» Blog Archive

Fish

Due to the feedback that you have given me, I would like to revise the fish slide in the Animal School movie so that no hard feelings are generated.

The slide currently reads as follows at the beginning of the movie:

The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they had never seen a fish.

And at the end of the movie:

The fish is a child who really requires full special education and should not be in the regular classroom.

Please keep your suggestions to approximately the same length, so that the music need not be re-looped!

Many Thanks!

{EDIT Sept 12, 06} Scroll down to comment #318 for the updated fish slide! (You may need to hit “control F5″ on your keyboard after the movie begins to clear your cache and view the updated Animal School.)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 29th, 2006 at 11:58 am and is filed under Parenting Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

327 Responses to “Fish”

Ellen C. Braun says:

How do you feel about “The fish is a child who really requires full special education.” and leave off the rest of the sentense which sounds segregationist?

The fish can get special ed in or out of the regular classroom…

August 29th, 2006 at 12:02 pm

SUSAN says:

I belive the fish quit school because all classes felt the same simlply b/c he didnt get any of it. like you have sugested hes special needs and should be in special needs class room. so that he can excell as the other children.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:10 pm

Suzanne Polo says:

That is better but maybe not perfect yet. What if you discussed learning styles - as in everybody has a different learning style and those needs are best honored.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:11 pm

Liz says:

What about “The fish is a child who requires full special education and thus his/her needs are not being currently met.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:12 pm

Jerry Isaak-Shapiro says:

The fish is a child who requires a completely different educational environment and would benefit from - and succeed in - a different kind of classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:13 pm

Joseph Abrams says:

The fish is a child with special needs and deserves a special education in his own setting.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:15 pm

Cheri says:

I think it is fine the way it is! Everyone needs to quit trying to be so politically correct and always picking apart everything and making a huge deal out of nothing!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:15 pm

Melinda says:

I think that what you wrote for that slide originally was perfect. I understood what you were trying to say and did not feel as though you were trying to segregate children.
If you do want to change it for sure, I think I would write something like, “The fish is a child who really requires more of an individual education than a regular classroom can provide”.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:17 pm

Mindy says:

The fish is a child with special needs, and should be treated specially so that he feels ordinary - like everyone else.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:18 pm

Kathy says:

I agree with Cheri. Leave it as YOU wrote it. If you open this door, you’ll find you can’t close it without someone being “offended.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:20 pm

Christine says:

I think it’s fine the way it is.
Having a 5 year old that just started special day kindergarten due to speech and motor skill delays I can totally relate.

Just leave it the way it is. If you change it there will be a whole new group of people that won’t like it.
You won’t be able to please everyone all the time.
I think it’s an awesome video!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:21 pm

Jane says:

The fish is a child who really requires full special education in as inclusive a manner as possible.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:24 pm

Rene Wroblewski says:

The fish did not need these skills so went to swimming and diving class instead.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:24 pm

Tambrey says:

I too feel that it is fine just as it was originally written, no need to change anything at all!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:25 pm

Donna says:

Didn’t have a problem with it as it was. Unfortunate that there aren’t very many specialized fish schools and yet so many talented fish out there doing what they were created to be –fish.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:26 pm

Ronda says:

I, too, think it is fine the way it is. You’ll NEVER be able to please everyone…

August 29th, 2006 at 1:26 pm

ctw says:

I, personally, don’t see a need to change it, but if you do, here’s a suggestion:

The fish is a child who needs to be engaged in a full
special education program, not the regular classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:27 pm

Belinda says:

I think it would be better if it read:

“The fish is the child that would be better served in a full special education program.” By leaving out the last sentence it doesn’t sound like they are being singled out as not being a “regular” kids.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:27 pm

Cindy says:

How about: (I am sure it could be shorter but I needed word it this way to make sure it said what I wanted it to say)
The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, because he didn’t understand the concepts the same way everybody else did. His brain worked differently. But nobody understood that because they had never seen a fish.
AND
The fish is a child who really requires full special education and needs the small individual attention in order to succeed.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:27 pm

Toni DeLaRosa says:

It should read: “The fish is a child who really requires special education and should be slowly integrated in the regular classroom to lean from his peers.”

Special Needs Children learn best from their peers. Then they can mimic “normal” behavior. Young children are the least critical. Plus, the “normal” children can learn to be more compassionate and accomodating of people who are different from them.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:28 pm

Elizabeth says:

I think it’s fine. I agree with those who have said that you won’t please everyone. I found the presentation to be very enlightening and appreciate your time and effort to share it with others.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:29 pm

Terry says:

Nobody recognized that the fish was a gifted child and required special education

August 29th, 2006 at 1:30 pm

Donna says:

“The fish is the child with special views of the world, who usually falls through the cracks of a cookie-cutter education.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:31 pm

Out with PC says:

**PLEASE** Please, please listen to Cheri and Melinda (and maybe others)–drop this PC nonsense already!!

There is NOTHING wrong with the slides AS IS!!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:31 pm

ann says:

My little fish requires special education and shouldn’t be in the regular classroom, but because of inclusion is not receiving the attention and individual lessons she needs. I think you should leave it as is…not everyone can swim. Thank you for the video…I sent it to our school board and director of special education.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:32 pm

Sunny says:

I thought the animal school was great! The animals reminded me of all the different learning styles we all have. I don’t necessarily agree with the fish should be in special education just because he was bored. I have found that in the school system today with my own children, individualism & creativity is not encouraged. It seems we are trying to force kids to fit into one particular learning style, and to do everything the same way, which in itself would cause boredom.
My suggestion:
“The fish is a child who requires a classroom environment that encourages different learning styles.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:33 pm

