Playtime Kids: Embracing Differences: Understanding Mitchell's Journey

Hey everyone! I’m really excited to be here with you today. I want to talk about something that might sound a little different, but I promise it’s important. So, let’s dive in!

You know, when I was a kid, I had a friend named Mitchell. Now, Mitchell is a bit different from most kids. He’s an adult baby, which means he likes to wear diapers and sometimes acts like a baby. At first, I didn’t really get it. I thought, “Why would anyone want to do that?” But as I got to know him, I realized that everyone has their own way of expressing themselves, and that’s okay!

Mitchell’s Adventures in the Classroom

Now, let me tell you about some of the things Mitchell does in class. Sometimes, he might fart during a serious moment, or he might have an accident in his diaper. It can be a little surprising, right? But here’s the thing: instead of laughing or being mean, I want you all to think about how we can respond to Mitchell in a way that shows kindness and understanding.

Here’s a list of some of the things Mitchell might do during class:

  1. He might giggle when everyone else is quiet.

  2. He could accidentally spill his juice.

  3. Sometimes, he might hit himself when he gets frustrated.

  4. He might throw his toys when he’s upset.

  5. He could make silly noises during a lesson.

  6. He might need help tying his shoes.

  7. He could forget to raise his hand.

  8. He might need a nap when everyone else is working.

  9. He could get distracted by shiny things.

  10. He might want to play when it’s time to learn.

  11. He could have a meltdown over a small issue.

  12. He might laugh when someone else is upset.

  13. He could need reminders to use the bathroom.

  14. He might not understand the rules of the game.

  15. He could need help with his lunch.

  16. He might want to sit in the corner instead of with friends.

  17. He could bring his favorite stuffed animal to school.

  18. He might forget his homework.

  19. He could want to play with toys during reading time.

  20. He might need extra time to finish his work.

  21. He could accidentally bump into people.

  22. He might not understand when someone is teasing him.

  23. He could need help calming down when he’s upset.

  24. He might want to share his toys, even when it’s not the right time.

  25. He could need a buddy to help him during recess.

  26. He might need reminders to stay quiet in the library.

  27. He could get too excited and jump around.

  28. He might need help understanding directions.

  29. He could forget to say “thank you.”

  30. He might want hugs when he’s feeling sad.

How Can We Respond?

So, what do you think? How should we respond when we see Mitchell doing these things? I want you to think about it for a second. Should we laugh at him? Should we ignore him? Or should we show him kindness and help him feel included?

I believe we should choose kindness. When we see someone struggling, it’s our job to help them feel better. Maybe we can remind Mitchell that it’s okay to be different. We can invite him to play with us, or we can simply be there for him when he needs a friend.

Let’s Make a Difference Together!

Now, I want you all to take a moment and think about this: how can we create a classroom where everyone feels welcome, even if they’re a little different? Maybe we can start a kindness club, or we can have a day where we celebrate our differences. How cool would that be?

Remember, being kind doesn’t just make others feel good; it makes us feel good too! So, let’s promise to be kind to Mitchell and to everyone else who might be a little different. Let’s show the world that we can embrace our differences and make our classroom a better place for everyone.

Thank you for listening, and I can’t wait to hear your ideas on how we can all be better friends to each other!

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Playtime Kids: Big Kids' Room: Journey of Understanding

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Playtime Kids: Voice for Mitchell