Animal School Movie
by Ellen C. Braun
Filed under Raising Small Souls Movies
{To purchase the ‘Animal School’ movie, click here.}
Let’s think about this:
How many of these questions can you answer right now?
Who is your child’s best friend?
Who is his greatest hero?
What are her heartfelt dreams?
What is his favorite activity?
What is your child’s most precious possession?
Which talent would she hope to have?
What attributes of his personality does he consider unique?
If she is in the middle of reading a book, do you know its title?
When was the last time he got really angry, and has he gotten over the incident yet?
Who is her favorite teacher, and what is her best subject in school?
If you do not know some answers, let not your heart be troubled. You can start getting to know your child more deeply today! RaisingSmallSouls is here to offer you practical parenting tips and advice.
To our children’s success,
P.S. Click here to read what other viewers have said about “Animal School, and post your feedback too!
Ellen – I just watched your video and will link to it from my blog for my readers as well. I hope it may generate some good visibility for you – it’s a lovely piece with an important message for all parents. Thank you.
The animal school is a beautiful story but unfortunately giving the book to teachers and principals will not change anything. Teachers and administrators are required to prepare students for tests mandated by legislatures. They are called “high stakes” tests because schools are closed if students do not pass all subjects. There is no consideration of multiple intelligence or learning styles in these tests. If you really want to make a difference, send the book to a senator or representative in your state.
I loved the Animal School Movie until the last part–the “review” of who all the animals were–and saw how the fish was described as “…a child who really requires full special education and cannot shine in a regular class environment.” This is patently false, and goes against the spirit and intent of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which calls for the inclusion of students with disabilities into the “regular class” (general education) environment. Your statement also goes against what is in the best interests of all (students and teachers alike). My son who has a disability, and is now a college student, was included in regular ed classes and he did, in fact, “shine,” thanks to a caring school who provided my son and all other students with disabilities with the appropriate supports and modifications (per special ed law).
The “fish” part of your movie is harmful and it reinforces negative stereotypical images, and perpetuates the erroneous and prejudicial belief that there’s no place for students with disabilities except a segregated school environment. Our society once believed the same was true for students who were African-American. But the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed “separate but equal” in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark ruling. Sadly, we continue to have “separate” classrooms and schools for students with disabilities, and your “fish” analogy simply reinforces this harmful practice.
What will it take for you to change the film—either delete the fish altogether or change it to a more accurate and positive depiction of students who happen to have disabilities?
IDEA calls for the least restrictive environment it does not say that all students disabilities should be included in general education.
I am not saying that the majority of students with disabilities can not be in an inclusive classroom I am just saying that in some cases it is truely best for the student to be in a special ed classroom. I firmly believe that most students can thrive and “shine” in a general ed classroom but there is a small percentage that should for their benifit be in a special ed class. The statement about the fish I think applies only to students who’s disabilities are such that they need more specialized attention than can be given in a general education classroom.
I believe that the fish analogy was not harmful but helpful. This analogy pointed out, to me, how the fish was very good at things but in his own way. it would have been harmful to put him in the other class. It encourages parents to find the best environment for their child and if that means a special ed classroom then that is fine.
Of course parents and teachers should put children in the least restrictive environment and I firmly believe that the best place for students with disabilities is in general education classrooms but I have worked with students that should and were in special education classroom. It would have been harmful to put them in the general education classroom.
I also think that students in special education should have opportunities to be with their general ed peers as much as possbile and as not to isolate them but sometimes for the actually learning experience I think a special ed. classroom is best for them.
each child is as unique …
I chose to think that these children just needed full time help in a regular class.
But thank you it is a beautiful video. I cried when I recognised each of my own children. Having older children I was able to do that.
I was a fish when I was in school. For years, the “experts” insisted inclusion was in my best interests. I was a very bright girl, with behavior/emotional disorders in the late ’70’s and into the ’80’s. It was a screaming disaster! I spent most of my time in the hall or the office, doing my school work alone. I was unable to cope with the crowded classroom, and would frequently become overwhelmed. This manifested either in acting out, or simply sitting at my desk weeping.
Finally, I was placed in a full program special ed placement. I went from a girl who hated school, to president of the Student Council in high school. What a relief it was to me to finally be with other children who needed help coping, without the stigma of “special help” that a resource room brought.
I went on to a successful life, only because I was given the help I needed.
Maybe your child can benefit from inclusion. This fish could not despite years of misguided attempts. Not all disabilities are the same.
