We need to just tweak our teaching style and I want to prove it. Special needs or not, every child can shine.

I did not realise that I could make such a big difference in the life of a child. This morning, when I entered school, a Primary one kid stopped me mid way to the office to give me a gift. She was not one of my students. Just a classmate of one of my student. A child whom I would stop and talk to randomly while making my rounds during recess. I was just a listening ear to her vast tales of family and pets. And she remembered me when buying a gift.

Same for another kid. I took her and another 3 primary 4 students for an Ambassador for Special Needs Day camp and we shared a lot of interesting experiences about our lives and that of a persons with special needs to and from the camp. We played, we shared and I nagged and I guess, somewhere a long the line, I must have made an impact unknown to myself.

A day of soul searching and lots of reflection.

But the icing on the cake was this - a child with ODD whom I took over while the counselor was away for study leave actually saved the best cup cake for me! Being the ever sentimental person that I am, my eyes teared slightly when I was told by his tamil teacher how he insisted that the only cup cake that was not lopsided be given to me and no one else. Yes, she showed me the other cupcakes and gave me the one that he specifically "instructed her to give". I was really touched and when I went to thank him after school, he asked me if I did get the "most beautiful one." Beautiful or not, it was the thought that counted and coming from him, a really special one. And to think I under took him with no counselling background. Wait, am not boasting I just want you to know that sometimes, all they want is someone to listen, someone to vent to, to turn to in an informal way. I never once told him what he should do. I was clueless remember? I just let him come in my room and throw blocks, kick them, release his anger and on his own, he will sit and rattle when ready. That was all I did when she was away on her 3 month study leave. Listen. But of course I have started a little nagging now la. After gaining his trust but I nag in a very hmm..sisterly way? haha! I don't know, being the eldest has its perks. =)

I just needed this entry to spill my thoughts. I love my job. Yes, love it. But I would like to reach out to more. Then again, my job lets me be a tad more approachable than some teachers and I don't think I want to change that as yet.

When the time comes, HE will show me the way. I will let nature take its course.