great feelings when you see them learning, it is the smiles from the children, and the fun I have with them that keeps me going back day after day!
Grampa Goes There Too!
'Grampa' Irv -- Volunteer!
Whoever said 'never volunteer' was wrong!
What a Wonderful Way To Start My Day!
The kids and teachers call me 'Grampa Irv' which I love! It's much easier than trying to teach them to say my name!
I enjoyed a previous visit so much that I became a formal volunteer at Sofia's school, and serve in her classroom. Like Sofia, I go five mornings a week. I arrive about 7:30AM and usually leave after the last child has been picked up at about 11:30AM. At that time the teachers are setting up in preparation for the afternoon class which will soon arrive. I leave dog tired -- I don't know how the other teachers manage!
There is a teacher, her assistant, and usually a therapist, or visiting student nurse or teacher, and in our case a volunteer, me, in the classroom. It takes a few of us to see that the kids are both learning and behaving!
At about 11:00AM the parents begin arriving to pick up their children. This is always fun because they get a chance to watch the kids at play and sometimes are invited to take part in the playground activities. The children, of course, are always very happy to see their families. By about 11:30 the last of the children have been picked up, and the classroom staff begin setting up for the afternoon class. 'Grampa Irv' leaves -- tired but feeling good! I can hardly wait for the next school day -- I miss the kids!
Classroom Scenes
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| Our little learning circle | Activity time |
In the 'Circle' the children hear stories, sing and dance, learn the alphabet song, and a little about the calendar -- the season, the month, and the days of the week. The children are encouraged to use both speech and sign language. Maximum participation is encouraged, and even I join in the dancing and singing! Activites in the classroom vary from day to day but include Playdough, Puzzles, Arts & Crafts, Water Table, Sandbox, Storytime, Snacktime, Playground, and more. Each set of activities lasts about one-half hour so that the children don't lose interest. We all have a good time.