Mrs. Newman, Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education:

Modeled after the picture painted for us by God in I Corinthians 12, Zeeland Christian believes that we need to have a student body that represents all kinds of gifts and needs. As we live together in community, each person belongs and grows. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (I Corinthians 12:27).

Body of Christ Stories:

Learning for those with Special Needs: I was a former teacher in a "self-contained" classroom. Every child in my room had some type of special need. I remember teaching those children to line up, raise hands, and speak clearly. These were very difficult things to teach, as all of the children with disabilities in my classroom were unable to understand a line, could not raise a hand, and could not speak in complete sentences. The setting of inclusion, however, offers peer models who usually know how to speak clearly and have good classroom habits. What would take me a long time to teach now often takes a very short time. We have a new student here this year who has been very afraid of going into large spaces. We knew that it would be impossible for her to enter our gymnasium based on past experience. I had forgotten the power of peers. As the rest of her class marched into PE their first week of school, she simply followed the group and enjoyed herself. There was no fear or upset tears. She was one of the group!

Learning for peers befriending those with Special Needs: The friendships that form within the classrooms are a powerful testimony to the fact that when we are obedient to God's command to live together, He blesses that. It is my joy to begin the year by visiting classrooms to talk with them about the special friend God has placed in the room. We learn together about Autism or Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy. When finished, we make sure the children have an opportunity for questions or comments. What a delight when a First Grader raised his hand and said, "My mom says I'm really good at being a friend to kids with special needs. I think I will be in a circle of friends every year." What a profound comment. This particular child already has a glimpse into the giftings God has placed in him. I'm ready for him to take my job when I retire.

Learning for all of us: It doesn't take long to realize that God touches each one of us connected with Inclusive Education. Whether it's an understanding of a disability area, a deeper sense of compassion, a calling to support a particular family, or the joy of watching acceptance for those within the body of Christ at ZCS, we are thankful for this opportunity.