This morning found me with our owls at Isabelle's school. I was to do a program for a kindergarten class, then Isabelle's after that. Her former kindergarten teacher had asked me if I could bring in some owls for her class, and she mentioned that some of her students were autistic, with one who was fixated on owls. I was more than happy to do a program for her, since she had been such a positive force in Isabelle's life last year.
The program went well; There were five students who asked most of the questions, and one little boy who was vigorously snapping away with a digital camera.
I then went up to Isabelle's room to do a program for her class. Before I was done, the kindergarten teacher knocked on the door and came in with the boy with the camera. He walked through the classroom, said "We have letters for you", and handed me a stack of papers.
When I got home, an email awaited me, from the kindergarten teacher:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Susan,
I just wanted to thank you again for coming in today. The children really enjoyed learning about the owls. Although all of the children loved the show, I must tell you about how excited one student was.
This particular child is autistic. As you may or may not know autistic children have fixations and that is usually the way you create conversation with them. This child is fixated with maps and owls. If you ask him questions he responds, yes, no or I don't know. Never gives any details and certainly does not talk to people he does not know. However if you can strike a conversation about maps or owls he will actually converse with you.
After you left today this child was talking to just about everyone about his experience with the owls you brought. He told another kgn. teachers all about Storm who screams, and the Great-Horned Owl. It was also MAJOR for him to walk in front of a class and say we brought letters for you and deliver them to you. It makes me want to cry to see all of the breakthroughs in communication for him.
I cannot thank you enough!!!
Amy S.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So I think you could assume (and you would be right) that my heart is full to overflowing.
I love my job.
11 comments:
Awesome story. Sounds like your job rocks, alright.
Awwww--Susan. This is wonderful (blink--wiping away tears).
A true teacher moment.
...that's an amazing story. I can't even imagine what your are feeling. His parents must be overwhelmed with happiness too....
*sniff* How wonderful that you touched a young heart and mind so.
Beth
That's a great story Susan! How could you not love a job that gives you priceless rewards like this.
oh cripes; there goes the mascara! Great story!
What a touching story! It must feel amazing to have touched a life in such a profound way!
What a wonderful thing..to be able to have such an effect on someone..that is just great!
Major kudos and hugs.
A couple years ago, Owly, one of Bird TLC's education birds recieved Owl of the Year at the Owl Festival. He was at a presentation where a autistic boy was watching with awwww. He didn't speak much but when he got home his parents couldn't shut him up. All he could do was talk about Owly. Owly passed away earlier this year. He was an 18 year old short eared owl.
I'm all weepy now!
Post a Comment