I have seen your video “Raising Small Souls.com Animal School”. Which I thought was a lesson for not only parents but teachers as well. Not everyone is the same or perfect, but having to care and understand to both a parent and teacher really mean a lot to a child or student. Not only does children’s or students learn from us but we should learn from them as well. Some Children/Student doesn’t learn as fast as others. But with more caring and understanding they will learn. Everyone is unique in their own way. We have to learn from our own pattern which fits us and learn who we are and focus on our strong points that we have within us. Some can walk, run, jump, and climb while others are not able due to health issues, but that doesn’t make them any different than others just unique. Some don’t need to be reminded and some do but, those that take a longer time to learn are unique doesn’t mean that they are not smart they just need some more time. If we don’t take the time to understand each other, what would our future be like? Your video was fast short and to the point that teaches us all that we all are unique. Thank you for sharing this video to all. We are never too old to learn.
Thank you!
Maria Cayuela
Did you really mean that the fish “really” needs special education? I am hoping that I interpreted that poorly since I know that the fish is a really good swimmer and does a good job of finding food and swims in schools so that they can all hunt together……
Nobody really needs special education. In fact, all education should be special in that it meets the needs of students.
Other than the confusing part about the fish, the film is great, makes the not-so-obvious very obvious!
A person with a disability, I found your movie is very disappointed. Yes, I grew up with help from Special Education but most of my time was in a regular classroom with regular kids. According to your movie, I was supposed in Special Education all of time. I graduated from High School. Your movie display false of students with disabilities. Majority of students with disabilities is in regular class with regular kids majority of time. Yes they have left the class to get help with the subjects they need help. But they lead regular lives inside and outside the school. Your movie is step backwards for people with disabilities.
I have just had the honor of seeing this little movie that you have been talking about.
In case you all DO NOT know, that little fish has the legal right to go to school with other non-disableds.
And they also have a right to be a part of the communty, NOT locked up in a Disabled Prisoner of Conscience Facility,
as per “The Pardon Of The Disabled”, otherwise known as The Lois Curtis and Elane Wilson Vs Thomas Olmstead Case,
that was decided 10 years ago this coming summer, which gave the disabled a long overdue pardon.
And if you like Animal School, then I hope that you will see MY MOVIE, Disabled But Able To Rock- The
Danger Woman Movie, Coming to a theater or drive in your hometown community!
Until we meet on the net…..
Yours In The Fight For Justice,
DANGER WOMAN
Thank you for the video. The narrative is a good exemplar of the importance of understanding learning as a process of elicitation, rather than some type of top-down methodology of template origin.
Thought of letting you know that i have just signed up to receive more tips from you after viewing the “Animal School Movie”. I find it very inspiring and sad to say that there are many kids that i know are like those ‘animals’ other than the bee. The analogy of the bee is not new to me though. We are know that bees, according to aviation rules, should not be able to fly. Their bodies are too BIG and wings too small to carry them into the air. However, i like to add that if a child is to be like the bee, he will need people in his life who will believe in him – even if he fails seemingly at first. I know of people who defied all odds to emerge victorious in life. But even in such cases, many a times, it will trace its roots to that special someone who had a belief in them to make it in life.
Every educator, every parent deserves to view this daily. And for the remaining children of God, we too should view it daily to remind ourselves of the unique treasure we are. Thank you
Dear Ellen
This is just an amazing video. I think the more we view it the more meaning it brings and I guess each time it might bring a different meaning. I would love to have this movie available through my site for parents and children to view and I guess some parents might be sensitive to the fact that their child might need special education, but is that the worse thing to hear? In SA our education system is far from allowing a child with visible disabilities in a main stream school although I guess many a classroom might have an undiagnosed child with Autism or a child with Aspergers struggling to stay abreast.
The website address given to you is primarily for children suffering from Moebius Syndrome (children who cannot show facial expressions and who cannot smile) and grow up with great social problems. If you can allow a link through this site, I will be so thrilled.
Please keep me posted with any new videos similar to this one.
Regards
Kay
A fantastic video, based on a fantastic story. I loved it so much I wrote a song version of the story. It’s on my debut album for kids and families, “Everyone’s Invited” by The Offhand Band.
I’d be really happy for anyone who is a fan of this story to enjoy a free MP3 of the Animal School song. Visit http://tinyurl.com/freeanimalschoolsong and enter the password “runningclimbing” and you’ll be able to get it. Enjoy!
Great little movie Ellen.
