Inclusive Schools Week 2010
This week, December 6th through the 10th was Inclusive Schools Week. I celebrated by presenting Wendy on Wheels at several schools in St. Louis, where I live.
I started off the week on Monday with a visit to the Parents as Teachers program at an Windsor Elementary. It was a very small group, about 7 little ones, average age was about 2. They seemed to appreciate Wendy Goes to the Beach more than Zoo.
Thursday morning, I visited a couple classes at the Southside Day Nursery. They were so little and cute. Some children were learning English. I asked how they liked the story. A couple raised their hands and started speaking in another language. It’s good that I got them to talk. Several kids gave me hugs. Two said, “I like you.”
In the afternoon, I went to read a class of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders at City Garden Montessori Charter School. When I walked in to the class, one little girl walked up to me and said, “Hi. I’m Holly. Welcome to our class.” Then a second girl introduced herself and welcomed me. I’d never been welcomed to a class before. Very impressive! This group did very well with the discussion questions. They had some very good ideas about how the teacher and zoo could have treated Wendy and Brandon differently. When it was time for their next speaker, they did a really cool cheer for me, complete with hand motions. Something like “CLAP!! CLAP!!! SNAP!!! SNAP!!! RAISE THE ROOF FOR ANGELA!!! YOU’RE ON FIRE!!! Then they sang a little thank you song.
This morning, I presented to several classes at the University City Children’s Center. My mom and my sister, Mandy, came with me. These children were between the ages of 2 and 5 depending which class it was. The first group was a bunch of 2 and 3 year olds. After the reading, a few kids walked up and touched Mandy’s wheelchair and shirt. It’s so good for them to be exposed to Mandy and her wheelchair!! I’m so glad Mandy and my mom were able to attend.
After reading to all the classes, the three of us went out to lunch at Ginger Bistro in University City. My sister and I opened a package we had received from Henry Elementary School. It was a bunch of thank you notes from the class we had entertained in October. Here are a couple of sweet ones.
Introducing Wendy on Wheels at all these schools has been a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity!!! 
Angela, So glad I was able to spend the day with you and Mandy. Wendy on Wheels is making a difference! I could see it on the faces of the children as they listened to you read the stories and in the eyes of the teachers as they watched the children with delight. We visited an amazing school today where all children are given the opportunity to learn in a loving, caring environment. Wendy made lots of new friends today and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it! Love you, Mom