2.I having been there as well as advocated, care planned and taught other children who learn differently have treated all children the same way. As intelligent Human beings.

3.All those involved with children who learn differently have the challenge of finding what works for each one.

4. I do not know any student who mirror each other in method, memory techniques, study techniques. We all are unique.

5.As A adult who has had many disabilities as a child without support of special techers or parents even I have made it. My disabilities are still there and show often. Remain to perplex others at times. I understand me very well and all of my great friends and my daughter as well. I seek guidence to deal with the ignorant out there.

I being a fish and maybe every one of those animals at one time or another have never seen any offense to anything within the original tape. Only with those who watched it… sorry if I offend anyone…I do not mean to. But this is how I feel. patricia

I really appreciate all of your heartfelt comments. Some of you wrote true words of wisdom, and a lot of you have a good sense of humor!!

In the beginning I had thought it was pure politically correct madness that stirred people up regarding the fish slide.

Then, I started to think more, and I wondered, why should the fish be excluded from the regular classroom? Sometimes it is appropriate and other times it is not appropriate, so it is not necessary to have a generalization which is not always applicable.

After lots of thought, here is the new fish slide.

Some of you will like it, some of you won’t. While I wish I could please everyone, I know that’s impossible!

“The fish is a child who requires full special education and cannot shine a regular class environment.”

If any of you have purchased the movie at this link http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/download-animal-school-movie.html please contact me for a fresh download link to the updated movie.

To our children’s success,

Ellen

I just felt that the fish being one “noone had seen before” and then being a 100% placement didnt fit together well.

I’m not sure how I would fix it…both are good points (those who fall through the cracks, and those who dont conform to the PC way of inclusive thinking) because both types of children exist. I think animal school got blurry on this point of who was who and how to write an analogy about it…. other than that – animal school is WONDERFUL. My agency has downloaded to use at our community, child care, and teacher trainings.

Nancy

The fish is a child who is easily overlooked and who needs special attention in and out of the classroom.

The fish is a child who requires special attention and accomodations. He can only be happy in a school where his needs are understood and addressed.

P.S I love the video. Hatzlachah Rabbah in all your endeavours.
P.P.S I have a fish, and she’s taught us alot about the ocean.

if you do change it I liked Sunny’s post best

“The fish is a child who requires a classroom environment that encourages different learning styles.

My problem is with the speed that the text goes by. It’s just too fast for those whose verbal skills may leave something to be desired, and it’s way too fast to be read out loud (try it!).

The fish is a child who lives in water when others live on land. He needs assistance from someone who can scubadive.

My first perception of fish that quit because they were bored was that “fish” are children that are catagorized as being talented and gifted (TAG). If your message is to address those children that have unique learning abilities then maybe the wording can be changed to better paint that picture. I didn’t “get it” and was somewhat confused by the fish introduction and conclusion. That is obviously the case with enough of us to show that it is a matter of perception.

As for the last part, I feel as strongly as many of those who have commented that it is harshly worded. I realize that many people believe it is fine the way it is and I respect that but I truly feel that it causes an emotional response in many of us that gets in the way of the real point you are trying to make. I agree with those who have said it is negatively worded. It also brings up uncomfortable feelings of rejection. If you want widespread use of this movie, I feel the issue of the special needs child should be addressed in a realistic way that fits with the way our current school system works. Now, I’m absolutely not talking about being PC; I’m simply encouraging a realistic and sensitive approach to getting the real point delivered effectively. “Messaging” is what it’s called for those that are not familiar with it. My favorite examples from the responses of others are those that give the message that “fish” need an appropriate, nurturing and supportive learning environment that addresses their unique needs and promotes positive growth (wherever that may be). The current message tells me that they need special help and don’t “belong” in a regular classroom.

You have been given many suggestions but the bottom line is that this is ultimately your project and you obviously have the talent to choose the words that portray the message and awareness you want to get out. Whether you change them or not is completely up to you.

I like the concept of using animals to represent diversity in children. After all, children are not adults in small bodies and I think it’s an excellent approach to helping them relate.

I am especially impressed that welcoming feedback and asking for all of our opinions has created so much thought and conversation. It is enriching to all of us to share thoughts and experiences. It is clear that this is still the controversial issue it was when I was in grade school so many moons ago.

I am an active parent leader in a family strengthening organization and I’m glad to have found your website. I think it is a very valuable resource for many parents and, in turn, has a positive impact on children. Thank you!