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Simon's Story: A Mother's Perspective
I was nervous about sending my nine-year-old son Simon to clay camp for March Break. He struggles quite a bit in school with paying attention, remaining seated, completing his work, and getting along with students and staff. Over the years he has been identified as living with five different diagnoses. Due to recent improvements in his behaviour, we thought it might be time to try an extracurricular activity.
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Using listening skills
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Based on his interests, I figured that clay camp would be a perfect fit for him. After a discussion with his instructor, we agreed that I would stay on as a volunteer provided it benefited Simon. In hindsight, I’m so happy that I was there to see with my own eyes what happened next.
My Simon was on cloud nine from the first day until the last! He eagerly bounded up the stairs each day, ready to begin. He listened to instructions (with occasional whispered reminders). He tried new things without hesitating. He worked away cooperatively with both his teacher and with student volunteers. He beamed with pride when the instructor held up his work to point out something to the class and especially loved the photos of him on the potters’ wheel.
My Simon was on cloud nine from the first day until the last! He eagerly bounded up the stairs each day, ready to begin. He listened to instructions (with occasional whispered reminders). He tried new things without hesitating. He worked away cooperatively with both his teacher and with student volunteers. He beamed with pride when the instructor held up his work to point out something to the class and especially loved the photos of him on the potters’ wheel.
Taking direction from a volunteer
True, there were times he faced frustration and disappointment due to the limitations of clay. But he quickly adapted and considered alternatives - all without a single meltdown. He even got along with his six-year-old sister! And surprisingly, it never occurred to him to ask for his tablet.
It was a moving experience to see what Simon is capable of under the right circumstances. He was engaged in a very high-interest, hands-on activity. Clay offered him an amazing medium to help make his ideas come to life. He worked within a well-structured environment where expectations of behaviour were clear, with gentle reminders when necessary. He was expected to be independent, but assistance was available as needed. And through all of this, he learned that his creativity was valued, and negotiation and flexibility were possible.
It was a moving experience to see what Simon is capable of under the right circumstances. He was engaged in a very high-interest, hands-on activity. Clay offered him an amazing medium to help make his ideas come to life. He worked within a well-structured environment where expectations of behaviour were clear, with gentle reminders when necessary. He was expected to be independent, but assistance was available as needed. And through all of this, he learned that his creativity was valued, and negotiation and flexibility were possible.
Loving the wheel!
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Working independently
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For me, his mother, the most important thing was that I got to see Simon at his very best. At the end of camp, on the teacher evaluation form, Simon circled the happiest face and then inexplicably drew tears rolling down the face. “What’s that for?” I asked in surprise. He wrote beside it “I am so happy that I’m crying.” Seeing my Simon so happy, cooperative, and so productive with clay was a truly priceless experience, and one that I hope we can repeat.
Simon's mom March 29, 2018 |
