During my practicum, I was introduced to a very nice grade 4 student. He has many difficulties socially and mentally. This at times resulted in him being absent from school. His class is extremely supportive of him and wanted him to return to class. He had been away for 3 weeks when I heard an idea floating the hallway that students were thinking of writing him a card, letting him know that he was missed, and that he had a group of supportive friend’s that cared about him. Immediately I had an idea. Why not make a video? Right away I found my camera and started recording a message from each student. This was later mixed with the music “Thank you for being a friend”. I had no idea how he would respond to the video, but I had a tiny bit of faith that it might just prompt him to return to school more often. I can not post the video due to privacy issues, however I can post what his aunt (who takes care of him) had to say after she watched it:
“Well that was just the best!
I can’t wait to show ***** tomorrow. I think it is really going to make him feel motivated to come to school when he sees what everyone says.
Thanks to all of you for this fantastic encouraging video for *****.”
Reading this message, which was sent to me from the classroom teacher that this student is registered to (my final practicum mentor), was an amazing feeling.
It is safe to say now, that this video served its purpose, to some degree. He has since returned to the school, only to do the things he wants to do, such as feeding the fish, baking, swimming and horseback riding. His attendance in the academic world, with his peers, has yet to happen. This video is by no means, the only thing that prompted his return. He also has a very supportive and caring group of EA’s (Educational Assistant’s) that spend many hours working with him. Their work is often easily overlooked/overseen. I appreciate the hard work they put into their passion, working with students like *****.
Some people mock, or have negative feelings of this profession, however, I get to do what I love to do, each day, and be happy doing it!