A New Beginning
Often there are moments in one’s career where there is a decision that must be made. Do I stay or do I go? When faced with this decision the scales are evaluated. The decision is mowed over. The process of identifying all the pros and cons begin. Every aspect is considered. The moments from yester years are identified and the most current event is added to the list. Here is a story that was the catalyst for my New Beginning. It is the fuel that has sparked the coming movement. The Education of Parents and their Village, who care for children who are on the Spectrum or classified as Autistic.
Just as one reaches the pinnacle in a major career decision, in walks a student that changes the game. S/he becomes the light that was needed to hold on just a little while longer. Now this may not be the case for everyone. Instead of holding on, it is the reason you make your move to exit left. Luckily for me, he was my new beginning. He was a young student with a sparkle in his eye and a longing for familiarity. Armed with the preparation for school that his mother prepared him with, he walked through the gates of the school yard. He embraced the momentary concept of going to school. Then as the gates closed and the reality hit him. The gates were a symbol of separation and a change from his normal, fright set in and he let everyone know that he was not accepting of this situation. Faced with the barriers of inability to verbalize his feelings and the lack of social skills, my students shared his dissatisfaction loudly with the class. He rang on and on until it was time to go.
A challenge that many would shy away from, I met the student where he was. Together Mom, Dad and I collaborated. He was my light in a dark tunnel. He was my new beginning. He made me stretch my pedagogy; enhance my understanding of technology; embrace the power of music and interactive learning. I became alive. I had a new mission. I had a purpose that awaken a sleeping giant. By the end of the year, everyone noticed and acknowledge how he had evolved. I am not sure if it was his evolution or mine that was most important.
Not everyone’s story will have the same outcome. However the journey, I will share in this series is an account of how the movement was born. We must not make students who are on the Spectrum, Autistic , or even with ADHD conform to what we think is the norm. Instead we must open up the window, doors, and our imaginations to create a free environment of barriers so they can thrive and soar.
Are you ready for the MOVEMENT!
Thank you Z for birthing the change.
