Preparing for a new school

Jordan and I had her first transition time at her new school today… and for some reason, I wasn’t prepared to help teach the class about Jordan’s difference. I bought books a year ago. I’ve saved dozens of accounts from other parents what they did when they brought their child to a new school. But for some reason I didn’t think I’d have to work on this presentation to little kids until elementary school. I guess it’s just because I didn’t really plan to move her to a new school — the waiting list to get into her new preschool is very long. I didn’t see us moving there. I’m thrilled but a little nervous. I want to make sure these kids learn about Jordan, talk about it and move on once they feel informed enough.

So tomorrow I’m taking Jordan to the school after dance class. I’m going to read a book called Harry, Willy and Carrothead. It shows kids how some people stare and say things because of a missing arm and others get it because of the color of their hair. I think we may also talk about how the main teacher in the classroom has glasses and that’s how we consider Jordan’s prosthetic. It’s helpful! Glasses help you see. A prosthetic help you hold onto things and pick things up and even help you from falling! I hope it goes well.

The kids in the classroom were just noticing Jordan’s difference – we wore the bouncy hand. Jordan let the small set of kids touch her arm and she didn’t mind. But the greatest thing is the kids stopped asking questions when we told them that I’ll be back tomorrow to tell them more about Jordan.