I've Never Felt so Free !!!

The following anectdote is a sure sign that summer has arrived....We are studying "Summer Fun" at school. Hence, our unit this week is all about going to the Beach. We had the water table out, and my afternoon students (both girls, age 4) were happily splashing about; counting starfish, floating boats, etc.

One little girl who suffers from autism was having a blast, and giving me a running commentary on everything she saw. Near the carpet, I had laid out two "beach mats," and the children had earlier stretched out upon them to enjoy our "beach time." I turned for a split second to get more water for the table, and when I turned around, I saw my student, lying on the beach mat with her hands behind her head, just as happy as a clam. She had taken her shirt off, looked me right in the eyes and said "Ms. E, I've never felt so free !!!!"