Blog #30 Open Book
“Thank you so much for sharing Ian with the students. My son rarely talks much about his day in school, but when I picked him up Tuesday, he started telling me about Literature class and your son being there. It was amazing to hear him talk like this, and be so enthusiastic about something. I can tell it was an experience he loved and will not forget.” -Father of my student
Connection
As a teacher, I am keenly aware of the litany of literature standards my students are required to master. My heart tugs however, when I think about how genuine connections and honest conversations far outweigh any lecture or textbook assignment. The ultimate goal: balancing both. True to my authentic self, I candidly open up about my life and my family. At times I share a realistic story about the challenges we face raising Ian. I accept that my emotions will surface when talking about him and instead of holding them back, I welcome the tears and allow them to stream down my face. Like the novels I teach, I am an open book – laughing, crying and celebrating as they ‘read’ the pages of my life. Ian’s name often comes up during relaxed conversations, or in the midst of a lesson. I enthusiastically chat about his favorite sport with the avid hockey players in the group, share goofy pictures, and impart wild stories we have experienced. I believe most would say they felt as if they ‘knew’ Ian before he entered the walls of my 7th grade classroom in New Richmond Middle School. However, it has taken much practice to get us to this point.
Augsburg
For the past fifteen years, my husband, Chad; daughter, Grace; Ian and I have had the privilege to speak to students at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. As a family, we spend an hour sharing about the impact of Down syndrome on our lives. We tailor our presentation to be relevant for those who hope to pursue a career advocating for children and adults who have special needs. This experience is invaluable to the college students, and their feedback has reflected this. Inspired by this opportunity, I am excited to pursue future speaking engagements with Ian by my side. If college students gain knowledge and benefit from Ian, the possibilities are endless. The first stop on this journey: my very own classroom.
The Ian Show
On November 21st,* Ian stormed into my classroom ready to give a presentation about himself to my 7th grade literature students. He loved every minute of being on my classroom ‘stage.’ He was oblivious to how his interactions would stretch far beyond the four walls of the room. Ian’s previous years of speaking experience at Augsburg were showing up in unexpected ways, as he interpreted each slide with ease, and operated the technology like a pro. Simultaneously, and a bit unexpectedly, the interaction between Ian and I grew stronger with each moment that day. We bantered back and forth in front of giggling adolescence, who got a kick out of our conversation. When I would try to insert extra commentary, Ian abruptly held his hand up and demanded, “Hey Mom, stop. I can do this!”
Despite his enthusiasm throughout the day, I was still fully prepared for the last hour meltdown, which I often experience when teaching the same lesson for the fifth time in a row. I imagined Ian hiding out in the back of my room, hacking away at some sports game on his Nintendo Switch, while refusing to present to the impatiently waiting 7th graders. I admit, I vastly underestimated him because the exact opposite happened: Feeding off my students’ energy, this final ‘show’ was electric!
“I thought it was great! I was able to understand him, and it was an honor to meet him. (No offense Mrs. Witt about your presentation not being as fun.)” -My Student
Relativity
“Ian’s presentation helped us learn a lot about Down syndrome, it really helped us understand how people like him live and learn, it also teaches us about jobs that we could have to help with people with Down syndrome or other disabilities.” –My Student
As part of Ian’s talk, he explained the integral role his personal care workers (PCAs) have played in his life throughout the years. With a huge grin on his face, he described how these ‘friends’ would hang out with him (aka supervise the little scoundrel) at our house, chauffeur him to fun destinations, encourage him to play hockey, and thankfully even tag along on family vacations. He insisted on calling each PCA by name, as he pointed to their picture on the big screen. I chimed in, explaining the job responsibilities, as well as the skills required and patience necessary to pursue this career path. At that moment, a light bulb appeared as I took into account our teenage audience, who likely have babysitting experience – a stepping stone to being a PCA. I realized Ian’s visit was becoming more than just learning about him and the traits of Down syndrome. I am certain we sparked an interest in future opportunities my students may not have known about otherwise. In real-time, we witnessed Ian’s impact.
Acceptance
“Ian and Mrs. Witt’s presentation teaches students about Down syndrome in a more fun, personalized manner that wouldn’t be found anywhere else. It’s unlikely anybody here would experience anything similar any time soon. Education on people different from “normal people” can also reduce bullying and bigotry towards people in marginalized groups because it teaches people about what it is and what it means.” -My Student
During middle school, one of the most challenging times in life, students struggle to make sense of themselves, others, and the world around them. Due to this uncertainty and lack of confidence with who they are, they sometimes resort to treating others who are different – whether it be race, social status, sexual orientation, or the shoes on their feet – with a lack of kindness and respect. If my students’ time with Ian sheds light on the importance of treating others the way you would want to be treated, we are making the world a better place.
“Thank you for sharing Ian’s life journey. My daughter enjoyed Ian’s visit and learned a lot about his involvement in school and sports. She described to me how he is so friendly and social to everyone, especially joining the group for lunch. He is an inspiration!…” –Mother of my student
Dance
Stepping out of our session agenda, Ian requested Taylor Swift’s song, “King of My Heart.” How could I deny him the chance to show off his stellar moves, especially after such a captivating speech? Within seconds, the energy in the room was palpable as Ian led a dance, and my students mimicked every move. It is rare when others follow Ian’s lead, yet the entire class did so without hesitation. Not planned or rehearsed, it proved to be one of the best ‘shows’ I have witnessed. My students, who usually sit compliantly each day, listening to lessons on figurative language, and analyzing literary passages with me, danced without a care in the world.
The goal of inviting Ian into my classroom was to raise awareness and promote acceptance for those with special needs. What I could not have predicted was how deeply our message would resonate with my students and their families with every word spoken and smile shared. The students immediately opened themselves up to Ian and welcomed him into their world. These magic moments wrote a new chapter in our open book.
*The number 21 is significant. Ian has three copies of chromosome 21. Ian’s hockey number is 21. Ian’s first meeting with my student was on the 21st.
If you would like Ian to speak at your school, business or organization, email his agent (a.k.a his mom) to tailor his presentation to your needs. lisa@littlewitt.com
New Richmond School District Social Media Post!
We would love to hear about your stories of celebrations — the expectations and realities of these events that can rattle us, make us cry, and make us laugh, all at once.
