But Before Summer

Today, I held back my tears as I was watching my student hitting his head while saying, 'Atama ga warui' which literally means 'My head is bad'. The more precise translation would be 'I'm stupid' or 'I'm dumb'.

The students were using their school provided tablets to do some listening tasks and yet this particular student was just carelessly tapping the screen, opening random school apps. So I approached him and tried to help him navigate the school portal. And as soon as we could open his digital workbook, I left him so he could find the pages and the audio file on his own.

I went around the class to help the other kids. But I would from time to time check on that student at a distance. Then not long, he started hitting his head again and repeatedly telling himself 'I'm dumb'. It was so painful to watch.

But then suddenly one classmate sitting next to him stood up and helped him and another one followed. I was moved by such sight. His classmates are actually well aware of his learning problems. Everybody knows and everybody shows understanding and gentleness.

It wasn't the first time I witnessed such care and compassion towards people with disabilities in this part of the world. They do so because they know. Knowing precedes understanding. Understanding precedes acceptance. Acceptance precedes action. Although that student with learning disability felt pressure, he knows that it is safe to ask for help because he can.

This to me is inclusivity. What a way to end the first term. Off to summer trip we go! 🌞🌊

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