On Thursday I will be interviewing Derrick Gay on issues of diversity and how we can best serve today’s students – all students. We will focus on students with special needs since their voices are often the silent ones that are under the radar.
Gay is an educational consultant that partners with independent and international schools both in the United States and abroad. Domestically, he focuses on issues of inclusivity and equity, while working on broader educational issues and cultural competency abroad. With 15 years as a faculty member and senior administrator in independent schools and currently serving as an independent resource to help schools advance their inclusivity missions, Mr. Gay offers a timely and critical perspective on diversity in the private school world.
And tomorrow you will finally meet my mystery guy, Romeo Riley.
“Fifty years before Helen Keller, there was Laura Bridgman”–so reads the tagline for this book: She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer by Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander. Here are the facts about this book:
*Middle-grade biography
*Laura Bridgman is the subject
*Rating: This book is an award-winner!
Short, short summary: This book is the story of Laura Bridgman who is known as one of the first American deaf and blind children to get an education in English. Her teachers used tactile sign language and also words printed with raised letters corresponding to objects such as keys, spoons, and knives. The book includes several photos and quotes and spans Laura’s life from the time she is born to her death at 60 years of age.
So, what do I do with this book?
1. Before reading, ask students what they know about Helen Keller. Most children in 3rd-5th grades will have learned about Helen Keller before, but probably not Laura Bridgman. Explain the connection between the two to create interest in reading about Laura and her remarkable life and education.
2. Pioneer is a word that has many meanings, but most kids will think of it as the people traveling in covered wagons. After they finish reading about Laura Bridgman, ask them to write a paragraph with specific examples from the text of how she is a pioneer.
3. Ask students to compare and contrast a time they learned something with how Laura learns to communicate.
I am very excited about this week’s Wacky Wednesday post because I am welcoming, Chynna Laird, on her WOW! blog tour. Chynna is the author of a must-read book for all teachers and parents, especially those of us who have a child with special needs. If you know a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD, you should read this book soon. It may just be the inspiration you are looking for!
This is Chynna’s second visit on Read These Books and Use Them. She also wrote a picture book called I’m Not Weird, I have SPD, which was given away to Jennifer L. in that book contest.
So, here Chynna is again, and this time with a memoir about parenting her daughter with Sensory Processing Disorder. ***BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST! Please leave a comment by Friday, January 8 at 6:00 pm CST for a chance to win Not Just Spirited.
Here’s a little about this wonderful book:
What would you do if your child suffered with something so severe it affected every aspect of her life?
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You’d follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that’s what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, her daughter Jaimie’s reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around, and spent most of her day screaming with her hands over her ears and eyes.
By the time she turned two, Jaimie was so fearful of her world they spent most days inside. What was wrong with Chynna’s miracle girl? Why wouldn’t anyone help her figure it out? Jaimie wasn’t “just spirited” as her physician suggested nor did she lack discipline at home. When Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at two-and-a-half, Chynna thought she had “the answer,” but that was just the jumping off point for years of questions. Chynna embarked on a three-year quest for the right treatments to reveal the Jaimie she loved so much. With the right diagnosis and treatment suited to Jaimie, her family finally felt hope. Not Just Spirited is an insider’s peek at one family dealing with an “invisible” disorder and fighting to find peace for their daughter.
And now for an interview with the author:
Margo: Welcome, Chynna, and thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. If you are a parent with a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder, what are three important, important things that you need to tell the school and teacher about your child?
Chynna: This is an amazing question, Margo. Jaimie did one year of pre-preschool and two years of preschool before we felt she was ready for public school. We found it incredible that, at that time, none of Jaimie’s teachers even knew what Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) was. These days, there seems to be a lot more effort being made to inform teachers about sensory issues and SPD because so many children have it, from mildly to quite severely.
