by Jeanine Johnson

I have had an opportunity to get to know the Owls’ classroom pretty well over the last year. I recently had the pleasure of accompanying the classroom on a trip to the Flower Show held at the Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia. I won’t lie, I wasn’t sure how the children were going to fare. It can be an overwhelming experience. Would they be bored? Would the crowds be too much? Would they get any enjoyment from it? I am happy to report that my worries were unfounded.

The children were in awe. I chaperoned my friend Naji. He “oohed” and “aahed” from the moment we stepped into the ballrooms. I was able to experience firsthand all the benefits the outings bring. It gave the children a chance to put into practice, in a crowded social setting, their listening ears, walking feet, being patient and waiting their turn. We got to practice identifying colors, objects and counting. Learning disguised as fun, how delightfully sneaky!!

The wonderful thing about spending time with the children is being able to see their progression. I have seen so much growth in all of these students both socially and academically. Hearing a child who wouldn’t speak in the past find their voice is astonishing. Watching a student sit through an activity, who in the past was restless, is satisfying.   Seeing the pride in their face when they complete a task correctly is gratifying. Seeing the friendships and bonds they have developed with one another is heartwarming. I have an ever growing respect for the teachers, teacher’s assistants, one-on-ones and therapists who work with the students on a daily basis. Their dedication, hard work and love for these children really does yield miraculous results. They see the potential and nurture it!

I revel in being able to be a small part of the children’s learning and growing experiences.