SOAAR Semester 2

The new program of SOAAR (Students of All Abilities Recognized) continues to grow and develop at NCA International. I remember towards the beginning of the first semester feeling very discouraged and down about the program that I had hoped and prayed for--was it really needed? Was this a waste of resources? Would we even have enough students?  There were days that I was. . .yes. . .bored! As we enter month two of second semester, I find myself longing for those days:) My days are full now (over-filled, actually) and SOAAR students are keeping two teachers and four assistants VERY busy from 7:30-2:30 five days a week! So yes, I've answered my own question. . .the SOAAR program WAS needed and is needed, and is providing important space and important resources for many NCA students. Here's a smattering of successes from the last week or so--a testimony of God's faithfulness.

--A preschool student entered his classroom during circle time a week ago, and found two kids in his normal spot. He said, "Move, please." The kids moved. He sat down. The lesson continued uninteruppted. You have no idea what a huge success this is. . .language skills! Social skills! Managing impulse and behavior! Wow! Praise God!

--A middle school student chronically fails to complete long-term assignments. The assignments are overwhelming, and the feeling of overwhelm can be very paralyzing for this student. So at the beginning of January, we made a very detailed outline of an upcoming Bible assignment that required 20ish summaries of Bible chapters to be done. A few days before it was due, I checked her assignment. My heart sank; she hadn't stuck with the plan. We made a revised plan, but I decided to let her manage the work and figure out how to get the massive amount of work done on her own. And she did it! It was turned in, and turned in one day early! Praise God!

--A second grade student is now supported by a classroom assistant for about half of the day to help him navigate the social waters of school and to help him manage behavior and emotions. Last semester, without the support, this child was in my room multiple times a day, crying and upset and frustrated. This semester, with increased support, this student is SO successful in his classroom. I see him daily, still, but only ever with huge smiles! He is relaxed, enjoying school, and learning so much--not just school stuff, but social stuff, too. Praise God!

--A new Kindergarten student joined our school in January. With a physical impairment similar to cerebral palsy, this student is unable to sit or walk unassisted. She requires a lot of support with motor tasks, and while she is learning English, she has no cognitive or learning challenges--the challenge is for us, figuring out how to give her a voice and involve her in the classroom. It is beautiful to see her hands (one of which is missing fingers) being held so lovingly by classmates, whom initially were filled with some fear and apprehension. This young girl is open about her emotions--when she is sad or upset, she'll certainly let you know--so I know that she loves being included at NCA by the smile she wears! She enjoys our time together in the SOAAR classroom, but when our 30 minute sessions are finished, and I ask her if she's ready to get back into her classroom, you should see her face light up as she nods "yes" vigorously! That maybe should make me sad, but it's quite the opposite! I'm glad my classroom is not her educational home! Read more about this student and her Kinder experience in a beautiful blogpost written by her teacher here.  Praise God for this child and the way she is being included at NCA!