So the first important thing I’d say parents need to do is INFORM. They don’t need to go into the school and conduct a full workshop on SPD; but it’s important to explain, basically, w
& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
Chynna T. Laird is a mother of three beautiful girls, Jaimie (six-and-a-half), Jordhan (five) and baby Sophie (sixteen months), and a gorgeous baby boy Xander (almost three). In addition to living her dream building up her at-home freelance business (Lily Wolf Words), she's also studying to obtain her B.A. in Psychology, specializing in Early Childhood Development.
Her hobbies include writing, reading, playing piano and crafting with her girls. A lot of the material she writes about includes childhood experiences, her adventures as a Mom, and her personal observations.
She's won writing contests in Byline magazine and her work has been published in various Christian, parenting, writing and inspirational magazines in Canada, the United States, Britain and Australia. As well, she's had personal essays featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs and Cup of Comfort for Special Needs. Last year, she released a children's picture book called, I'm Not Weird, I Have SPD, where she describes--through the voice and perspective of four-year old Alexandra--what it's like to live with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (Sensory Processing Disorder).
Chynna is a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), The International Women's Writing Guild, The Writers-Editors Network, Christian Writers' Guild, The Canadian Author's Association as well as The Writers Guild of Alberta. She has press cards through the PWAC and the Writers-Editors Network.
Chynna is on tour for her second book, Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and her third book, The Sensory Diet: Setting Your SPD Child up for Success, will be released this year.
Find out more about Chynna by visiting her websites:
Lily Wolf Words: http://www.lilywolfwords.ca/
Blog: http://lilywolfwords.blogspot.com/
Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
By Chynna T. Laird
What would you do if your child suffered with something so severe it affected every aspect of her life?
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You'd follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that's what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, Jaimie's reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around and spent most of her day screaming w
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What a wonderful interview, Chynna! Love the picture of your kids - too cute! :)
Hi, Chynna! This is a great interview. As you know, I've read your children's book and watched the film. I also am a subscriber to your newsletter.
For the readers, my grandson has SID, so Chynna has been very helpful in providing information we are able to use.
I'd love to win a copy of the memoir!
Chynna,
Wonderful Interview! Congratulations on your book. And I love the picture of your beautiful children :)
Ruth
I appreciated the insight you shared about the how-can-I-make-sure-this-doesn't-come-back-to-bite-me aspect of putting your family's experience out there where it would be irretrievable. Memoir writers are brave folks.
Even perfectly nice people act rude out of ignorance, not maliciousness. With that in mind,
I have a question: I'm sure there was so much negativity from fellow students, neighborhood kids, adults who witnessed Jaimie's behavior in public that you're family experienced--and which no doubt broke your heart many times over. How did/do you protect Jaimie from the inevitable hurtful comments, avoidance behaviors, and judgmental sneers from those who had/have no clue? How do you keep her heart from breaking?
WOW! Good morning to all of you! =D
I'd like to tackle DB's question first. You had me tearing up! This is a very, very important issue because, as you said, people do sometimes say things or make comments about what THINK they're seeing without thinking first. Honestly, I used to get so angry when people made comments or suggested that Jaimie just needed, "A stronger hand of discipline" and I'd speak out. She was just a little girl! I'd get so angry and defensive.
But I soon realized that this didn't really help anything because I wasn't dealing with the main issue: PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND! And that's why they make the comments. Most people, I believe, aren't mean; just misinformed or ignorant about what's happening to Jaimie. Plus, Jaimie fed off my emotions as well and it often made her feel worse when I reacted from the heart.
Now I bite my tongue and calmly explain WHY Jaimie reacts the way she does. I don't pull out the statistics or the full scale demonstration with diagrams and charts but I give the basics. Saying something like, "Jaimie has SPD and it affects how she responds to sensory stimulation around her. She gets overstimulated very easily and often can't calm herself." or something similar, depending on the situation. Usually when kids ask stuff, they're just being curious. "Why does she need headphones?" "Why is Jaimie crying?" "How come Jaimie gets mad if I stand like this with her?"
