Sunday, January 23, 2011

Mitchell's Amazing Preschool Class

We love, love, love the experience Mitchell gets in his preschool class Monday through Thursday mornings every week. At school he receives PT, OT, speech therapy and has a dedicated aide while in the classroom. He has a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Ellis and great equipment for seating and therapies. This year everyone at school has worked on and now notices Mitchell's upper body strength improving. We only pray that school continues as remarkable.

The best thing though about Mitchell's preschool experience is that the other children really receive him. He really connects with them during circle/song time. We can be out and about in our little 'burb and be met by one of the kids running up to Mitchell, holding his hands and singing to him - usually his favorite, the ABC song. Two girls in the class send him home notes and drawings and tell the teachers they wish Mitchell could come stay the day with them.

Today marked the 2nd birthday party for a classmate Mitchell's been invited to. The first time I promptly declined, only to be faced with direction "he must come" after all this classmate has an older brother with special developmental concerns. I more easily accepted for Mitchell this 2nd time already knowing how many of the parents see how Mitchell gives to his class just as he takes through his unique, nonverbal participation.

Today's party for Ben was held at the gym fun center at which Luke happens to take swimming lessons. The party guides and parents took extra effort to include Mitchell. Frankly I got quite a work out being Mitchell's arm and legs as he bounced and slid on the gymnastics equipment! Ben's mom was so kind to give Mitchell a favor selected just for him - a tactile toy she thought he'd be able to play with.

What else can I say? Can you see why I call his class AMAZING?!


(Mitchell is enjoying time before cake and presents at the table with classmates. He's in his chair, smiling, wearing a blue sweater.)

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