Day 15: The Five-Year-Old World

On Friday I handed out Braille alphabet cards.  The kids closed their eyes and felt the little tiny dots and exclaimed, "Oh I can read it.  That is easy."  When I showed them just the book of Acts in Braille their jaws all dropped.  In fact they were speechless.

We hung numerous butterflies.  They now cover both sides of the long hallways in the school.  Every year someone suggests I have one butterfly be the equivalent of $5 so that we don't have to have so many.  Five-year-olds don't really understand money or the magnitude of a number but they do understand hundreds and hundreds of butterflies down hallways.  It is always an interesting challenge for me to stop and think like a five-year-old.  In some respects their minds are so simplistic and yet, they continually blow my mind with how they get things so much easier than adults do.  I really do love living in their world for 5 hours a day :)

I think the toughest part of the unit is coming up.  How do I make the celebration at the end meaningful to the kids?  I am proud of them and want them to know that but I also don't want them to loose sight of it really being about sacrifice and helping a friend.  I would covet your prayers as the plans come together to celebrate the "butterfly effect" fifteen children generated.

Day 14: Powerful People (Who Happen To Be Visually Impaired)

Today I shared a story from the Bible about a blind boy.  He overheard some people talking about his blindness.  They wondered if his blindness was caused by his sin or the sin of his parents.  We want to think that no one thinks that way anymore, but sadly we often do.  We tend to want to think that we have much more control over things than we really do.  If we do or don't do something then we won't get cancer.  If we eat right we won't have any health problems.  If we don't make any bad choices everything will turn out great.  Of course I advocate making good choices and eating right, but things still happen.

In scripture it says that this boy was born blind so that God's power could be demonstrated through him.  I love telling the kids that I have seen God's power through so many people with disabilities.  People that have overcome huge challenges in order for God to be glorified.  

We also watched some clips of some incredibly talented people that happen to be blind.  They loved listening to the music of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.  They had a number of questions about glasses and how they can play the piano when they can't see, but they were definitely impressed by their talent.

We spent some time talking about when one sense is missing some of the other senses move to the forefront and help compensate.  I shared a video of a blind man that made a basket at a basketball game and won McDonald's for a year.  This man was blind yet made the basket.  I asked the kids what sense he relied on and the first several kids said he must have felt the basket.  I told them he didn't.  Eventually they guessed hearing but couldn't figure out what he heard.  They were amazed when I told them he had a friend call to him while standing under the basket.  I love watching the kids brainstorm and find a different way to do something.  I hope this skill will help them in their lives.  I know it has been a valuable tool for me.  My dad would always give me different scenarios and ask me what a "reasonable accommodation" would be for a particular person with a disability.

We read a great story today about a dog with some special needs.  He was born small and weak and people said he would never be a sled dog on a team.  Due to the dedication of his owner and musher, he proved everyone wrong.  He went on to win many competitions.  The kids loved hearing a story about a dog and seeing him overcome his challenges.

Just before lunch we had a few fun activities.  We blindfolded the children, spun them around and then had them sign their name on a piece of paper.  They enjoyed taking off the blindfold and seeing how they did.  Afterwards I had the children spread out across the classroom and one at a time say hello to our aide in the classroom.  She had to guess which one called out to her.  I must say she was pretty amazing.  She got 7 out of the 11 that we there.  It is a lot tougher than it seems!

It has been a great week full of excitement.  I am excited to say...

The kids have now raised enough for 10 wheelchairs!!!  

I am so proud of their hard work!

Day 13: How To Be A Friend To Someone With a Visual Impairment

Today we focused on tips provided by Joni Eareckson Tada on "How To Be a Friend To Someone With a Visual Impairment." I am always surprised by how well the children remember the suggestions.  In essence we talked about not yelling or raising your voice at someone with a visual impairment.  We should also say who we are when we approach someone that is blind, as well as anyone that is with us.  Don't walk around while you are talking to the person or at least let them know where you are going.  We shouldn't pull them around but rather, offer our arm to them to guide them if they want us to.  We should also not pet a guide dog without asking permission first since the dog is doing a job and is working.

I am so grateful for the information Joni has provided.  It has been invaluable in teaching the kids how to be a good friend.  Please visit www.joniandfriends.org for more information.