In response to the criticism of the Fish, and the right to particpate in a class- the classroom participation is not the same for all kids. Participation in a classroom requires the consent and acceptance of the teachers and school administration. If the teachers/administrators do not want the child in their class, then leaving the child in school will inflict more damage than can be imagined – and no court will fix the damage. My son (also having many of the qualities of the eagle, as well as the fish) had his self esteem nearly destroyed by the bullying of teachers and supervisors. By grade 2, he was suicidal as a result of the school system. We chose to home school him. He is now (grade 4) always happy, and is developing great self esteem. He does very well on his tests, and is able to work at his own speed (which can be very fast).
I have been a special ed teacher for 20 years and it is indeed true that many students with disabilities can thrive in the general education setting-many but not all. As a fish would not be able to survive in the “classroom” out of the water, some students with disabilities would not be able to survive in general ed. And the vidoe didn’t say that they should be shut away and shunned, merely that they need the special ed setting or the “water” to truly shine. I teach in an out of district school and we send kids to major colleges-had they remained in the general ed setting, they may have become kangaroos rather than “shining fish”
This is exactly how I interpreted the fish portion. I sort of think of those who have special needs who are able to function and thrive in the classroom as a bee also. One who is ‘measured’ and ‘tested’ but moves on anyway. Perhaps I interpreted it wrongly, but I was very inspired by this.
Dear Ellen
I would love to translate this video in at least two of our native languages in south africa. please let me know what the possibilities are.
It is a wonderful video which I am sure will be beneficial to many parents.
regards
*I posted this higher up on the thread, not realising I could simply post down here.
So a repost, if you will.*
I was a fish when I was in school. For years, the “experts” insisted inclusion was in my best interests. I was a very bright girl, with behavior/emotional disorders in the late ’70’s and into the ’80’s. It was a screaming disaster! I spent most of my time in the hall or the office, doing my school work alone. I was unable to cope with the crowded classroom, and would frequently become overwhelmed. This manifested either in acting out, or simply sitting at my desk weeping.
Finally, I was placed in a full program special ed placement. I went from a girl who hated school, to president of the Student Council in high school. What a relief it was to me to finally be with other children who needed help coping, without the stigma of “special help” that a resource room brought.
I went on to a successful life, only because I was given the help I needed.
Maybe your child can benefit from inclusion. This fish could not despite years of misguided attempts. Not all disabilities are the same
Thank you so much for this video. I hope that all who see it will read through the other reviews so that they can see the broad range of perspectives before taking offense. We all know that there are some, like the fish, that cannot thrive or even survive in General Ed. There are the exceptions like the bee. But the exceptions cannot and should not make it the rule.
Dear Ellen,
Last year at our opening Staff meeting, I had the honoured job of reading the Animal School words as the first ‘Moment of Sharing’ for our 2008-2009 school year….many thank yous for sparking conversation, stimulating much discussion and a perfect story that I discovered to begin our school year…for the children!
JBB
Ellen~
First I want to say my hat is off to you. I read the comments and wish to state any time we go against the flow of the politically correct we will take criticism! Keep up the good work and be encouraged.
I am a Homeschool Mom who is soon going into my 19 year of home schooling. Not only am I a Home School Mom but I am a wife to a public school Administrator who is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. There have been times these two worlds of ours collide but when it comes to our own children all the rules go out the window and we do what is best for our children. I fear we do everything in this country any more for the almighty dollar. Let us forget money and reach our children!
If we do not take the time to learn our child by heart we will miss the mark!
I loved the movie and I only wish I would have thought this way 19 years ago!
Blessings~
Carrie Shindorf
I found this video very touching and powerfully put indeed. It reminded me that I am doing fine as a homeschooling Mom as well. I have a hard-of-hearing daughter that struggles with many subjects but she loves to read and she loves to sew. Both of those I have let her excel at, and have allowed her to go to classes to advance her sewing. We still work on the other subjects but I don’t push, or prod past what she’s able in those areas. Anyhow, this movie was good and moved me to tears. Thank you for the reminder that each of my kids is special and entirely different from the rest.
I’m just curious if the student who’s great at math but not at English should be allowed to fail at English. That seems to be the point of the video.
Is it good for someone to be skilled at math and barely able to read and write? I don’t think so.
It was stated, “Is it good for someone to be skilled at math and barely able to read and write? I don’t think so.”
Don’t read more into this story than was intended.
A duck CAN’T climb, etc. Only a few people can’t learn to read and write, but some can read better than others.
The point is that we all have different abilities. Every child in America won’t be average. It’s impossible. Think about it. What does ‘average’ mean?!
I homeschooled my children until they went to college. One of them would have been labeled special ed because he didn’t learn to read until he was 10yo, BUT he built his first computer less than 2 yrs later. If he’d been in a regular school, he’d never excelled as he did. (And he’s now got a 3.7 GPA in college!)