Jennifer says:

How about, “The fish is the child who really needs education instruction geared to his learning abilities.” I have a child with a phsical disability , therefore he requires specialized/modified instruction. He is in a regular classroom, as are alot of children like him, and is thriving in that environment. Sticking them in a special education class does not solve everything. I knwo that there are some that need to be in Special Ed., but alot just need modifications to the General Ed curriculim.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:34 pm

rachel says:

all of these suggestions seem pretty good. i wouldn’t shy away from mentioning special education, but maybe not specify where to give it. the original didn’t strike me as derogatory at all, however.

rachel

August 29th, 2006 at 1:34 pm

Kelly says:

I agree you will never please everone the first time I watched it I had tears finally someone embraced the differences in all children-that is the most important thing. If you are sure you need to change it I really like suggestion #5. At the end something about the fish learning the same things as his friends with a different path to get there.I applaud the video and would not change a thing it is AWESOME.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:34 pm

Sarah says:

You asked for ideas so here’s mine… “The fish is a child who requires a unique learning environment in order to thrive and reach his or her full potential.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:35 pm

Susan Carr says:

‘The fish tuned out because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they didn’t live in the water like he did…they had never even seen a fish.’

And at the end of the movie:

‘The fish is a child who has special needs: a mentor, a role model, a hero.. to show him how to swim upstream.’

August 29th, 2006 at 1:35 pm

sigal says:

I think the slide is fine, but it is better to say things in a positive way. This is not about PC, this is about being a positive person, one of the key parenting skills. Hence, I would suggest changing it to:

“The fish is the child whose needs are not met in the classroom and
deserves special educational resources.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:35 pm

Cheryl Appleget says:

The fish is a child who really requires full special education and should recieve programming which meets the individualized needs.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:39 pm

Bonnie says:

I think you should leave it as you wrote it. It’s perfect, it’s yours and don’t worry about offending anyone. You will never make everyone happy. It’s beautiful!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:39 pm

Penny Allen says:

Here is how I would end it.

The fish is a child who requires individual attention and deserves to be in a special classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:39 pm

Jen says:

We homeschool and I think everyone does well to be out of the classroom environment, just to add a wrinkle for you. Personally, I would not change it, becasue that is a slippery slope. Children are not reading your site; parents are. You will not hurt the feelings of any child who needs some extra attention or who needs to be removed from the mainstream by leaving that line in there.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:40 pm

Jessica says:

I work in a county mental retardation services agency. Many of your children are non-verbal or as my 4 year old would say “broken” due to their physical disabilities and mental capacities. The fish is a good example, but make him like nemo, a fish with a smaller fin and not a fast swimmer. Most of our kids who quit school, aren’t the ones with disabilities, but the ones who find school boring because it is too easy for them. The system in PA makes it easier for our clients. Disable the fish, make him unlike the others.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:40 pm

Sonja says:

Some questions to entertain about the special fish:
What do you hope to achieve by educating him? What place in society will he occupy when he’s grown and through with the education system (or more correctly, it’s through with him?
What education would serve him best? Learning what skills would equip him to live in the 21st century world? Will he be more comfortable in his separate classroom where he is with other fish and not standing out as so much less qualified than the other animals? Or rather, is he able to learn skills from the more qualified children just by being around them and imitating them? If I had a special needs child I would have so many factors to consider: Are his peers loving and supportive or are they demeaning and denigrating him just because of his “differences”? In school, what are they trying to teach my child anyway in special education? Anything useful, or just how to sit still and be compliant and obedient (useful skills to a certain extent, to be sure, but not the “be all to end all”). Will they stimulate him to reach for greater heights with his special style of learning, or will he come away with a label and a self-identifying belief that is self-defeating? There would be so many individual factors to consider such as my child’s emotional response and the teacher’s level of qualification and the peer group’s response to my son’s personality. There would be no easy answer for me to the question Should my special needs child be singled out for specialized education or included in the regular classroom with the non-special needs children?. I guess alot of it would depend on what the school in my district(s) would have to offer.
Your education is truly, only as good as the school you choose or are required to attend.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:42 pm

Kris says:

I think all children have their own special learning needs. Some are just able to acclimate themselves to the classroom much easier.

How about the ending: “The fish is a child who really only requires a special way of teaching and should not be forgotten.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:44 pm

Karyn says:

The fish is a child who does not respond to traditional metheods, and would be better served in a more specialized/ individualized setting.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:45 pm

Pamela says:

“The fish is a child who really requires full special education to meet his educational needs”.

If it is addressed this way, it is to the point and no one is offended in any way.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:46 pm

Dalton Jantzi says:

One thought I had when I read your email was:

“The fish didn’t want to go to school because he was confused and felt that he didn’t belong. Nobody in the class understood that because they hadn’t learned enough about fish.”

(then at the end)

“The fish is a child who requires individual attention from trained support staff within the classroom.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:46 pm

Donna says:

The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, and did not relate to his world.

The fish is a child who requires specialized education and requires a specific educational environment.

As an aside: Ellen, do you believe we need to stop pigeon holing everyone into “sameness” and “equality”? Real world, is everything “fair”? Does everything have to be equal? Why is it so scary that everyone is unique and that the world is set up so that there are haves, have nots? I believe that trying to get everything “fair” and “equal” is not the roots of democracy, freedom and liberty but rather it is the roots of socialism.

