Learning Through Music

Learning Through Music

     I have learned a lot in six months as a substitute teacher in Highland Park ISD, as well as Richardson ISD.  I didn't know I would be hired as a substitute teacher in both of these school districts when I applied for a teaching job.  The realization of teaching in an urban school district, such as Dallas ISD, taught me the value of parental support, as well as administrative support in and out of the classroom.  The school I taught in Dallas did not have a PTA and an extreme lack of support by administration.  I have heard it is slowly changing, but since I no longer work at this school, I just don't know.  Many schools in large districts are not equipped with parental support, not because the parents don't care; many families come to the U.S.A. seeking a better life for themselves and their children.  Families seek refuge from their country because of war and terrorism. I feel I am a better teacher because of my time in Dallas ISD, but I can also say I am a better parent because of my time as a teacher in Dallas ISD.  What I am about to share with you is real.  I only write my blog only to help people.  You can ignore this blog post, if it's too real for you, but this is life.

     I share this information with you because I want to educate parents, teachers, family members, and anyone who will listen because I have learned a lot in my 42 years of living.    What I do know is this:  there are families who do not care if their child/student is passing or failing.  The reason I say this (and I am sure I will hear from some of you) is because they feel burdened by their child's existence.  Teen pregnancy is on the rise, girls mistake love for sex, and boys tell girls they love them, only to satisfy their need.  This cycle will never be broken if we only preach "no sex before marriage".  Kids are having sex and we need to educate them about safe sex.  Why am I bringing this topic up?  The main reason I bring up the topic of teen pregnancy is it relates to our culture:  kids having kids.  I have witnessed teen pregnancy as a friend, but also as a teacher.  What our society is becoming is very scary to me:  we are not educating students in the classroom.  There are students who can't read, do basic math, or comprehend what teachers are trying to teach because they don't have support at home to encourage them to read or do their homework.  Many kids come from broken homes, so I made it a mission to not only embrace my son's friends who come from single parent homes, but I also made sure I educated them about safe sex and the importance of receiving a college education.  I am very proud of my son and his friends because they are actually listening.  You may not agree with my parenting, but we live in a world full of cynicism, hate, and bigotry.  I love my son and his friends, and I feel by showing them what unconditional love is, they receive an education you can't find in any school or book.  That being said, I have always listened to God and His word.  I know we can't preach in school or get the word out about Jesus, but I totally feel if families embraced His love, kids and families would be much better off. 
     My husband and I made a family decision nearly a year ago to cut out cable television and focus on our family with Cole.  I realize now that television is nothing more than wet journalism, full of commercials trying to sell the latest and greatest toy or pill that will make your life better.  I knew when I was pregnant with Cole, we would be watching Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Electric Company, and Mr. Rogers because that is what I grew up watching.  What I did not know is how we would get sucked into the other popular kid shows such as Mickey Mouse Club, Bear and the Big Blue House, Dora the Explorer, and Spongebob Squarepants.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed watching these shows (except Spongebob) with Cole, but they were clouding my mind.  I wanted more for Cole.  I knew early on I wanted to be outside and enjoy nature, so I made it a point to walk nearly every day with him until he started Kindergarten.  I knew by age 3, Cole was different because he wasn't talking like his other friends, but I just chalked that up to television and being around adults.  I later realized I understood Cole and what he wanted by pointing to things, but I also came to the conclusion that I needed to get him help.  Cole would not be diagnosed with autism until the age of 6.
     I started reading to Cole when I was pregnant and we also listened to the classics.  Each time I played Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", Cole would literally dance in my tummy!  I now relish these sweet memories because Cole now loves listening to other types of music, but will occasionally listen to my classical music.  I knew when I had a baby, this child would grow up knowing and listening to the greats:  Beethoven, Mozart, Saint Saens, Bach, Puccini, and the Russian Five.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity as a college student to learn about these composers and their contribution to society.  What I did not know is that I would have a child with a disability.  Cole loves all types of music, but what I did not know is that music would break his silence.  I am blessed because I received an incredible education at Meadows School of the Arts, SMU, and I am able to share my love of music and history with Cole.  However, for families that are not educated, their children may never realize their potential and all they have to offer as a contributing member of society.
     I am not a pessimist, nor a negative person; however, I am a realist.  I believe we need to integrate classical teaching into curriculum in the state of Texas.  This will never happen in my lifetime, but I can make sure my son receives a classical education, even if it's outside of school.  Do you ever consider home-schooling your child?  I wanted to home-school Cole from the time he was five years old, because I wanted to shield him from the realities of our world.  I also realized he needed a lot more help than I was able to give him.  I am now a certified special education teacher because of my son.  I could write a book about our life and the education we both receive on a daily basis, but I feel I am still not ready.
     I know by writing this blog post, I am educating people.  My prayer is that the families who don't know who to turn to for help with their children will read this blog.  Reading, writing, math, and comprehension is something that can be taught at school and home.  Without knowledge, education becomes mute.  Without wisdom, knowledge is lost.  Please read to your children, play classical music, offer help to kids that really need a listening ear, but most of all,  be an advocate for all.