The document summarizes the author's experience volunteering at a school for children with special needs. It describes her initial fears of not being prepared but wanting to learn as much as possible. She was assigned to work with a 1st grade class every Friday since February. Their main project was helping the kids create their own books. The author notes there were 17 students ranging from ages 6-7, with 5 not having disabilities. She learned the children were tough, independent and amazing. The experience left an impression on her and she hopes to continue working with students like them.

1. “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Anonymous Krysten Ashley kashley@knights.ucf.edu 22 April 2010 EEX 4070

2. First Fears Terrified is a good way to explain my initial feelings; terrified of the unknown, terrified of screwing it up, terrified of not being good enough. I had never worked with students with special needs before and was at a loss for ideas. I thought I was going to feel like a fish out of water. All I knew was that I wanted to spend as much time as possible with these kids so that I could take away every ounce of knowledge that was awarded to me. “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them is going to make an impression.” - Dr. HaimGinott

3. UCP Bailes/East Orange Campus UCP are the experts for children with special needs. Their mission is to provide the best support, education, therapy and hope to those touched by a disability. “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” – John F. Kennedy

4. Site Demographics

5. Tidbits About Me I’ve worked with kids from age 3 to 13. Some were hyper, some were ESOL and thus hard to communicate with, some needed a lot of help with math or reading, some yelled and screamed off the Richter Scale, but all were amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I love being active and outdoors! Sadness or anger can be washed away for me once some good music fills my ears. I want to help children, or anyone for that matter, in any way that I can, preferably through teaching!

6. My Destination I ended up working with Mrs. Lawson’s 1st grade class every Friday since February. In here, I was privileged enough to Wonder, Inquire, & Discover with these amazing little minds just as the window suggests.

7. My UCP Experience Our main project was helping the kids to create their own books! I named it “Stories in Print” as you can see to the right and below. That’s me!

8. Meet Mrs. Lawson’s Darlings!! I served an integrated class of 17 students (11 boys and 6 girls) ranging in ages 6 to 7 and 3 teachers. Five of the students were not touched with a disability. “The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” – Pablo Casals

9. “He who teaches children learns more than they do.” – German Proverb This experience has left quite the impression on me to say the least. There was never a dull moment. There were times when I laughed, times when my patience was tried, and times when I wanted to cry because these children were so amazing and I hated that they had to endure the difficulties that their special needs imposed on them. You can’t be bashful with these children and they don’t need you to hold their hand; they’re tough and independent and I could not be more proud of them. I hope to work with students just like them in the future and that I can help them to keep their sights on the stars.

10. Food for Thought “Listen to the mustn’ts child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me…Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” –