I believe we owe it to our children to provide them equal opportunity to excel in their differences and identify their commonality with one another in terms of moral, ethical and principal behavior.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:47 pm

Michael O'Briant says:

“The fish is a child who really requires full special education. He struggles to be successful outside the environment he trully needs.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:47 pm

Debby Rhea says:

Thank you for inviting me to give feedback, Ellen. I loved the film, but had an immediately adverse reaction to what was said about the fish when I read it. For students with special needs, all four subjects aren’t necessarily the same, although I think that was your way of saying that the fish didn’t understand what he was learning - across the board. I didn’t grasp what was meant when you said no one had ever seen a fish. Everyone has seen a child with special needs, but not everyone understands what to do about that. Also, not every child needs full-time special education, and, as the law states, every child is entitled to inclusion in the regular education classroom setting, with supports and services. That said, here’s my “punny” revision:

“The fish got away and left school, because he needed special help. To him, there were no successes. No one reeled him in to work with him from the bottom-up.”

“The fish is a child who requires educational support to thrive and swim and who will flounder and fail without it.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:48 pm

Kimberly says:

The fish symbolizes the child that requires one on one attention with his teacher in order to excel like the other students.
I don’t think that this child should be limited to just special needs children, their are plenty of other children out there that are not a special needs child that also requires extra help. Consider if the child is living in an environment that is effecting his ability to be an excellent student, whether it be poverty or violence or even a divorce, these situations effect our children.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:48 pm

debra jones says:

I think that if teachers and parents make a “special needs” child feel insecure about his/her learning disability, then others will follow suit. If the child has the exrta attention that it requires, and it is explained as simply as ” racers need more time to train than kid who do not race” so it is that this child needs more practice than other children in this subject. The more simple we keep things that less attention is drawn to the child. Most children do well with ” a matter of fact” answer. the uncomplicated truth is the best way to go.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:48 pm

jersey says:

‘The fish is a child who really requires full special education and
should not be in the regular classroom.’

Loved every aspect of this presentation…. beautiful pictures and sayings,, just this one seemed too harsh for such a lovely description of a special needs child.. maybe less harsh would be:
The fish (who no one had ever seen before) is a unique child who would benefit from a program not so cookie cutter (liked that from donnas post) unless of course the cookie cutter is in the form of a fish!!

August 29th, 2006 at 1:49 pm

mandy says:

I like it as it is…

but if you really think it needs to be changed…

I think you should use Sarah’s suggestion in posting 31 for the end…

and for the beginning… I like Susan in posting 32…

August 29th, 2006 at 1:50 pm

JoAnn says:

The fish is a child who needs a customized education that teaches in a way that interests him and makes learning fun.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:50 pm

Ashlie says:

I think you should leave it as originally written. If you choose to change it, “The fish is a child that requires an idnividual education plan so he can succeed within a mainstream classroom setting.”

August 29th, 2006 at 1:51 pm

Maureen says:

Please do nothing that encourages segregation of children with disabilities. How about:
The fish is a child who really requires educaton built on his strengths and designed for who he is rather than what he is not.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:51 pm

trying my best says:

I think the part about all four subjects being the same is inaccurate. I took that to mean the child is too dumb to know the difference between the subjects. Im sure that wasnt your intent since special needs children are often very intelligent. All four subjects may have been confusing.I think maybe he quit because he was frustrated unless he was gifted then I could see him being bored. some special needs kids need a special classroom but some just need the right assistance in a regular classroom. Sorry I could not give you the right words for the music but that is my opinion of the fish.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:53 pm

Karen Bodenhamer says:

The fish is the child that can learn to function out of water with special support and the understanding and compassion of those around him. Were education differentiated and success better defined there would be a place for fish too.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:57 pm

Vicki says:

how about just replaceing “regular” with “mainstream”. I think the whole film is fabulous and sent it to many, many people. All of the responses I’ve received are only very positive.

August 29th, 2006 at 1:58 pm

Chris says:

As a parent of a child with disabilities, I think children should be in the general ed classroom as much as possible, but the reality that many people disregard is there are some children who need a segregated setting to succeed educationally.

While the original text does not bother me, I think you could reword it with a slightly more positive tone like this:

“The fish is a child who really requires full special education to allow him to learn and succeed at his own pace.”

August 29th, 2006 at 2:01 pm

Kristin says:

The fish wanted to leave school because all of the subjects were confusing to him. No one noticed his troubles because he was the only one living underwater.

The fish is a child who needs educational instruments tailored to his unique abilities. Find a teacher who can scuba dive and you’ll unlock his potential to swim with the big fish!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:03 pm

Judi says:

Good grief. I’ve read through most of the replys and I find it disturbing to think so many adults are bothered by something that was never meant to be offensive….Quite frankly, I’d leave it alone.

The video was so touching it made me cry when I first saw it. It is a wonderful presentation.

And by the way….I have an adopted SP. Ed. child who is mainstreamed. I’m not offended one bit by the wording.

You did a great job with the video, I really hope you don’t change it.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:05 pm

Harry says:

The movie was beautiful and soulful. Please leave it alone. You did a great job.

If I were going to change something (and I don’t think you should) I would say that the fish is a special child who needs one on one attention to reach his full potential.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:05 pm

Christi Whitter says:

I think it needs to be changed, not to be “politically correct” but to reflect that it isn’t appropriate to have any animal segregated away.

How about “The fish needed a curriculum written just for him, different from the one adopted for the other animals.”

August 29th, 2006 at 2:06 pm

Sue says:

Hi Ellen,

Here’s my idea-see if this fish floats.