Day 12: Their Sacrifice is Pure and Beautiful!

We started the morning by hanging butterflies down the hallway.  The kids were excited that we had filled one long hallway and have now started on another one.  The kids enjoy stepping out of class and being the special helper that hangs up the butterflies.  I love how they all cheer each other on and congratulate one another when they are hanging their butterflies.  We are still about 300 butterflies behind so tomorrow will be another exciting day!

Today we talked about visual impairment.  I held up a sheet of wax paper and looked around the room with it.  I told them I could see the light in the windows and could see the dark doors but that was about all.  I shared with them that some people with a visual impairment can only see light and dark.  I then held up a piece of wax paper with a hole in it.  I told them this is similar to tunnel vision.  The person can see right in front of them but they don't have peripheral vision.

We talked about different tools people with visual impairment use to help them such as glasses, contacts, canes, guide dogs, Braille, and other tools.  One of my students wore glasses for the first time today and all of the kids were telling her how great she looked.  She was very proud and one of my other students told her that she would help her with her glasses.  We also talked about vision problems that you may have when you are young versus vision problems that can occur when you are older.

I told the kids I wanted to try an experiment.  We talked about when one sense is gone or impaired  other senses kick in even more.  They remembered some of the things they learned from Helen Keller and how she used the sense of smell and touch to know who was coming towards her.  I closed my eyes and asked the kids to line up in front of me and not say a word.  One-by-one I guessed who they were by feeling their faces and hair.  I guessed them 100% correct (except for when my substitute aid got on her knees and got in line...that really threw me off!)

After our discussion I told them we were going to go on a trust walk.  They would have a partner and one of them would be blindfolded and the other partner would be their guide.  One of my kids was a little apprehensive but was soon excited about the adventure.  They were all great.  The only accident that occurred was when my aide was blindfolded and one of the kids guided her.  She walked into a sign-in table and knocked it over.  We were surprised at first but we were soon laughing once we knew everyone was fine.  We came back into the classroom and talked about how it felt to be blindfolded and how it felt to be a guide.  They all felt challenged by the experience but learned some great lessons.

The other interesting conversation that happened today was over "The Wizard of Oz."  The kids said, "You know, Mrs. Boggess, that movie is about people with special needs."  I was impressed by their insight.  I never looked at the movie that way but I said, "yes, they all had their own special challenge and they encouraged each other and supported each other as they faced them."  I don't think I will look at the movie the same way again!

The kids put more money and butterflies in the butterfly box today and I appreciate every single dollar they raise.  It doesn't matter how much the kids raise.  What matters is the difference the process makes in their heart and in the hearts of those that are watching.  The kids have had such pure hearts in this process.  They are happy every time another child will be able to get out of bed, play, and go to school.  They have all worked so hard and have sacrificed.  

I do want to share a special moment with one of the kids though.  It was a great way to end my day!  I was having dinner out with my husband and mother when the phone rang.  A little voice said, "Mrs. Boggess, Mrs. Boggess, it is Auri.  I raised $186 tonight!  Her excitement was pure and beautiful!  She had served dinner and had a concert in the park and charged $10 a person.  Members of the class were there to support her.  I hadn't been able to attend due to another important commitment.  It made my day that she wanted me to be part of it and share in her excitement.

I close with one of my favorite verses,

But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Luke 18:15-17 

Day 11: A Special Greeting

This morning I was greeted by my triplets carrying in bags of money and butterflies and all with huge smiles on their faces.  They were so excited to put more money in the butterfly box! They were followed by several more children with bags of money and butterflies.  I had one little girl come in with $285 from selling birdseed cakes!  The kids have now raised enough for 8 refurbished wheelchairs!!

Between celebrating, hanging butterflies, chapel, and phonics we weren't able to start our next section, "How To Be A Friend To Someone With A Visual Impairment" but we will tomorrow.  We will all go on a "trust walk" and have a variety of experiences to better understand what it is like to have a visual impairment.

