It's OK to...

Today I started delivering the It's OK program in 2 classes at Tower Hill School. We talked about how we are all alike in many ways but we are also different and we can celebrate those differences. After reading a book about the topic, the kids drew pictures of what they thought it was OK to be or do. Then I helped them complete the phrase, It's OK to... Some of the responses were: It's OK to go to bed (not a 9:30 AM), It's OK to have a funny daddy, It's OK that Mrs. Gaunt wears glasses and It's OK to play with a friend who is in a wheelchair. We're on our way! Thanks kids.

Dedicated Teacher

Today I was fortunate to run into a colleague whom I worked with years ago, Maureen Costello Dupree. She and I did collaborative teaching before anyone thought that might be a good idea. She became interested in the Understanding Disabilities program immediately and together we started this section of It's OK to be Different at NutSwamp School in Middletown. I am thrilled to know that after so many years (at least 30), Maureen is still actively presenting the program to students and parents in her 2nd grade classes.
Maureen has always been interested in promoting respect and understanding for people with disabilities. Her passion for teaching is what I always and still admre. Thanks, Maureen, for not giving up! I look forward to ideas and experiences coming from your classroom.

Back to School
Next week I will be teaching the Understanding Disabilities segment of It's OK to a kindergarten class and the Be a Buddy - Not a Bully program to one pre-K class and two 4 year old classes. I look forward to bringing my experiences with the children to this blog with the hope that it will assist parents and teachers with issues that may arise and be an opportunity to share information and ideas.
Last week I read that over 160,000 children nationwide missed school because they were afraid of bullying. An educator mentioned that the key way to stop bullying is to implement measures that improve the entire school community. I concur. All of the It's OK programs promote understanding and respect and that is reflected throughout the school.

ADA -20 years

Thanks to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 20 years ago, we have made great strides in the areas of employment, public entities and accessibility for people with disabilities. There is still a need to help children with disabilities have more participation in daily activities with their peers. Allowing children to participate more can prevent feeling of isolation and also teach all children valuable skills for employment and social activities. Participation in sports is a wonderful opportunity to help build confidence. Two organizations that are particularly helpful are the Special Olympics organization(www.specialolympics.org) and the National Disability Sports Alliance (www.blazesports.org).

Children's Literature

Teaching peace, compassion and respect ensure that we are all able to work with others and respect differences and create change. We can promote this at home and in school by reading some of the excellent children's literature that is available. One author who captures the human spirit is Patricia Polacco. As a teacher and as the director of It's OK, I have read many of Polacco's books. One of my favorite's is Chicken Sunday. This story is about friendship that crosses cultures, religion and age. It emphasizes the importance of trust, love and acceptance. I highly recommend all of Patricia Polacco's books.

Foster Understanding with Good Books

Teaching peace, compassion and respect ensures that we are able to work with others, understand and respect differences and create change. We can promote this at home and in school by reading some of the exceptional children's literature that is available. An author who captures the human spirit is Patricia Polacco.

Just Say Something!

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities has a new blog to help make positive changes in the community. They encourage people to write about what they think is Right and what they think is Wrong. The council has also had an active campaign to eliminate the R word, as I wrote in a previous blog entry. I encourage everyone to check out the council's blog:http:www.facebook.com/JustSaySomething and also to stop using the words "retard" and "retarded." Thank you.