The Best of Both Worlds

We're in our third week of school, and we got off to a fantastic start with Teddy's first day. Today we stopped by the school to install a mini wall that we built to help Teddy's teacher create distinct spaces within her classroom. We had the chance to talk to both Teddy's teacher and his kindergarten teacher.

There was so much positive that his teachers shared in the short time that we were there. The kindergarten teacher wanted to discuss two upcoming field trips with us that she, in her words, would "love" to have Teddy join. One is a trip to a farm, and the other is a play. The only caveat is that since Teddy's classroom still needs the aides to support the other children is that we need to supply a chaperone to help Teddy be successful. Given how much effort his team at school puts forth to ensure Teddy has opportunities to integrate and participate in a wide range of activities, I have no problem with us attending as chaperones. (That's something that's normally fun to do, anyways, right?)

OK, I do have one problem with us attending. The play sounds a wee bit like torture to keep Teddy contained for 45 minutes during a show, but who knows, maybe he'd be so fascinated that he'd be an incredible listener and follow the lead of his friends. I'm hoping Dave is the one who gets to find out rather than me.

His kindergarten teacher shared how excited the children are when Teddy comes to the classroom. She said she makes an exception to her 4 children in one play area rule when more children ask to play with Teddy. (Doesn't that just make you smile?) She said there's two children in particular who have taken quite a shine to Teddy.

It was interesting to hear the questions her students had for her before Teddy first came in the classroom. She had talked to them about how Teddy doesn't talk, so she had quite the range of questions: Is he a robot? Does he have a mouth? Does he have ears? Can he hear?

She said it's been a great experience for all the children, including Teddy. She also said if she's having a tough morning that Teddy's smile always makes her happier.

This smile. But he's definitely not a robot. 

Then Teddy's regular teacher said that Teddy just has a way of connecting with each child in her class. She teared up as she told us about a child who does not like physical contact or interaction with others, yet Teddy can sit right next to him without any issues.

I think all this makes up for me wanting to sell or trade Teddy yesterday ...