A class that inspires me

My class this year has given me so much hope for not only the people that will interact with Emma Lynne, but renewed my faith in mankind. That was one of my fears that people would just see Down Syndrome and not my child. I have only taught for 3 years..this is my fourth. I haven't had the wonderful experience of having a child with Ds in my class until this year..the same year I have a child born with Ds. The class that he is in is so accepting, caring, and helpful to this child it warms my heart. The little boy was sitting alone (he doesn't like large group settings) and one of the other boys noticed so his group of friends took the little boy with Ds and they sat apart from the noise of the other 50 students and had their own "party" that didn't overstimulate the child. That is only one event, but many have happened all year. But, when I look into the eyes of my students I see caring, accepting individuals and it fills my heart with hope. Hope for the future that one day the world will be accepting of all people. And I don't just mean Ds children, but those that "beat to their own drum" so to speak, too.

I have been wanting to share this and found this forum on the board. I hope it makes sense..without using names.

Lynnelle