Happy
On the first day of preschool class, I had a children’s CD playing in the background. Right around track 17, Judah’s eyes lit up and his mouth opened in surprise. It was the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and he was evidently VERY happy about it. After it ended, both he and Jessica said “uh-oh” implying they wanted to hear it again. For the next week, each morning they would come in and say “happy” and we would listen to “If You’re Happy…” over, and over, and over…
The following week we started learning about opposites. In light of their delight in the song, I decided to begin with “happy” and “sad.” I used paper plate faces to show them the difference and had the kids mimic a happy face and a sad face. Then of course, after establishing that we were all happy, we would conclude with a rendition of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Sad
Weeks have passed since then, but to date, Judah still comes to class every day with a huge smile on his face and as I greet him at the door, his first words are always “Becca, happy!” to let me know that he indeed is happy. As I watch him learn and play on a daily basis, I am truly amazed by his ability to be happy all the time. It is quite humbling. Despite the physical limitations he faces as a result of his special need, he has a remarkable way of making things work and still remaining joyful: whether he’s trying over to pick up his marker, or scooting himself over to play with the blocks, or figuring out how to pick up his cookie with his mouth if I am helping Jessica. It is nearly impossible to be around Judah and not feel joyful!
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