The continued observations of my son's life on the Autism Spectrum
Everything is Ausome 2.0
Shortly after the afternoon school bus dropped Calvin off at home....
Gathered in a circle on the floor were the Minion, Big Bear, Knuffle Bunny, Little Blue Bear, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Snoopy, Snake, Barry the Bee, and Hobbs the Tiger. Calvin was leading "Morning Meeting," giving each friend a chance to say good morning and then everyone got to high five each other -- Calvin selected this greeting for this group. Calvin helped Snake complete a high five with Mrs. Potato Head... not the easiest task for short red snake from the Wildwood boardwalk. Even though Mrs. Potato Head's arm fell out, she didn't seem to mind and was quickly restored.
With a black sharpie Calvin drew a forty point checklist grid and started this group's evaluation. It was similar to his daily checklist, but he created it from memory. Seeing no unexpected behavior, he gave everyone four "expected" marks for morning meeting. Earlier at his school Calvin also received all "expected" checkmarks from his teachers - he stayed in his seat, participated, didn't scream, and kept his hands quiet, too.
He moved this group around our house. Math was in the dining room, near a big change jar where they worked on "counting money skills" with coins for each learner, for Science they went on the porch to plant a seed. For Computer time Calvin showed a Brain Pop Educational Video about a balanced diet. He reviewed the information about the Four Food Groups. This was great planning because lunch was next on his schedule. With the help of his Dad, his cafeteria worker, he gathered on a tray an apple, green beans, milk, fish sticks and bread for Fruits/Vegetables, Dairy, Protein and Grains Again everyone had expected behaviors.
Recess was next. Calvin got out his iPad and timed the recess. He called out a "five minute" warning and continued to give regular time prompts to the group. Even though this was an indoor recess, Calvin provided a skateboard for rides. Hobbs (actually an IKEA tiger) didn't seem to mind falling off frequently, probably less harrowing than sledding. When recess time was up, next he had books out for reading time, as all gathered on a blanket. It must have been silent reading time, all were quiet.
I noticed that during a transition from one activity to another, the Knuffle Bunny was holding the little Minion's hand. Some students need help with transitions. The Minion was also given some encouragement with a positive reinforcement chart. As soon as he earned five stars he received a special activity of his choice, computer time.
What a great day! The group had 40 out of 40 expected check marks as they went through the whole school schedule of ten different blocks. In Calvin's backpack, he often returns home with all positive check marks; the school staff evaluates Calvin at least forty times daily. His classroom teachers, autism support teachers and support staff use positive reinforcement to help Calvin negotiate the maze of social expectations that are difficult to grasp when on the spectrum. Calvin bounces from the typical classroom to the autistic support classroom daily. The staff has done an amazing job. Even the school custodian has a positive daily influence on my son. Calvin still has trouble with expected behaviors from time to time, but unlike his early days at elementary school, he typically gets 100% expected behaviors each day thanks to the culture at Belmont Hills Elementary.
Other unsung heroes in his education are his peers, his classmates who model expected behaviors and act as peer ambassadors to Calvin. Some gently guide him by hand during activities and encourage him frequently. Although Calvin has disjointed social interactions with his classmates and doesn't extend eye contact often, he knows every classmate’s eye color. He also knows their birthdays and likely much more. He never stops observing, learning, and striving.
Never.
As second grade comes to a close, Calvin has grown so much. He learned introductory French, had his Georgia O'Keefe inspired artwork selected for a community art show, participated in running club, frequently prepared for advanced spelling quizzes, and extended his grasp of the three R's. Although his deficits in communication are still sobering, in his way, he learns more than anyone.
Today, I saw him as a very successful teacher, too.