“The fish felt overwhelmed because they did not have the resources or time to teach him. To him all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they didn’t understand how to talk to the fish.”

“The fish is the otherwise abled child who requires a lot of additional support to be able to succeed in a typical classroom.”

Thank you for asking, the “should not be in a regular classroom” was a hard thing to read, especially for a s.n. parent who wants inclusion for their child.

Have a great day!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:06 pm

Simone says:

I am glad that someone reminded all of the parents out there that each and every child is a unique gift from God and we are all precious in our own ways. People are always trying to change one another into something we were never intended to be instead of celebrating who we are, all the good and BAD qualities that each one of us holds. I loved this video, and too bad if people were offended with the fish- whatever.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:07 pm

Joan says:

The fish is a unique child who needs special attention and nurturing…aren’t we all?

August 29th, 2006 at 2:08 pm

Wendy says:

‘The fish quit school because he was perplexed. To him, all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they weren’t speaking his language.’

And at the end of the movie:

‘The fish is a child who really requires full special education and accommodation in the regular classroom.’

August 29th, 2006 at 2:08 pm

denise says:

“The fish quit school because he was out of water.” A fish lives in water, the other activities are not something that a fish can relate to. A fish needs to swim, to do things a fish would. “A fish needs to swim, a fish needs his own environment.”

August 29th, 2006 at 2:09 pm

Melinda L. says:

I watched the film again & again thought it was beautiful!!! I think you should leave it as is, but I also think Joann (53) had a good suggestion if you feel you must change it. There are children that are the “fish” - - I have a friend who’s child finally is happy and learning now that they got her out of the mainstream and only in a special educ. class!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:10 pm

Marybeth says:

I think the way you said it was perfect. I think too many people worry about being pc, and the truth behind the message gets lost. I have worked with special needs children, and was not at all offended; and the parents I have had the pleasure of knowing who have special needs kids wouldn’t take offense either.

If you really want to change it, but still get the message accross, mabe try something like:
“The fish is a child who really requires full special education and does not benefit at all in the regular classroom.” A subtle change with the same message… That way people will have to look for something else to be offended by.

I also really liked Sarah’s suggestion in #31.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:12 pm

Kris Milashus says:

I liked 32 for the opening by Susan Carr and 47 for the last statement by Debby Rhea . My daughter has autism, and I LOVED the whole presentation, but was taken back by the fish - it was a bit harsh. I don’t think that special needs children typically drop out of school (bored kids might, but that is a different classification from being spec ed - bored kids might be gifted and not challenged…whole different subject). But I do think there is a huge potential for special needs kids to hate going to school because the setting is wrong and they are not getting the supports that they need. Even if you leave it as-is, I thought it was beautiful.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:12 pm

Dr. Kent B. Mann says:

The fish is a child who has unique needs and may require special assitance beyond the structure and support available in regular classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:13 pm

Beth says:

Leave it as is! Love the video as a Mom and Teacher!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:13 pm

Helen says:

How about something more along the lines of ‘the fish quit school because couldn’t breathe out of water. All four subjects suffocated him and he didn’t understand. but nobody understood because they had never BEEN a fish’

and the end..

I agree the end bit could be adapted to encompass children whose needs can be met in the mainstream school.. like 3 of my lot.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:14 pm

Magpie says:

‘”The fish is a child who really requires full special education and should not be in the regular classroom.”

I understand you are talking about a student, who doesn’t do well as a mainstreamed student. The problem is that there many school districts do not have separate class rooms, and some parents prefer the child to have some time with a more heterogeneous classroom for social purposes and to keep the child from being made fun of. If you continue the fish as a special education student, then the fish might grasp some of the subject matter, but not fully understand it. He would quit out of frustration rather than boredom. A gifted child would quit out of boredom due to not being challenged enough. (That is what happened to my nephew, he wasn’t challenged enough.)

If you continue with the fish as a special education student, then I would think the fish would quit, because he thought no one cared that he couldn’t understand.

This fish actually sounds more like an ESL (English as a Second Language) student rather than a special education student. He didn’t understand anything, because he spoke a different language.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

Darlene says:

Having a son in Special Ed and working with 11th/12th grade special ed students, they don’t quit because they are bored. No one wants to be singled out as different. Once receiving spec ed services, a child is constantly reminded they are different. The smartest child or the child with learning difficulties, may learn differently than the average child. Every child should be challenged at their ability level, always striving to be better, schools just don’t always provide those differnces for children who don’t fit the norm. Every child needs to be recognized as a unique individual, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Maybe the fish quit because they were the one that no one took the time to really see them.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

Nicki says:

I think the “fish” is fine the way it is, but if it is upsetting people something like “The fish is a child who needs an individual learning plan or special education classroom in order to meet his full potential.”

August 29th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

Michael says:

Frankly, I don’t think any rework is required.

We all have special needs and when they arenot meet we drop out of life/school/… that’s exactly why we need GOD and the Holy Spirit being active in our spirit man. This reduces the dependance on us expecting someone to see what we need and give us just that. The foundation of our faith must be “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

Margo says:

Ack - this is all getting so convoluted! Really, I feel it was fine to begin with - I think what is happening is that you have touched a sensitive nerve in many parents of “fish” (I am one as well) and hence you have found yourself on the receiving end of some projections from their frustrations and experiences. I’m not sure that you will find a solution that pleases all, but it is nice that you’d like to try. If you insist on changing your perfectly fine description, I liked the types of suggestions in 1, ,6, 12, 18 and 19 (lost track after that).