I’m now teaching in a small private school and am saddened by the children who have trouble adapting to it all, when they would do so much better at home, as my son did. I do the best I can, but there’s only so much I can do. I feel like my hands are tied.
This is a great story, just don’t read too much into it. We aren’t animals.
I think the point with the duck is to not just “work extra” on weak areas. But work hard on the stregths also…. That will be the childs advantage in life, the strengths… Take advantage of advantage you have, that is also what makes us different.
This video was very thought provoking, and kind of depressing. It paints a picture of a school system that works for no one. Are there any animals that can succeed at running, climbing, flying, and swimming? Is there no way for concerned educators and parents to help children who are struggling in one subject or another? I knew plenty of very successful students growing up who thrived in the public school setting, and have been pleased with my own children’s public school education although not everything has been ideal. I think that public schools have made a lot of progress in recognizing individuals’ needs in recent years. This video reminds me of the attitude of parents who expect public schools to take over their God-given responsibility to provide their children with the best life experiences to help them strive in any environment. I see school as a great chance for my kids to learn how to deal with other people and be part of a group, learn and practice basic skills, and I am grateful when dedicated teachers do reach out to my kids, but I still feel that the buck stops with me and my husband when it comes to their education, and we participate in many educationally enriching activities at home. For example, I taught my kids how to read before kindergarten like my parents did with me, and am shocked when I hear parents complain that the school still hasn’t taught their child to read. This attitude of “the school failed my child” is like blaming McDonald’s for America’s obesity epidemic. When my kids are struggling with something in school I feel that it is my responsibility to help them practice it at home and put the time in that the public school teacher obviously does not have for each child. Maybe the point of the video is that without actively concerned parents, no child can succeed in public school. I agree that parental support is very important, but there are some talented kids out there who are good at “running, climbing, flying, and swimming” even without the support of their parents. I am glad that I had to take all the basic subjects and was able to do well in them, and I do think it is good for everyone to take all the subjects even if it is not their strong suit.
And what about that fish? Didn’t he get an A in swimming?
Certainly many children can and do succeed at school. But as the parent of three children with varying degrees of special needs, this video really spoke to me. I have worked intensively and extensively with each child, and I am in close contact with their teachers, yet they still struggle. Although the teachers are concerned and supportive, the subliminal (or maybe not so subliminal) message of school far too often is that there is only one “right” way to succeed, which is a far cry from reality. I have made a point of trying to expose my children to successful, self-supporting adults who have not followed a traditional career path (some of whom have the same disabilities as my kids) in order to show them that what may be a “negative” in the school environment can actually become a positive in world at large. And for me, that is the whole point of this video.
‘animal school’
The animals sat in a circle.
A frog and a dog. A cat and a mouse.
And assorted friends of different sizes.
The small girl spoke excitedly as her well loved
collection of toys faced one another.
‘They’re at school. Night school’ she laughed.
‘They’re learning how to read & to write, and
to pour tea for each other. And to grow
peas. And to make useful things.
And the dog is trying to love the cat, and the mouse
is trying to love the snake. Even though he hasn’t got any legs,
and can be a bit grumpy in the morning.
And then they’re all going to learn how to dance
and to sing. Together. And to make each
other laugh, and be happy.’
And as the possibility of such a school lived in her
imagination, its probability lived in the world.
-
from Soul Biographies ‘Short Words Series’
I would like to post your “animal school video” on my facebook page. Is there anyway to do that?
Sure, Emily, here is the link to purchase it- http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/catalog.html
Copyright rules only allow you to post a link to RaisingSmallSouls’ video- not to grab the video and post it elsewhere, sorry about that.
I wanted to use the words to the animal school video in my classroom. Do you have a printed version available?
Hi Joanna, here you go: http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/animal-school-text.html
Sorry to be a little off topic, but I am a private piano instructor, and a student of mine saw this video and loved the piano music. Can you please tell me who the composer is so I can buy the sheet music for her?
Thanks!
Hi, I wish I could help, however the composer’s site has been down for a few years and I have not been able to make contact with him. I’ll contact you if that changes; it is a beautiful piano piece!
Thanks! Can you tell me his name? Perhaps he is published somewhere.
youtube has, I believe, illegal (and hard to see) copies of this video…
Joel
I love this video and have watched it many times over the years. As with anything, every individual percieves things differently. As the parent of a child with fluctuating mental health issues, this video helps me remember that while there are a lot of challenges, especially with school, my daughter also has many strengths and gifts that people who are focused on her difficulties will never have the opportunity to experience. Every child is unique and “do well if they can” but some simply do not have the skill set for certain things and need support while they may excel at others.