Jaimie watches me answer questions or give information to other people, teachers, family, friends or even her little friends, and now she can answer stuff on her own. It's all about giving information. People may still not 'get' it but if you answer the "Why's" people seem much more receptive and accepting, you know? Plus by being calm and giving answers, it teaches our children how to advocate for themselves. And THAT'S powerful!
We've been very lucky in the last year or so because Jaimie has had SUCH amazingly supportive teachers who have taught about the senses to Jaimie's classmates then incorporate what happens when your senses aren't working the way they should (SPD). We gave copies of my children's book to all her classmates and that helped so much too. See? Knowledge breeds understanding. =D
I hope this helps you, DB. The best thing we can do for our sensational kids is talk about SPD and answer questions about it. Thanks again for bringing this up.
And thank you to Madeline, Ruth and LuAnn for coming by today. LuAnn, I'm very happy you liked the movie--it's an amazing resource. And thanks for signing up for the newsletter. (The new issue should be going out this week. =))
Chynna
What a great interview! Up until a month ago I had never heard of SPD, and then my cousin's little girl was diagnosed. She was so relieved to finally have a diagnosis--a starting point, a glimmer of the hope of normalcy for her child. May God bless you as you share your experiences with the world.
This is a great book for ANYONE who has a child with special needs or who teaches children with special needs. My stepson has a language processing disorder, and I could relate to the way Chynna felt on several occasions that she described in her book. It was inspirational and nice to know that you are not alone when trying to help your child! I can't wait for Chynna to visit my blog on Wednesday!
Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/
I am looking forward to finding your book at B&N next payday. My Grandson has SPD, and for a while there, until he was diagnosed, we thought he may have been autistic. What relief we had when we found out it wasn't. The county in which we live provided some good educational information to us in what it is and how to work with him. It's not always easy as he likes to do things on his own time and his own way. But once we get past certain barriers, those hurdles don't seem so bad. His vocabulary improved 1000 percent, his attention has improved, and he's actually learning. But it's a challenge still to get him to recognize letters, numbers etc., and repeat them back to us. Also, food is a major issue. How did you deal with that? My grandson is a "pasta-terian". He'd rather eat ramen noodles or a Meat & Mayo (meat being bologne) sandwich than eat anything else. Won't eat fruits, veggies (unless their hidden and blended in juices). I worry that he doesn't get enough nutrients, even tho we supplement. Suggestions?
Hello Chely, Margo and Claire!
I love hearing stories about parents getting put on the "right" path for diagnosis and treatment. It can still be tough but with that proper diagnosis, you understand what you're dealing and how to cope with it (and, most importantly, how to help the child cope with it.)
Chely, it really IS a huge relief, especially for caregivers who have been searching and asking for so long. Yes, knowing that your child has a special need isn't easy to hear but at least you're on the right path from that point on and you can get the right support. I'm so happy that your cousin is at that point. And thanks for your well wishes and Blessings; that means alot to me. =)
Claire, the eating side of things can be so frustrating, can't it? At one point, all Jaimie ate was pasta (LOVED your "pasta-terian" term!), apple sauce and MAYBE some yogurt. But it all had to be plain, smooth and untextured. We don't realize it but you're actually using alot of your senses when you eat: SMELL the aroma of the food; SEE the colors and textures; TASTE the textures and flavors; even using those muscles in the mouth and hand/arm to eat with. And when you throw in tactile issues on top of that...WELL...it's quite a show at mealtime, isn't it?
We found that once Jaimie began her specified OT therapy, had her Sensory Diet in place, she slowly began to tolerate different sensations a little better. It is a very slow process and, believe me, I understand your concerns. (Jaimie was always in the 90th or higher percentile for her height and between 10 and 25 for her weight.) What we always try doing is work with the things she likes...that she'll eat NOW...find the healthiest version of that then expand on it. So, if your grandson likes pasta, find the version of it that is actually whole grain but LOOKS like the white stuff he likes. Mixing the fruits into smoothies and the veggies into pasta sauce or other types of sauces is wonderful too. (You can even sneak some into burgers or meatballs, if he likes those.)And we discovered by cutting out anything with dyes, colors or artificial flavorings was HUGE for Jaimie.
