Jared's teachers and school staff are preparing for the first day of school next week. As all teachers do, they come to school a few weeks early and go through all the school year preparation. This year, however, the new administrator of the school invited an expert on learning challenges to spend one day with the staff. I had the privilege of spending 3 hours listening to this wonderful, thought-provoking individual. I'm still not quite sure if I should state her name, as she told so many personal stories that I'll be writing about in my next few blog entries. Most importantly, she walked each of the staff members through a 1/2 day exercise of what it's like to have various learning challenges like dyslexia, dysgraphia and auditory processing disorder. They all had to attend school with a learning disability.
Some of the teachers I talked with had tears in their eyes. They had no idea the extent in which these children struggle daily. The teachers, with their faux disabilities, couldn't follow directions to even draw a star and felt helpless. Some of them received behavior notices, which I really liked, as I've signed plenty of those for Jared. His teacher from last year cried the entire day because she loves my son so much and had no idea what he was going through. This expert explained the neurology of children like Jared in a way these educators could understand.
The session I attended, in the afternoon, was phenomenal. I furiously took notes and have so much to share. I am proud to be a part of a school that is dedicated to helping children with an intervention program for dyslexia, dysgraphia and APD. I am glad that someone else is invested in helping my child not say "dog" when he's reading "God" (happens quite often). Above all, for the first time I don't feel quite so alone in this journey. His elementary principal already has 80 hours in APD training and assured me of some positive things that she will be doing with Jared. I am blessed.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
You were taking notes?! Amazing what we'll do for our kids! ;) wink! So happy that the school is there for support now and not more hardship. You all are very blessed!
ReplyDeleteWow! I have tears in my eyes as I read this!
ReplyDeleteIt gives me an exciting feeling inside to know that he's going to be surrounded by people who will better understand what he's experiencing.
What an awesome thing this is in y'alls APD journey.