Day 10: Market Day Was Blessed

On Friday the children in my class had their second market day to raise money for "Wheels For the World."  It was fun watching their faces light up every time someone purchased something.  The even more beautiful thing is they understand the money is for someone else.  They are always anxious to hear how much money came in and how many wheelchairs will be refurbished and distributed with the money they raised.  On Friday we were able to have 2 more "happy dances!"  We celebrate with a "happy dance" every time we have raised another $150.  I have a feeling there will be a few more happy dances tomorrow!

I was pretty exhausted by Friday afternoon and jumped in the car to head to Houston.  During the drive it brought me great joy to think about how much the kids have done and all they have sacrificed.  I am so proud of them.

While I was in Houston I had the opportunity to go to "Space Center Houston" with my son-in-law and grandson.  They loved a station that was set up to make paper airplanes with the chance to fly them through a variety of hoops.  I loved watching them fly the planes.  I also loved it when a young girl came forward to fly some planes.  She was apparently affected by cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair.  Everyone cheered her on as she flew her planes and offered up their planes so she could fly them as well.  Everyone clapped when she made it through the first hoop.  She was so happy.  

This is one of the biggest concepts I want my students to learn.  We should all be cheering each other on no matter what our challenge is.  We should also celebrate with each other when our challenges no longer hold us back.

Day 9: Powerful People

Today we had our first market day to raise money for "Wheels For the World."  To say the kids were excited would be an understatement!  I was so impressed with them and so proud.  They all came up with ideas and so many of them truly matched their personality.  They were friendly, proudly presented their wares, made suggestions to shoppers, made change, and thanked them at the end.  They were awesome!

Here are some of the items they sold:  Angry Birds drawings (which sold out!) and homemade cookies, bracelets and homemade "Play-Doh," a wonderful carnival booth in which you spun the wheel to see what your prize was (snack, sweet, toy, etc.), goldfish, Rice Krispie treats, snack bags and a variety of drinks, fruit snacks, a raffle for a quilt made by one of the kids and her mom, gently used books and clothes, bookmarks, potholders, refrigerator magnets, personally designed "Lego" sets, and gently used books and toys.  I don't know how much money they raised yet but they sure did a great job today!  I couldn't be more impressed!

After the morning market, we came back to the room and talked about "powerful people" who have a hearing impairment.  We started off by listening to Beethoven.  I was impressed by how many of the five-year-olds recognized the music!  Then we watched a clip from a movie about Helen Keller.  They were shocked by her temper tantrums and I explained how frustrated she was because she didn't have a way to communicate.  They were fascinated by watching Anne Sullivan, her teacher, use sign language in Helen's hand.  Their looks of concern diminished when I showed a clip of Helen Keller as an adult.  They were impressed by the challenges she faced and yet how much she did with her life.

At the end of our day, we held our market again and had numerous hungry tummies stop by for a snack.  It was a wonderful, wonderful day but I must say I am a little tired tonight....see you tomorrow!

Day 8: How To Be A Friend To Someone With A Hearing Impairment

As the children came in this morning they started making signs for our "Market Day" tomorrow.  I loved their drawings of people in wheelchairs and kids helping kids.  I asked some of the children, "Why should people give to 'Wheels For the World?'"  They had some of the best and most honest answers.  I put some of their quotes on signs to hang in our market.  One of my favorites was, "Everybody needs stuff to help them get around" and "We need to get kids wheelchairs so they can do what they want to do."

The children have been working so hard.  They brought in another $100 today and were excited to see the butterflies floating down the hallway, each one representing a $1 they had earned.  They can
hardly wait to see how the fundraising efforts go tomorrow!

During our classroom time we watched a You Tube video on "How the Ear Works."  It was animated and fun for the kids.  Of course, being five, they loved the section on ear wax :)  They did a great job remembering the parts of the outer, middle and inner ear and how sound waves are captured and messages are sent to the brain.

Later we talked about "How To Be a Friend to Someone With a Hearing Impairment."  Some of the suggestions came from Joni Eareckson Tada's curriculum and some are from my husband who is an audiologist.  After I shared the suggestions with the kids, they loved asking questions about how to apply it to their grandparents.

1.  Say the person's name before you start talking to them so they know you are talking to them and can listen more closely.

2.  If you say something to a person that is hard of hearing and they don't understand after you have said it a couple of times, reword what you are saying.  They may not be able to hear certain sounds and if you use different words, they may be able to understand.

