I believe that all children want to contribute, and here's a tale of two boys to help illustrate that point. One of my first grade classes includes a couple of little boys who have hearts of gold but lots of trouble focusing on schoolwork. To help with attending, I've given one of these children, a freckle-faced cutie, a special job to do when I teach his guidance class. He listens carefully and tallies under a smiley face all the positive phrases he hears me say. Likewise, he records any negatives or reminders I give the group under a sad face. At the end of class, he reports the score, and we all hope the "good side" defeats the "bad". This has worked well, and in fact, several other children have decided independently to keep their own scores and compare them to my helper's at the end of class. Well the last time I taught this class, the second boy who has trouble paying attention, a handsome brunette, walked determinedly up to me as I unpacked my materials. He beckoned me to bend my head so he could whisper in my ear and then said in a business-like voice, "We shouldn't count the new boy's talking. He doesn't understand." He looked me in the eyes, nodded his head as if we had an agreement, and walked on back to his seat. Gazing around to find the new boy, I understood. This newcomer is autistic and talks to himself quite a bit. Since I'd never officially met the new classmate, my little messenger just wanted to make sure I understood the situation and would be kind and fair. Widening my eyes and nodding my head to signify comprehension and agreement, I walked discreetly over to my red-haired recorder and let him know not to tally the new boy's talking during class. Catching on quickly, he glanced at the new child, nodded and winked, and gave me a thumbs up sign. In no time at all, these two compassionate little boys had apprised me of a very important change in class structure and of the need to be flexible and encouraging. Since they have classroom struggles of their own, they are able to empathize with their new friend, and they want him to be happy and to feel supported in his new setting. We all have difficulties to deal with in our everyday lives, and it's important to learn from our struggles and then to use our strengths and insights to help others going through similar situations. Children have so much to teach us! Happy New Year, Everyone!