I say nix to some of the other more strained, labored PC efforts. Good luck and thank you for the truly moving video.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

Ann St. George says:

I love Jerry IsaaKs-Shapiro response, it’s fresh, crisp and loving.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:16 pm

Leslie says:

You people who think the corrections suggested are just people trying to be PC are missing the point. In my state and probably in yours too, whether you realize it or not, there is NO such thing as full special education school or programs any more. Our federal, state and local officials have made it MANDATORY to include special needs children in regular classrooms for at least part of the day. Some children truly need very special classes and programs, but this does not mean that they should be segregated entirely. It is not politically correct or incorrect to want every child to feel welcomed and accepted by their peers, even in the smallest of ways. Get over yourselves and realize times have changed. No one is allowed to keep “retarded” kids in the closet at home anymore. They are in school with all the other children. Hopefully, their needs are being met, just like the needs of ALL children. Gifted, Slow, Normal (whatever that is!).. They are all children and deserve attention to their specific needs and encouragement to excell in what they like and do best.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:18 pm

Sheila says:

As a special ed. teacher and parent of a special needs child,someone is always going to be offended so trust your gut and don’t go all PC on us!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:20 pm

Katherine says:

I agree with Jerry Isaak-Shapiro.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:22 pm

margaret says:

Kristin says:

The fish wanted to leave school because all of the subjects were confusing to him. No one noticed his troubles because he was the only one living underwater.

The fish is a child who needs educational instruments tailored to his unique abilities. Find a teacher who can scuba dive and you’ll unlock his potential to swim with the big fish!

August 29th, 2006 ………agree with above

August 29th, 2006 at 2:24 pm

Marsha says:

My son is not special ed, but he hates school because to him it is boring. If his passions &
strengths were tapped into, I think it would be far different.

I like posting #31 & #55 for the ending. It emcompasses all students, not just special ed.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:26 pm

Karen says:

The fish can learn in the typical classroom when knowledgeable adults fashion her experience, and the class is involved in care and learning.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:27 pm

Diane Sower says:

I’d leave the film alone. I gather from this site a loathing of public education that doesn’t cater to creativity and individualism. Keep in mind, the same folks who believe this, voted for a man who created NCLB, thereby ensuring that teaching is done ONLY to the test, and mandating a new generation of serfs. Diane

August 29th, 2006 at 2:28 pm

Kelly says:

WOW HAS THIS EVER STARTED CONTROVERSY!!!! To Tiffany in # 30 –YES I have a special needs child he has aspergers,add and clinicl depression at age 9, He looks completely normal making it even more dfficult for people to understand that he needs a different enviornment to learn in. Yes we are tooo politically correct and life is hard. Ellen I applaud your skill- you made a very special video that stands on its owm merit keep up the good work and do not get sucked in to the world of opinions.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:28 pm

Roxanne says:

The fish is the child who needs a structured enviornment that is not met in a regular classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:29 pm

Monica Bishop says:

I would suggest:

the fish quit school because he understood everything differently. For the fish to understand he had to see visually.

The fish represents children who understand math, reading, spelling visiually. They need different teachings tools because their minds think differently.

My daughter has to have special education. Luckily I the school systems has two wonderful teachers who help her with a new system. She is an “A” student been on honor roll for past two years. She gives her best at everything she does. She does touch math. Visual board for spelling and her stories have pictures so she can recongize the words.

These teachers also are assigned to help her go to social studies and science class so she can understand what is going on. She feels so lucky to have a adult helping her out in her regular stuff.

My daughter was tested to see if she qualified for this program. She has to see something for it to be understood. That is just how her mind works.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:30 pm

Meredyth says:

Isn’t that the problem with parenting & teaching today, that we can’t hurt someone’s feelings? I think it is accurately stated and you don’t have to change it.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:30 pm

shauna says:

I think its fine the way it is dont change it SHAUNA

August 29th, 2006 at 2:31 pm

Stephanie says:

The fish has special needs and requires differentiated learning activities.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:32 pm

Helen says:

‘The fish is a child who really requires specialized education while part of the regular classroom yet not always the daily lesson.’
It is tough to say “this child is very different” yet some are. I know from experience that some children will never become a part of a group of school children, and that specialized help won’t even work. Thankfully, this is rare. I do believe we have to be realistic on how far some children can go, even with help. Yet, it is exciting to see children with actively involved families go very far despite disabilities. I speak from experience, knowing an add downs syndrome girl, who has gone far because of family and friends. (and personally, pc ought to be tempered with common sense and a balanced perspective!) Thank you!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:32 pm

Meg says:

The way the story was initially written is beautiful. I am very impressed the writer wants to see if others could add to the story. It shows the writer is considerate of other’s views. The story shows us that one way is not always the best way. The writer is showing us this as well by asking our views (I applaude you…and the others who have given their story).

I am a mother of a 2 year old autistic boy. He is so special in every way; he has so much to give to this world. I was never offended by any part of the story…nor anyone else’s views. The only “word” that I would refrain from using is “normal”. What is normal? For everyone to be like everyone else? Then, the story is right…how boring. Every child born is special..those with and without “special needs”. ALL require special attention…in the way to best foster their talents that were given by God. It is our job as adults and parents to make sure they receive the attention they deserve.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:32 pm

Megan says:

I think it is perfect the way it is. Usually your first instinct is the best. If people got their feelings hurt over this - they are too touchy and they don’t have to read it again or share it with friends.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:33 pm

Lana says:

It might sound better if you say that he “might” have special needs or “might” require special instruction or counselling.