3.  Don't yell or scream to get someone's attention, just tap them on the shoulder.

4.  Be sure to look directly at the person you are talking to because they may be reading your lips and watching your facial expressions.  Be sure not to chew gum while you are talking as it makes it more difficult to read lips.

5.  If the person is using an interpreter, be sure to talk to the person and don't talk to the interpreter about them.

6.  Be patient and supportive. As a person that struggles with moderate hearing loss, I really appreciate this one.  I know it can be frustrating to repeat what you are saying, but it is equally frustrating to have to ask.

7.  If you are trying to talk to someone with a moderate hearing loss, do not speak to them from another room.   Be sure you are close by if you want to speak to them. 

I close the day with great joy as I think about all that my students are sacrificing to help other children.  They serve with such love and excitement.  I also feel sorrow for the friends of mine that are suffering and navigating their way through great challenges.  We have so much to be grateful for and can't take a moment for granted.

A dear friend shared this clip with me.  It made me smile that someone has come up with such a helpful accommodation for families that have difficulties with mobility at the grocery store.  It made me sad that it hadn't occurred to me that it would be so difficult.  I am grateful that my dad made me aware of so many things, yet I still continue to take so many things for granted.  

There are ways to get Caroline's Carts in your local stores.  I would encourage you to be supportive and get involved in this project.   Caroline's Cart would be a huge blessing for so many families.

Welcome To Caroline's Cart | Making Mobility Easy!

www.carolinescart.com/‎

Day 7: The Blessing of Sound

The kids this year have really enjoyed my teaching assistant, Smiley, who happens to be a wheelchair.  They come in so excited when they are the line leader for the day because that means they get to ride in the wheelchair to lunch and recess.  They love spinning around the hallway, popping wheelies, and do a little wheeling all by themselves.

Today I showed them a variety of hearing aids and how they have become smaller and smaller over time.  As I tried each one on they loved telling me if they could still see it or not.  This class has been entertaining.  During our week on physical disabilities I heard stories about all of their "boo-boos."  Today I heard all about the ear infections they have had.  They are definitely finding ways to relate to the disabilities.

After typing in "Hearing Sound for the First Time" on You Tube, I was able to find some great videos of people hearing sound for the first time and more importantly, the sound of their child or parent for the first time.  Several children shared how grateful they are that their mommies can hear them say, "I love you."

The kids brought in about $200 today.  Most of the money was raised by doing chores around the house and having lemonade stands.  My student that loves to sing also had her first concert and sang her little heart out.  They were so proud as they hung up their butterflies down the hallway.  The joy on their faces is even more priceless than if I had given them a new toy.  They understand the difference they are making and are so happy for the opportunity.

Day 6: Learning About the Hearing Impaired

It was a little challenging to get up this morning after being off for a week for spring break.  When I arrived at school and my sweet kids started telling me all kinds of adventure stories, telling me about their fundraiser projects, and giving me their wonderful hugs, I was immediately glad to be back!  I really missed my kids, as well as their contagious enthusiasm!

We had a wonderful morning in circle time, chapel, phonics, playtime, lunch, and recess.  When we joined together for our special needs unit, excitement filled the room.  They kids couldn't wait to tell me about their fundraiser projects!  I have a butterfly box on my chair to contain the money the kids have raised.  We all get excited when I tell them there is money in the box and butterflies ready to put on the walls of our school.  The kids are always anxious to know how their classmate raised the money.  Both of the kids that brought in money today had worked hard around the house to earn the money.  I love seeing the pride on their faces when they tell me what they did!  One of my kids was beaming as she showed me the quilt she made with her mom that will be raffled off.  Another one of my kids has an amazing voice and told me about the concert she gave for some friends and relatives and she is going to give another one next weekend.  She really wants to be a Broadway star some day and it won't surprise me if she is!  The rest of the kids shared what they are working on for our Market Day at the end of the week.  They will be selling Lego kits, muffins, OJ, coffee, and gently used children's books and toys to name a few.