I have a great recipe for YUMMY oatmeal muffins that we "brainify" with flax seed oil and some wheat germs and other good stuff. (Be careful with that flax seed oil though--it has a very strong flavor!) Making little "tweaks" to the things they already eat is the best way to start. And I'm sure, as with Jaimie, once your little guy gets going in his therapy, you'll see that he'll slowly but surely be willing to try other things. =)
Margo, thank you so much for your comments about the book. One of the most important messages I wanted to give with the book is that you need to trust your gut, arm yourself with knowledge then help others understand. Teachers, family members, friends will all be in contact with our child--whatever his needs are---and we need to help them learn how to interact with our child. After all, if the child is going to therapy to learn how to interact in their worlds and the people in it, shouldn't those people know how to interact with THEM? I"m so looking forward to visiting your site on Wednesday, Margo!
Thanks to you all for your comments so far. This is wonderful.
Chynna
Chynna, great interview! As you know, my four-year-old son has autism and many sensory issues. I like how you handled your answer about how your children will regard your stories later. That's something I've wondered about, too. I hope that when my little guy is older, he's able to ask questions about matters like this and then I can explain to him, "That was how things were then, and you should be so proud of how far you've come!"
I know that day is a long ways away, but still... I yearn for that time when we can actually converse like that.
Best of luck on your blog tour!
~Beth Cato
This was a very interesting interview... I don't know very much about sensory issues but I can just imagine how awful it would be... especially in a noisy city...
Best of luck with the books! May the words flow in 2010!
~Dianna
Oh Beth. Thanks so much for commenting. I pray that one day not too far away you'll be sitting down and explaining all of those things to your son--and he'll be able to talk to you about all the things he's thinking about, wondering and everything in between. =) It's always wonderful to hear from you.
Thanks, Dianna. I appreciate the "Good Luck!" Some days, I really think I need it. =)
Warmly,
Chynna
Chynna: I had never heard of SPD before so thank you for sharing and informing us all. This has been some journey you've been taking with Jaimie and God bless you for your strength and courage. Good luck with the book and your blog tour.
ps: That is the sweetest photo titled: Chynna's Beauties.
Lora Mitchell
Great interview and this sounds like a most fascinating book. Good on the author for spreading a message of hope and understanding about this little known disorder. I I'd like to be counted in the giveaway.
Sounds like a facinating book. Please enter me in the giveaway.
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
I am thrilled to have learned so much from your interview. I would love to read this book, and learn even more. Thanks for the opportunity.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'd like to win this.
[email protected]
Very interesting- My 21 year old son has something similar to this.
Diane Baum
[email protected]
I had never heard of SPD until now!
[email protected]
Wonderful Interview! Congratulations on your book.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Chynna,
I never heard of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) before and I'd love to read your book. Thank for the information and congratulations on your book!
I would love to read this book. Thanks!
Wow... I really though I was having a crappy day. Didn't feel tlike dealing with anyone so thought I'd just check out some blogs and see what was out there and came across this one. Man, talk about smacking me right back to reality. This is such a touching story and what a great interview! I am very intrigued by this book and would love to read it now that I know of it.
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I really liked your insight on marketing and promoting. My boyfriend jus finished his first comic, and we are about to start the process of getting it published! I would love to read this. Its a disorder Ive heard of often, but still don't really know a whole lot about it.
[email protected]
sounds very interesting and informative
Sounds like a great book and I'd love to hear more of this story.
ncschools at yahoo dot com
My 11 year od son has SPD and after years and years of battles, he's finally making wonderful progress at a wonderful school! I'd love to read this book. I'm sure we've shared many similar experiences.
The interview was very interesting. Thanks for the great contest!
Sounds like an interesting read :)