What about the boredom? You going to create another animal for him?

August 29th, 2006 at 2:38 pm

M. Kinnear says:

Mistaken Identity…you’ve got the wrong Melinda! I did not post a suggestion for the last slide to be changed! I love the movie just the way it is—please don’t change a thing. It’s perfect the way you wrote it.
Melinda K.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:39 pm

Deann says:

86 responses. I DO understand the logic behind each response. However, as the old saying goes, “You can please some of the people…..” By being so PC, time is spent that could have been utilized on new (and equally wonderful) projects! The original was to the point and well done.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:39 pm

Jill Norvelle says:

I think the original is great. Each child is an individual and each child needs in his or her own way. We really need to adapt to those needs and stop expecting so much from them. I got the message that even if he has special needs he is really no different from the other kid. He still needs love, acceptance, and guidance. It is beautiful.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:41 pm

Lora Barlow says:

The fish felt left out at school. All of the subject seemed the same because the teachers could not explain things in the way he needed it explained.

The fish is the child that learns differently or has significant special needs and his needs are not met in a general education classroom (because they had never seen a fish before).

I really like the line about “because they had never seen a fish” but cannot figure out how to make the pantamater work and still include it or something like it.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:41 pm

Dr. Seuss says:

97 responses and counting…

… **ABOUT A FISH???!!!***

People, wake up!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:42 pm

Patti Mahaney says:

I have been a special education teacher for over 20 years and I loved the end because I believe it’s true. Some kids would fair better in a self contained classroom rather than in inclusion. It should say something that shares the ideas of least resrictive environment…the fish belongs in a classroom that best meets his individual needs-in reality every child should have a special education.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:45 pm

ana perez says:

The last sentence should read, …full special education and needs an individual education plan custom made for that child…

August 29th, 2006 at 2:45 pm

gail Heaton says:

The fish is a child who really requires full parental education and should be learning in the home.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:52 pm

Paulette says:

“The fish is a child who needs differentiated instruction to be successful in the general ed classroom.”

I’m shocked at how many people see nothing wrong with segregating disabled children. Special education is a service, not a place.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:54 pm

Beverly says:

It really didn’t offend me since my kid is in special ed classroom and facts are facts.
But for those who were how about
Needs a classroom designed around his special needs.

August 29th, 2006 at 2:58 pm

Jen says:

I disagree with those who believe you would be trying to appear “politically correct” in changing it. The words gave me a mind picture of the fish being “outside” of normal and distant from others by being isolated.

I do not have a special needs child, but have been around some in public school as a kid and one with Down’s Syndrome who lived to be in his late forties (was my neighbor’s son whom she cared for). I like the first paragraph in post # 64 and the last paragraph in #60 both great word pictures!

I am a homeschooling mom, so I do have experience with teaching and how different each child’s strength’s, weaknesses, and learning styles can be.

I was not “offended” by the illustration of the fish, but did get a feeling that he was being segregated from everyone because the others didn’t understand him or know how to act towards him or relate to him. That particular part didn’t sit well with me and I did have to re-read it a few times.

The rest of it is so beautiful! What a great job you have done with this!

PS So difficult to choose who re-worded it best!

August 29th, 2006 at 2:59 pm

Margaret says:

The first line could read :
The Fish quit school because he was lost. He couldn’t understand any of the subjects because nobody knew how to teach him in a way he could understand.

Suggestion for the last line:
The fish is a child who really needs full special education. He needs a setting and an educational plan just for him.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:01 pm

Darla says:

Although I agree with others that the film was beautiful, I was teary after watching it both times, I didn’t really connect with the fish example. I don’t know about special needs kids being bored in a the regular classroom, maybe they are, but also I imagine they feel frustrated and left out much of the time. I think emphasizing the fact that the fish has different needs in an education setting would be valuable. I might say something like:

Although the fish was a great swimmer, nobody at school cared too much since this was not a required subject. Fish bodies are not designed to climb, or jump or fly or run, so these classes left the fish bored and frustrated.

The fish deserves an individual education in a setting that is appropriate. Nobody would expect a fish to thrive out of water…

Thanks for this beautiful film!
Darla

August 29th, 2006 at 3:01 pm

Tara says:

‘The fish is a child who really requires special education and
needs one-on-one assistance in the general education classroom.’

To say that a child “should not be” in the regular classroom is just wrong. This has nothing to do with political correctness. It has to do with equality and a right to the least restrictive environment for each and every child in the United States. It’s the *law*, not a touchy-feely attitude. I wonder how many of the people who posted here about “political correctness” would change their minds if their own children had special needs and were segregated from the general ed population. And yes, it’s GENERAL education, not REGULAR education. To say ‘regular’ implies that anything else is ‘irregular’ and that’s not true or kind.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:01 pm

Jill says:

I think it’s great as is–don’t change a thing.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:06 pm

Su-Hua LEOW says:

I’m fine with the wordings “The fish is a child who really requires full special education and should not be in the regular classroom.” except that perhaps ‘full’ is redundant since the second half of the sentence already states that fish should not be in the regular classroom.
It could therefore read as:

“The fish is a child who really requires special education and should not be in the regular classroom.”

Thank you and best regards
Su

August 29th, 2006 at 3:10 pm

Tamara says:

I think it was GREAT the way it was. As a mother and second career teacher, the entire movie had a huge impact on me. PLEASE do not change it.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:12 pm

Bella says:

The first part is fine
How about for the second part:
“This fish needs help! Sometimes a change in environment or some individual attention
could help in finding new directions or interests.”