We also had our second day with Joni Eareckson Tada today.  On her DVD she shared about the wheelchairs, where they are gathered from, who repairs them, where they are taken and how they are given to people.  We talked about the different tools, accommodations, and methods of communication a hearing impaired person may use such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, lip reading, and sign language.  Tomorrow they will watch some clips of people hearing sound for the first time after getting a cochlear implant.  They will also see a variety of hearing aids and how they have evolved over the last 25 years.

I enjoy sharing what the kids are learning but I sure wish i had an adequate way to show you the kid's enthusiasm and compassion.  They just make me smile all over when I think about them!

Day 5: A Day With A Physical Therapist

On Friday we had a special guest with us.  Melissa came to teach us about physical therapy equipment and treatments.  The children had the opportunity to learn about the skills a physical therapist uses to help people with physical disabilities.  She helped them learn to balance on a therapy ball, get around in a wheelchair, and how to use a variety of other supports.  The children loved sharing stories about their past "booboo's" and asked numerous questions about people they had seen with physical disabilities.

Later we had the opportunity to meet another "powerful person."  They were quite impressed as they heard Nick Vuvijic share from his heart about what it has been like to live without arms and legs and how God has been with him.  Nick has an impactful way of showing you how God can take your weakness to show His power.  Below is the link to her from Nick yourself.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXOGgoageKI

We finished up our morning by giving each other a hug, Nic style, by putting our hands behind our backs and hugging, neck to neck.

Day 4: Powerful People (Who Happen To Have A Physical Disability)

This morning we went through Joni Eareckson Tada's list on "How To Be a Friend to Someone With a Disability." They loved role playing and learning how to serve someone in a wheelchair with kindness, compassion and dignity.

I then asked the kids if they would like to meet some powerful people that have let God use their weakness to show His power.  I brought a guitar into class and started strumming.  I asked them how someone could play the guitar if they didn't have any arms.  They all shouted, "You can't."  I set the guitar on the floor and told them to think about it.  One of them asked me if you could play it with your feet.  I told them that would be really tough but I have met someone who can.  I introduced them to Tony Melendez through a CD and then through You Tube.  They were amazed.  I only wish they could meet him in person.  He is such a kind and gracious man!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlZPYGBXQ44

I then told them about a young lady that can fly a plane with her feet.  Once again, they were amazed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK0LvmurKbU

I will introduce them to some more amazing people tomorrow!

Day 3: The Difference Our Lives Can Make

We started our day by holding a paintbrush in our mouth. We painted a picture as though we didn't have the use of our hands.  Most of the kids found it rather challenging but they were all good sports and gave it their best shot.  Some of the kids we couldn't get to stop.  They painted and painted and painted.

Later we read the book, The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews.  I love to read his book to my kids because he shares how one person can change the world but if you look at their life, they made a difference because someone else made a difference in their live.  If you look farther you will find a person in that person's life that impacted them.   As Andy says, "what we do matters."  We had a great discussion about how they will change someone's life by helping them get a wheelchair and their lives will be different from here on out.  This excited the kids and they all started sharing how they are going to raise money for the wheelchairs.

This group of kids has surprised me by how accepting they are.  Usually it takes the kids several days to warm up to the wheelchair being in the room but not this group.  The girls were actually kissing the wheelchair and saying, "good-bye Smiley" as they went off to their next class.  They can hardly wait for their turn to ride in the wheelchair!

We closed our day with talking about what it was like to paint with a paintbrush in our mouths.  They all talked about how difficult it was.  I asked them if they wanted to see a painting that Joni Eareckson Tada did with a paintbrush in her mouth.  Their eyes were huge as they looked at the beautiful painting.

One of my favorite stories today was from a little girl that shared that she had seen a man the previous day that was missing a leg.  She got a smile on her face and said, "It is ok though.  He can do lots of things!"  I love how they are already understanding that we all have a few challenges but we all have great gifts as well.

Tomorrow we will learn about powerful people that happen to have a physical disability.  I know they will be amazed!

Deana

2014: Day 2 Myths About Disabilities

It was a wonderful day with the kids.  Most of our discussion was about some of the myths about people with disabilities.  I love how children don't really have any myths.  They are like blank slates.  They are curious and have questions but they don't make assumptions about people.  They are pure and they are factual, not hurtful.  I had to laugh last week because I asked the kids if they thought I was older than another co-worker or if they thought she was.  They smiled and said I was older and I was also fatter.  I laughed.  They had no intention of hurting my feelings, rather they called it as they saw it.

