Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Think Out Loud [47] Best serenade ever!

I'm a brand new substitute para educator. Each assignment is a different school, a new set of tasks, and an early morning drive! I love it, especially the drive because I'm nervous and doing my best not to get lost. It makes everything I see vivid and new and worthy of charcoal on paper. 

There was something very special about last Friday's job. First off, they didn't know the school put in a request for a para sub. They wanted a long term para to work one on one with a child with autism. As I waited for them to figure out what the heck to do with me, I got the chance to observe the sweetest kids ever. Really, I fell in love with them by the time the first bell chimed. The teacher decided not to introduce me to the boy with autism since I was a one-day sub. I shrugged off my disappointment, but then the call came in at lunch time. The teacher (who totally rocked by the way) had a meeting and asked me to watch the boy while she was gone. 

So I sat across from him while he tumbled on the couch playing with his Legos. After a few minutes, I recognized his chatter because he was reciting the same lines my son kept reciting last year. "Skylanders! I know this game. Chaos controls the weather!" He looked at me, full on looked at me. I moved to the edge of my seat and played along. He bounced to the movie Frozen and started saying lines. I was having the best time when suddenly he stood right in front of me, threw his arms wide, and sang, "Let it go! Let it go!" My whole body felt like it was flying, that's how wonderful it was! After he sang that song, he moved on to another one. When he got too loud I told him to bring it down and he did. When he took off his socks because he was getting carried away by then, I told him to put them back on. "But I hate wearing socks." It was glorious! In the midst of behavior that typically separates himself from his world, he stopped and communicated so clearly how he felt. 

I'm not sure how much I contributed to his world, but he will be a part of mine for as long as my memory holds. 

This is where I tell you Think Out Loud is such a cool meme that you should get on it and join. I also like to tell you we're cool people. We are. Come on, hang out with us.





10 comments:

  1. What a lovely story, Robyn! Being involved with kids must be great! I imagine it like a colourful world with too bright colors and big, big smiles. That is a positive wave to the grayness that surrounds the "grown ups" :)

    I wish you a great day!

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    1. You're right about the kids, at least this group of kids was amazing. I got the chance to work with a couple of kids on a reading assignment. It was so fun breaking down the flowery sections like "fur soft as a whisper." I loved your TOL, Athina! Happy Friday!

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  2. You made me smile, Robyn. And YOU KNOW you made an impact on that little boy's life...just like he did yours. Wow. I think you've found another niche for yourself, my dear. I'm so happy you're enjoyed this new element in your life. See, good things for you this year!!

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    1. Yes, good things. You've been so encouraging. I remember when I thought I wasn't going to get hired for this position, but you just said I would, and if not, it would still work out.

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  3. That is amazing Robyn! I hope you have many more wonderful experiences like that one.

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    1. Thanks Think! I hope I have more too, but I think I will. Even on the hardest assignment (middle school...shudder), I had big grinning moments. And sometimes the worse the day, the better the stories! Your TOL cracked me up so much this week, Think! I hope you have a great weekend.

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  4. Congrats!!! this is so awesome. I play Skylanders with Zane so I know that one too :D He loves that game. I am so glad that he touched your life no matter how short the time. Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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    1. I love that you play Skylanders with Zane! I haven't played it with Will. I've watched him, but I should have him show me how to play.

      I thought of you when the cutie sang Let it go. I even told him my friend loves that song!

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  5. Hehe I love this post Robyn! It was just lovely and brought a smile on my face as I read it. I hope you get more chances with these amazing kids and keep on doing what makes the world a better place for them. You will definitely be apart of their lives as they will yours. And I love how great it is to connect with kids with these songs and toys. :)

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    1. Thanks Ki! I wasn't sure what the job would be like and the boys are still adjusting to me working, but I sure love it. Maybe I'll burn out on being a sub, but I hope that's a long way off. Oh, and the songs, that was so great. Another girl was holding onto her wheelchair and dancing to "Happy" from Despicable Me 2. So awesome!!

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