Playtime Kids: Big Kids' Room: Journey of Understanding
Big Kids' Room: Journey of Understanding
Hello everyone! I'm excited to be here today to talk to you about something that might seem a little different but is super important. Imagine walking into a classroom where everyone is laughing, playing, and having a great time. But wait, what's that smell? Oh no! It's Mitchell waddling around in his sagging diaper, looking just like a balloon!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "How can this work in our classroom?" Well, let’s dive into this together!
Picture this: You're sitting at your desk, munching on some snacks, and there’s Mitchell in the corner. He’s a bit older than you—an adult baby, if you will. He’s chosen to live this way, and now it's a permanent part of his life. But here’s the thing: he’s just like any of us. He gets frustrated with math sometimes, just like you do. Imagine you’re focused on solving a problem, and suddenly, Mitchell decides to let one rip! What would you think? Would you want him to be moved away, or should he be allowed to be himself, even if that means having a stinky diaper?
Let's think about this: if Mitchell’s diaper was stinking up the classroom, would that be reasonable? I mean, sure, it might not smell great, but is it fair to move him just because he’s different? What if, instead, we embraced the messiness of life?
Now, let’s flip the script. What if Mitchell was in his shirt and diaper, playing with his toddler buddies? They’re all holding hands, giggling, and yes, even pooping their pampers at the same time! Wouldn’t that be a better environment? A place where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment?
I want to ask you all some questions to think about:
How would you feel if you were in Mitchell’s shoes?
Would you want to be accepted for who you are, even if it meant being different?
If you saw Mitchell in the toddler room, would you laugh or would you join in the fun?
Should he be kept in a playpen, or should he have the freedom to roam around like everyone else?
What if he had to turn around and push out a fart for his buddies? Would that be funny or just plain weird?
These questions are important because they help us understand the world around us. They challenge us to think about empathy and acceptance. Sometimes, we might feel frustrated like Mitchell does with math. But instead of pushing people away, what if we pulled them closer?
Imagine a classroom where everyone is accepted, regardless of their differences. A place where laughter fills the air, and everyone can be themselves. Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?
As we wrap up, I want you all to remember this: It's okay to be different. It’s okay to have your own unique quirks. And it’s important to support one another, just like we would want support for ourselves.
So next time you see someone who might be a little different, think about how you can be a friend. Ask yourself if you would want to be treated the same way. Let’s create a world where everyone feels included, no matter what. Thank you for listening, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!