I asked them if it would be polite to ask someone about their disability.  They said no it wouldn't be.  We then had a great discussion about how to ask someone a question politely.  Kids have a lot of questions.  They are trying to learn everything they can.  We just have to teach them how to learn about different people and their gifts as well as their challenges.

We read some great books today:  Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas and Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis.  Both of the books shared ways that people make assumptions about people with disabilities.  They brought home the point that we often assume people with disabilities don't want to do something or can't.  The kids have loved coming up with accommodations to help someone with a disability participate in an activity that appears too difficult.

At this stage of the unit the kids share numerous stories about their own personal "boo-boos."  You will be amazed at how our discussions will grow and develop over the next month.  Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Blessings,

Deana

2014: Day 1

I love how God has a way of going before me and making better lesson plans than I do!  One of my fellow teachers led chapel today and had the children act out stories of Jesus healing people.  He healed a blind man, 10 people with leprosy, a lame man, a woman with a bleeding disorder and of course Lazarus.  What a great way to start my unit on special needs!  Jesus was and is a great healer but I also want the kids to understand the compassion and love Jesus had for those that were suffering or struggling.  He spent a significant amount of time with them.

I spent the morning explaining physical disabilities and read several books to them.  One of the stories was written by Joni Eareckson Tada called, "You've Got A Friend."  It is a story about a little boy that becomes disabled through an accident and the struggles he went through in accepting his disability and working through the changes that occurred in his relationships.  A beautiful friendship is renewed in the story.

We also met Joni through a DVD.  She shared her testimony with the kids and shared the vision behind one of her ministries, "Wheels For the World."  I saw quite a few eyebrows raised as they saw video clips of children that have not been able to get around because they don't have access to a wheelchair.  Their surprised expressions will soon turn to joy as they get to know the stories of these children.

They enjoyed meeting BoBo and Naomi, some of Joni's friends on Kid's Corner at the Joni and Friends website.  They learned more about Joni as she sang for them, drew a picture for them by holding a pencil in her mouth, and then showed the 64 books she has written.  As she shared her testimony her wheelchair disappeared and they focused on the beautiful person Joni is...who happens to be in a wheelchair.

The kids broke the mold this year by being so excited about meeting "Smiley," my teaching assistant. Smiley is a child's wheelchair that God delivered to my classroom after praying for one for a summer.    Usually the children are uncomfortable with the wheelchair for the first few days, but not this class!  They were all anxious to go for a spin!

I love teaching the kids but I also enjoy what they teach me along the way.  I was overwhelmed by the number of questions they all had about their grandparents and great-grandparents.  They are anxious to learn about ways to help them in a variety of ways.  The depth of their hearts never ceases to amaze me.  

Join me tomorrow.  I know I will have fun things to share from the kids!

Deana

It's That Time! Bring On The Butterflies!

I am so excited!  It is my favorite time of year again!  I will be taking my students on a wonderful journey that will impact them, me, hopefully you, and some special kids across the world!!

About a week ago I met with the parents of my students to give them some insight into the journey we will be on, "How To Be A Friend To Someone With A Disability."  I showed them Joni Eareckson Tada's testimony and shared the exciting lessons and experiences their children will participate in over the next  month.  We also started brainstorming ideas for our fundraiser for Joni's "Wheels For the World" ministry.  I was grateful for their enthusiasm because enthusiasm is contagious!

Last Friday I had the kids bring in their homework.  It was an "All About Me" poster to share with the class.  They had the opportunity to share some of the personal things about their lives such as their interests, hopes, dreams and families.  They also shared about their strengths and even their challenges.  We celebrated their strengths and gave God applause for the incredible people He had made.  We prayed over our challenges and talked about the powerful ways God can use our challenges to demonstrate His power.  I cannot wait until later in the unit and they see how God has used some incredible people's challenges in powerful ways!

It is going to be an incredible journey and I hope you join us.  I will give you an update every day on what is happening!  I would love for you to comment and share your story with us and any suggestions you may have.  

Blessings,

Deana