What's Your Superpower?
Did you always dream of flying? Invisibility? Reading minds? What if you could take a real life challenge and turn it into a superpower? What if you were able to self reflect on something you struggled with, understand it, articulate it, and find the gift in your growing edges? What if you could wear a cape and star in your own comic book too?
This is exactly the process that Early Childhood educator, Ted Ratliff, leads his young students through when they are faced with a learning difference. Last spring, these students shared their superpower comic books with their classmates in the Dream Team room and even brought the lesson to younger students. It's an exercise in awareness for all of the students. "Everyone is different and so we make it a positive," shared Ratliff. It's also great preparation for next steps at Lab and beyond. "Self awareness and self confidence serve kids into the future. They learn where they need to expend their efforts and work on successful habit building."
Learning & Counseling team member Foley Burckardt supports Mr. Ratliff's class project and many others in the Early Childhood division. "Variability in learning is more of the norm than the exception," said Burckardt. With a variety of programs to support young students with learning differences, including a neurodiverse student affinity group, our educators have made tremendous strides in making sure Lab remains an accessible and welcoming educational environment. Understanding yourself, being accepted, forming meaningful relationships, and celebrating differences - it almost feels like flying to our young superheroes.
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