https://unsplash.com/photos/selective-focus-photography-of-vine-plant-6V149DcMaG4
For those that don’t know, my main mode of employment is that of EA(educational assistant) this means I spend a lot of time around school age kids. Sometimes kinders sometimes older, sometimes I’m even in highschools. I’m a supply or casual EA currently which meeans that when an EA calls in sick or takes time off I step in. I work with kids with autism, downs syndrome, ADHD and other such diagnoses and support them in the school environment. Sometimes this means scribing as they can't physical write, other times it means managing aggressive behaviours, other times it's helping them understand concepts or do homework. I’ve been in ten different schools in the past three months as a result. I’ve found every school different, some in good ways other bad, but yesterday was quite possibly the best.
Yesterday I was in a grade 4/5 class and it was awesome. I was working with a kiddo with autism who was really sweet. He hated being bored so I kept him doing activities to work on his academic and fine motor skills. While he was not at the same place academicly as his class mates this didn’t stop them from accepting him, and looking out for him. His classmates made sure I knew his routine, gave me a dry erase marker when I needed one and went out of their way to include him during recess. And it was quite frankly one of the most heartwarming days I’ve had in a long time.
Photo by Ditto Bowo on Unsplash
These kids weren’t just accepting of their classmate who was clearly different, they cared for him. They wanted him to succeded and have a good day. They respected his space when he didn’t want hugs or high fives. It was so delightfully obvious that this class was a good place for him to be. It was a safe, accepting and nurtering enviroment for him.
https://unsplash.com/photos/a-sign-that-says-be-kind-on-it-_PDPRax9dm8
I don’t know what exactly the school, parents or other folks invovled did to make sure a lovely environment, but they did good. So despite the fact the world seems to be hurtling towards a disaster, there is still good. Some folks are alright. It was an uplifting day that pulled me out of a morose mood and I hope reading this did something to help your mood to.
https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-and-white-no-smoking-sign-4TDl2qOJWCc
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