What's that you said??

Today Josh and I went to Will's school because they were having their "Christmas Party". It wasn't much of a party because the kids in Will's class like structure and don't like loud noises or to be over stimulated. The teachers had crafts and small games set up around the room and they sang some Christmas songs.

It was interesting to watch Will in his element. He was having fun, listening to instruction and participating with the class. He wasn't distracted with us being there. He remained with his teacher and did what was asked of him.

During circle time (right before they were to go home) Will used his communication board and requested Mr. Cow. But here is the amazing part...he requested Mr. Cow in a sentence. He used a picture icon for "I want" and then he used the icon "Cow". He then handed the sentence strip to his teacher and pointed to "I want" and then pointed to "Cow". He communicated a sentence!!

I had no idea that he had been doing that at school. Josh and I looked at each other in amazement. I asked the teacher if I could have an "I want" icon so that we could start doing the same thing at home. The teacher said that he should always request in a sentence from here on out. She said that if he brings us just the picture we should direct him back to his board and to his sentence strip. A sentence strip is just a smaller plastic piece with Velcro on it that he sticks his icons to, in order (sentence structure!!). He then must point to each icon in order.

I can not even explain how exciting this is. I am so proud of him. His voice is being heard, he is communicating and he is proud of himself. He is empowered!