When… You learn To speak a child’s language They will be vested in you Forever
Here is the inspiration behind what I have said. The above words came to mind as I was thinking about a new student of mine, reflecting on his behaviors and actions. He is a very active and affectionate 3-year-old, with an Autism diagnosis. On January 6th, 2020, he officially started his first day ever in preschool, and I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with him.
The first time we met, ever before he was placed in my classroom, I thought, man-o-man, am I ever gonna get my steps in trying to keep up with this busybody little guy. I knew he needed some solid role models, those who have more age appropriate expressive communication as well as good play skills. Challenge was on. The way my body felt at the time, I wasn’t sure if I was up for that, yet something said take him in, let him be one and join in.
He is very limited with his expressive communication, often times there is jargon, or words are unintelligible. Regardless, him and I, we have found our own way of communicating with one another, and the words are coming along. He is responding well to hugs and loves to giving kisses, most often times on his own terms, and sometimes on mine. (Hoot-Hoot! Celebration time for that fun fact! That is a mini-milestone itself!)
When he got a bit frustrated and times I just tried to help him slow down, I reached my arms out and said “hug” to see if I would get a response. I needed to repeat this a couple of times, then he smiled, gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Even though this child, a new student of mine remained very active and busy, he was much more successful in most of his attempts to participate and self-regulate throughout a 2.5 hour class.
This goes to show the importance of taking the time to get to know and read the body language of every child, Respond appropriately and in perfect timing will build more connections, safety and trust. Behavior is communication. Something being told, a story perhaps, one to love, care about, see and acknowledge me.
This is why I love my job…because so much love is given back to me. My students, each and every one of them, show their own way of loving and caring about me, their classroom environment as well as their peers and other teachers.
Magnificent Meraki 