Talking To Jonathan's Class About Facial Differences

Today was the Muscular Distrophy Hop A Thon at Jonathan's school. Throughout the week the children have been learning about people with differences. Earlier in the week, someone came to talk to the kids about people in wheelchairs and other ways in which people are different including hair color and eye color. The message was that God makes everyone different in some way, but that means everyone is special in their own way. Today, I got to talk to Jonathan's class about people with facial differences. Some of Jonathan's friends have been asking about the scar on Ethan's face, so today I showed the children pictures of when Ethan was born, showed them what Ethan looks like now in real life since he was there with me and even about how some people have differences in eating. I brought a feeding tube so kids could see one in real life and then I let them ask questions. I love how children think and I love that they were asking questions to show me that they were really listening and taking in what I said. Many of the questions centered around how the feeding tube goes to the tummy.

During the talk, Ethan went to the back of the class where Miss Call was sitting and sat in her lap. I thought for sure he would have went and played with the toys.

Then the kids participated in the Hop A Thon for the MDA. The kids waited for the whole school to gather and then they were asked to get in a circle and they all hopped.

Getting Ready

Jumpy Jump. Having Fun!

Getting His Hop A Thon Certificate

My "Cake"

Making A Windsock

Lunch!

Hugs For Teacher Kerri

Hugs For Miss Call

After the Hop A Thon, Ethan and I stuck around for center time in Miss Call's class. Jonathan had a great time building his tower and doing art. Ethan got to play in the dramatic play area with the food and the kitchen.

Another great part of the day is the impact the Jonathan's teachers have had not only on Jonathan, but Ethan loves the teachers too. He gave Teacher Kerri, Jonathan's teacher from last year a hug and Miss Call a hug before we left. He doesn't give hugs to just anybody!

-Dina