Understanding Exceptional Children-'Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?'

I am a member of the executive board of Parents and Professionals for Exceptional Children (PPEC). It is an organization which works with the Special Services Department to help inform and advise parents and professionals about issues surrounding students with special needs. Over the last few years, we have expanded our role, including entering the classrooms and teaching all the students tolerance of differences. The method we use to teach third through fifth graders is through a hands-on experience.

This past week we entered the fifth grade classrooms of . Beth Fissel, a past officer of our organization and parent of three graduates, introduced Project AMAZE to the students. She spoke about different types of learning disabilities. The students were asked to do simple assignments, like write their names, or take a timed addition test. But there was always a "twist" to the simplicity.

For example, they had to hold up the paper to their forehead and write with their non-dominant hand. For the math test, the numbers all represented a different number; for example, all twos were now eights, all threes were now fives, etc.

It didn't take long for the kids to voice frustration and ask for more time to complete the tasks. But they all learned a lot more than just the three "Rs" that morning. They actually were asked to come up with possible solutions to help those who face these type of difficulties each and every day. The ideas of lessening the volume of homework, technological-assisting tools and repetition of instructions were all proposed by the students. More importantly, a degree of tolerance and understanding was a lesson they all walked away with that day.

One common theme that I hear from children is that "it's just not fair!" My response is always the same, "you're right; it isn't fair." We need to educate our children in the areas of compassion and understanding, as much as we need to teach them how to read and write. The anti-bullying law will ensure that this occurs and that is certainly a benefit to all.

As parents, we worry everyday that our children will face difficulties throughout their lives. I spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars trying to ensure they get the services they need to be successful. I have fought for my children and am trying to teach them to advocate for themselves. It's not easy being different. Whether you have a learning disability or a physical disability, everyone deserves to be treated with respect. One week of respect is not enough; we need it to last for 52!

In closing, I would like to reference one of my favorite poems by Emily Perl Kingsley, "Welcome to Holland." If anyone would like information about Project AMAZE, or PPEC and the programs it sponsors, please email me at kasz210@optonline.net.