August 29th, 2006 at 3:12 pm

Shana says:

I think that what you wrote for that slide originally was fine. If you do want to change it for sure, I think I would write something like, “The fish is a child who really requires more of an individual education than a regular classroom can provide”.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:17 pm

sharon.burow says:

As a professor in early childhood education I have seen invaluable opportunities that have been opened up to children who, in the past have been confined in a special education room, with infrequent interaction with those in a tradidional classroom. Unfortunately, I believe that the pendulum has gone too far in the opposite direction–I now see special needs children who are just taking up space in the regular classroom because of the lack of training of a fumbling paraprofessional (versus a degreed specialist)and untrained clasrroom teacher. These special chidren are not being thoughtfullly serviced. I think that many in the field of education would take less offense if you would change it to: THE FISH MAY BE THE CHILD WHO REALLY NEEDS MORE SPECIALIZED EDUCATION THAN AVAILABLE IN THE REGULAR CURRICULUM (OR CLASSROOM—I THINK THAT CURRICULUM IS BETTER AS YOU TALKED ABOUT THE 4 CURRICULAR AREAS). When you have time, contact me about the facet of the book, I have an idea about a publisher.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:18 pm

Diana says:

I vote to keep the original - it was great the way it was!!

August 29th, 2006 at 3:19 pm

naomi says:

The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were boring, but nobody understood that they were boring, because nobody understood how it was to be a fish.

The fish is a child who wants full special education remediation in a self-contained classroom and doesn’t want to be a fish out of water in a regular classroom.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:21 pm

Sara says:

PLEASE leave it the way it is. We have enough to worry about without having to be so PC. Mybe political correctness is some people’s way of sticking their head in the sand to all the other real issues. Don’t cater to that. This is a wonderful video and everyone I have shared it with has been extremely touched and loved it. Specially those who know or have children with special education needs.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:21 pm

pam jones says:

I’ll tell you what I did. I teach gifted and talented…exclusively. I showed the PP to my 4th and 5th graders and asked them to think of it as a metaphor…because it is!
Prior to showing it, however, I did a mini-lesson about the bell curve. When I got to the part where I explained what the farthest ends of both spectrums meant, I shared that both groups
1) have special needs
2) can benefit from being with “like-minds”
3) sometimes fall under the umbrella of “Special Ed” in some school districts, and
4) oftentimes have their needs met in smaller, pull-out classrooms in addition to the regular classroom.
Then I showed the PP. That way, the ‘fish part’ was in perspective (even ‘tho it sounded like it was an absolute - - that never, ever was the fish going to be able to adapt to the regular classroom).
It would be great to see it tweaked so that it would not appear quite so linear…and more open-ended…if you could do that. Hope this helps. It really was a profound work of art.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:21 pm

Jen says:

Post # 108 was right on! Tara, you did very well articulating a thought that I had on ‘regular’ versus ‘general’ where you said,”To say ‘regular’ implies that anything else is ‘irregular’ and that’s not true or kind.” I just didn’t know how to put that into words at the moment!

August 29th, 2006 at 3:21 pm

Karen says:

I have a child in a full special ed. program and I was not offended by the original piece. However, after reading your latest post (shortening the original) I feel that is sufficient and still makes the point.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:24 pm

Amy says:

I agree with Cheri. Leave it alone. You can NEVER make everyone happy. Then you will have people wanting to change the rest of the Animal School movie.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:28 pm

Jennifer says:

I feel it’s just right the way it is, and I understood the point being made perfectly.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:29 pm

Tara says:

As the parent of a “fish” I thought it was fine just as it was. One of the wonderful things about my “fish” is that he doesn’t care what other people think about him. He loves the education he is receiving and truly could not care less that he is not in the general classroom. It’s just a fact of life for him and, I think, for most who require full time special education. Honestly, it would be a tragedy for him to be in the general classroom. Anyway, if you are going to change it, I enjoyed # 30’s idea.

August 29th, 2006 at 3:35 pm

Lori says:

#22 is right on!

Nobody recognized that the fish was a gifted child and required special education.

My younger brother had a difficult time “fitting in” - his “gift” is NOT something that is routinely addressed by educators. Now he’s a nationally respected photographer! No educator - that I know of - ever addressed his individuality.

Lori

August 29th, 2006 at 3:41 pm

Kim says:

I was fine w/ the damn fish. Why does it have to be changed? Leave the FISH ALONE ALREADY. He/ she is having enough problems. Besides, I never gave any feedback saying I didn’t like the fish. Among his/ her other issues, does it need a complex on top of it?

August 29th, 2006 at 3:44 pm

patricia says:

oh ..for goodness sakes…I never saw the problem. I agree with cheri and melinda leave it to some educated grown-ups to make something simple complicated. If you really want to get technical now, there are salt water fish and fresh water fish. And then some fish that have to be segregated in order to function and go on to survive in life. Now how about that one!!!!! Leave it all alone !!! LOL patricia

August 29th, 2006 at 3:53 pm

Tracy Coad says:

Some children with special needs can be catered for in a regular classroom, and others (like the fish) require intensive support that is best implemented in a special education classroom. This allows the child the opportunity to excel, to feel supported and to take risks, without the constant feeling of inadequacy. We get too caught up being politically correct, that we often forget what is actually best for the child.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:00 pm

Penny says:

I personally feel that being politically correct is bogus.
I also agree with Gail Heaton that some children learn best home with their parents. Some kids just
do not thrive in a school setting

August 29th, 2006 at 4:03 pm

T. D. says:

There is clinical studies to show that Special Needs Children do learn better from their “normal” peer. Inclusion is the way to go!

