Well, it's a new week here at Evangelical School for the Deaf, and it's been a trying yet fun Monday. Today, I specifically prayed that God would open a new door of connection with Saul; and after the morning, I didn't quite get the connection that I was hoping for! He didn't want to sit still or do what the other children were doing, and when lunch time hit, I was exhausted from "wrestling" with him. But a bit after lunch, Saul saw some unbrellas and he placed one in my hand and he opened one in his, and we went for a walk in the sunshine! :) Earlier that morning, he had seen a picture of a fish and signed "fish." This is like the tenth word in his vocabulary (and I'm not exaggerating!) Jenn (the elementary teacher) reminded me of the small fish fountain that is out front of the school...and I took Saul out to see it. There are two fountain spouts (one is a fish, and the other is a turtle). Saul sees the fish and signs the word again (this makes me happy!) and he turns to the turtle, pets the rock figure, and then turns toward me. He put his little hands together and signed 'turtle.' Now I didn't know this sign (I assumed it was turtle) and after talking with Jenn, she said that she had taught him the sign almost two weeks ago, and has not seen him use it since. So for him to remember was a huge deal. And I'm just over-joyed that this little 4 year old has now taught me a sign!
This is Larimar. We call her Laura. She is a 9 year old, who is very bright. She loves to read and write in cursive. Every day after lunch, we go and sit in the library and we read together. Oh, and I forgot to mention that she is partially hearing with the use of hearing aids. So I help her with her phonics and she teaches me new signs of the words in her books. I do work one on one with her quite a bit. She needs lots of motivation and encouragement, but once you get her going, she's fierce in the academic realm! Her biggest struggle is in math. Borrowing from the tens to the ones; I see the wheeles in her head turing whenever we face the problems together! I'm just praising God for the opportunity to be able to work with her this year. Please pray that God will show me new ways to connect and help her to learn.
This is Larimar. We call her Laura. She is a 9 year old, who is very bright. She loves to read and write in cursive. Every day after lunch, we go and sit in the library and we read together. Oh, and I forgot to mention that she is partially hearing with the use of hearing aids. So I help her with her phonics and she teaches me new signs of the words in her books. I do work one on one with her quite a bit. She needs lots of motivation and encouragement, but once you get her going, she's fierce in the academic realm! Her biggest struggle is in math. Borrowing from the tens to the ones; I see the wheeles in her head turing whenever we face the problems together! I'm just praising God for the opportunity to be able to work with her this year. Please pray that God will show me new ways to connect and help her to learn.
Right now, the biggest concern for me is just building a trust relationship with each child. I have been excited by thier quick acceptance, and every day new connections are made! I just must keep praising my Savior! I love these children, and am so glad that He's given me a year to spend with them! May He alone be praised!
