Yesterday I shared this picture of Brooklyn after school on facebook, saying she ROCKED two quizzes. I had a couple comments and emails asking about how she took them so I thought I would do a blog post to help explain it a bit more. (Thank you Beth – emailing you encouraged me to share!)
Then there are also “teaching lessons” to help futher explain topics that she might be struggling with.
The above question would be on her ipad. Then, Brooke (Brooklyn’s 1:1) would read the question to her (OR if we had LOTS of time she would read the question herself (but if it is not a reading test – we do not want her to miss a question because she does not know a word.) The above question is testing a language/grammar skill.
Her eye gaze board would be held up in front of the ipad. like this:
My focus for her is on Reading and Language Arts – because she enjoys reading but also – communication is so important for our girls and comprehension skills as well.
As far as the social sciences – she gets introduced to those too – especially any group work/projects that go on within the classroom – mainly because the social aspect of them is HUGE (not that I do not want her to learn about all of these things – but we push her so hard so I felt like we have to choose priorities)
I continue to be amazed at how well her peers communicate with her and read her. For example we had girls over to color easter eggs this year – I am in the kitchen and hear them: “Brooklyn I am going to hold up two colors – look at the one you want. But if you don’t want either of them that’s ok, I will keep holding up colors till we find the one you like….but I will start with pink and purple because I know those are two favorites of yours!” and the conversation went on to choose colors, stickers, everything!
And you know what, I think that has become my biggest reason for inclusion in school – she is getting exposed to age appropriate education – and while she is not completely “on grade level” – we have moved FAR beyond her colors, shapes, and animals! Most importantly she has had exposure to peers and has made some amazing friends. Friends that do not see Rett Syndrome – they see a little girl who is just like them – who is a great friend – who they love. I really cant ask for anything more than that!
If you are a Rett Syndrome family and you have not signed up for Rett University I BEG YOU to check it out – Susan has two classes up already and they are AMAZING! Truly life changing!
Awesome to see the future for my little girl, thankyou!