To be proud that DD made a mum cry

[Unashamedboaster]

Name changed for shameless boasting.

DD is a primary school teacher in year 5. She has a child in her class this year who has selective mutism; before this year he could talk to no adults other than his mum, and certainly could not speak in public, even in class.

Last week they had their class assembly in front of the school and pupils' parents. Said child managed to say his line, loud and clear and very proud of himself. Mum in bits, DD and other teachers having distinct problems keeping eyes dry.

Despite what has been quite a tough year, DD reckons she likes teaching

How absolutely wonderful, that right there is what teaching is about, not the shite that the government holds over them, league tables and SATs scores and the like, but that, being so supportive and encouraging as to change a child's (and in this case a families) life.
And all round no wonder you're so proud

What a great story! I was morbidly curious by the title.

for her and you!

Brilliant story :)

SO wonderful! And I've been that mum too.

DS4 was SM when he started school. In year 3 he started talking quietly to his teacher and selected classmates. He volunteered to speak in assembly and I felt sick with nerves watching him, he looked so nervous and I really thOught he wouldn't do it. But he did and I had tears in my eyes, and so did his teacher when I spoke to him afterwards.

Other members of staff were amazed when they realised it was him (he's a twin, DS3 didn't have any trouble talking in school)

I was so proud of him that day, it must have taken a hell of a lot of courage to speak in front of the whole school when he'd only ever spoken to a few of them (though he was fine in the playground, it was just in the classroom he wouldn't talk, not even to me)

I will be forever grateful to his lovely teacher, who never made him uncomfortable or pushed him too hard and let him progress at his own pace. That is what teaching should be about.

I've never been a teacher, but many years ago when my kids were small (they're now well into their forties), a little girl with SM lived opposite us. She was about five, loved playing with all the neighbourhood kids but wouldn't say a word to anyone except in her home, to her parents.

Anyway, one day I took my two kids and this little girl to London Zoo. We were watching the show involving the performing seals, and the little girl watched intently, then, out of the blue, said, very clearly to me, 'which ends are their heads?'

I nearly passed out with shock (delighted shock), and for the rest of the trip, she chattered away to me and my children, displaying an excellent vocabulary. But once home, despite often coming to play with us, she never spoke to us again.

Her parents moved shortly afterwards and I often wonder how she's getting on.

Sorry, meant to add, OP, your DD sounds a wonderful, inspirational teacher. You must be so proud of her. Lucky kids, to be taught by such a great person.

Oh, that's wonderful. Well done your dd. That's boasting to be loud and proud of!

Ahhhhh, lovely! for him and your DD.

How lovely.

I had a very similar experience a few years back with a child in my class (am working as a TA rather than a teacher now) who has selective mutism. I did a lot of work with him over the year. He came to us in y1 having not said a word during foundation. He wouldn't even sign back then. Was a gradual process but we got him there.

We had the same thing - the assembly. The first term he came and took part, albeit silently. Second term I managed to record him doing his part and we played his part on screen whilst he was stood with the others. And the final term he did it all himself.
Like the Op the mum was in floods of tears and the other parents and staff were also emotional. I still see mum every so often and she always talks to me about it.
It's lovely to now see him in the next door juniors playground running around laughing and shouting with his friends :)

Makes the hard work worth it.

HMSS - true re ofsted. Despite knowing all the children's backgrounds and access to all registers inc SN info - guess who ofsted chose to take into their inspector/pupil talk?! Yes our little boy with SM. And they would not be persuaded otherwise not let us staff even go with him! And then seemed surprised that he didn't engage with them. Stupid!

That's a lovely story. Thanks for sharing

Lovely story OP. Well done your DD.

Does anyone read Torey Hayden's books? She's an SN teacher who worked with a lot of kids with SM. I always have to fix my mascara after reading her stuff.

Inspirational. The world needs more of these stories.
[Flowers]

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what a lovely story ..made my eyes water..You should be proud and proud of what an amazing teacher you have raised

beautiful story, well done your DD and that child

just fantastic!

(like the teacher on "Educating Yourkshire)

Aw, thanks all on DD's behalf. I think she's great, but I could be biased.

Background to this is that DD herself was very shy at school and still is to some extent. I think therefore she particularly relates to the shy kids and those with difficulties, because she knows what used to make her curl up with horror when she was at school and what it's like to struggle, and the shy ones perhaps feel generally more comfortable in her class. She's also tough on discipline, which also maybe makes for an environment where the quieter ones feel they can be heard.