GREAT AMERICAN TEACH IN - AT CLARK ELEMENTARY

So I was asked about a month ago from a good client of mine if I would come to this class and do the Great American Teach In.  I had no idea what she was talking about so she explained that you come to the class and talk about what you do for a living..
I was like sure no problem..
but this isn't your typical class of children..  This is the Full Time ASD Class at Clark Elementary (autism spectrum disorder).  I know this because I have photographed this client and her children for a while now and one of her sons is in this class.  So when I agreed.. she almost cried.. because RARELY does anyone come and talk to this class because the kids react to things differently then other kids. 
Although there is structure sometimes you really just kind of go with the flow.. and what will be will be.. but let me tell you they did great.. and the teacher and the assistants, AMAZING!! They stay calm when someone is upset and screaming or just not coping well. They just step in and calm them down.  they hug them or talk to them or both.  But what I really found amazing is that they actually teach and the kids well they eat it up.  They love anything that stimulates them.   And how they express it is as individual as they are.

So this day wasn't really about teaching them the ins and outs of photography.. this was about them having fun.. putting on a hat and letting me show them how it looks. Taking their photo and giving them a print to take home.  It's about how art touches everyone.  And that their hearts are there waiting for you to see it.  It's about watching each and every child react to me in their own way. Some hugged me.. one kissed me on the cheek.. a couple wouldn't let me even get close but they smiled.. and I got a few high fives.. and then at the end of the day.. I got THANK YOU cards that each child did.  I have to tell you..it brought a tear to my eye.  It completely wrapped the day up beautifully.
I don't know if the kids will remember this time.. or if I made any difference in their lives.. but I do know this.. it made a difference in mine.
thanks Miss Brooke's class for the honor of being part of your world today!
And kudos to you kids.. and kudos to you teacher and assistants and kudos to parents! As my client said to me.. "it takes a village"  indeed it does!
HUGS, KISSES & HIGH FIVES TO YOU ALL!!!   (btw they had face painting today... hahaha)