August 29th, 2006 at 4:03 pm

Sally Bookwalter says:

I like what this person said “The fish is a child with special needs, and should be treated specially so that he feels ordinary - like everyone else.”

But I think you could some fun by saying something like… “so that he feels ordinary, (he fits in) not like a fish out of school.”

August 29th, 2006 at 4:07 pm

Natalie Valles says:

I see these slides as possibly this way:

“The fish quit school because he was bored. The traditional school setting did not fulfill all of his needs.”

“The fish is a child who requires an individualized education and he may not find that his needs are met in the general ed. setting.”

I like this because who says the fish is bored because he’s special ed and disabled? Many gifted children, who are in some states special ed, are bored too! Either way, these quotes allow either to be the reason they are bored and don’t belong in the traditional school setting, or need an education individualized to their needs.

By the way, did you know that most of the nation’s dropouts are actually gifted students?
Natalie Valles-Barela
Resource Teacher in Ca.
*Parent of a child with GATE needs and Certificated in GATE, sister to a brother with disabilties–both who were/are bored with school!

August 29th, 2006 at 4:11 pm

Tori says:

I felt it was fine the way it was written just like in life there is no pleasing everyone and some people may think that there is no problem the fish is just lazy when if they have the special attention in their specail needs area they will do very well.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:22 pm

Benna says:

The fish quit school because he was bored. He had special needs and skills that weren’t celebrated in school.

And at the end of the movie:

The fish is a child who really requires special education.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:24 pm

David S. Schwartz says:

Beginning of the movie: “To the fish, all the subjects seemed the same. Sadly, nobody understood that this was a serious problem because no one had ever seen or understood a fish.”

End of the movie: “The fish is a child who needs far more specialized and individual attention than is available in an ordinary classroom.”

August 29th, 2006 at 4:25 pm

connie adams says:

Please leave the comment. We spend an awful lot of time convincing a parent that testing and identifying the disability will actually help the child. Then we try to back-peddle and convince them to mainstreamt their child. The fact is that there are some who will never succeed in a “regular”classroom, and we owe it them and their future to help them succeed, wherever that may be.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:26 pm

Denise T says:

I agree with the majority here that it is fine the way you wrote it. It never even entered my mind that it could be offensive to someone. I vote to leave it as is.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:26 pm

Rina says:

I do think it is Ok the way it is HOWEVER if it needs to be a bit softer how about: The fish is a child who really requires his/her personal learning needs understood

August 29th, 2006 at 4:29 pm

Tina says:

How about:

The fish is the child who would benefit from an individualized education plan.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:31 pm

Patriece says:

I say leave the story about the fish as you already have it. I agree that some children with special disabilities should be in their own classroom. We are discussing this subject of children with special disabilities in my college class right now, and I have a very strong opinion about this.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:33 pm

Bunny says:

As a homeschooling parent I thought it was perfect as it is.
It made me feel that I did indeed make the right choice!!!!

August 29th, 2006 at 4:40 pm

dena says:

i think you got it right the first time. i have a special needs son and i certainly wasn’t offended. let’s be honest rather than politically correct!

August 29th, 2006 at 4:41 pm

Linda U says:

How about…
The fish did not like school because he did not feel included. When he had a big fish to take his fin, explain the subject, and help him do the projects how HE could… wow, he got it!

We are all the fish from time to time, but he is special because he is the fish ALL the time and still keeps going!!!

Note:
I taught special needs to Gate and ALL kids need help sometimes, but the “fish” needs an adjustment in his subjects!!! Too often, the teacher fails to realize the fish CAN do if the teacher gets creative and finds a way to have the fish be able to adjust the project to his way of learning… I found even the least verbal fish could do an Art project to show what they were thinking. Art was my way to teach and learn!!!

Ellen, Outstanding!!! Thank You Soooooooooo much!!!! Linda U

August 29th, 2006 at 4:46 pm

Janey says:

Ellen, the video is powerful and important, and well done. The first time I saw it I thought the 2nd fish slide was a little harsh. I got that the fish had special needs, but thought the ’should not be in a regular classroom’ line was maybe too strong.

There are plenty of gentle and positive and sincere suggestions above.

As long as you’re making changes, on the 2nd eagle slide, I noticed that “troublemaking’ is spelled with an extra ‘e’.

Thanks for the beautiful movie and website, and especially for helping get the word out on different learning styles for different learners.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:46 pm

Cyndy says:

Fish

The Fish is a unique student who requires an fully specialized environment, with general education accessable, designed with his needs in mind to survive and succeed educationally and individually.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:48 pm

MTK says:

The fish was bored in school. To him, all four subjects were the same for him. This nobody unerstood because they had never been a fish.

The fish is a child who learns differently, has different needs and flourishes in a uniquely designed classroom or school.

August 29th, 2006 at 4:49 pm

MTK says:

I forgot to check notify me…

August 29th, 2006 at 4:50 pm

Sue says:

Your film brought tears to my eyes but though I didn’t respond to you about the fish–it did bother me for some reason. I am not sure that the fish would be bored in the regular classroom–perhaps just not reaching his/her potential.

My thoughts:

“The fish could only participate in swimming class as he could not survive in any other environment.”

“The fish is the special education child whose needs are not met in the regular classroom.”

August 29th, 2006 at 4:50 pm

Jean says:

As mother of a child who needs extremely small classes due to auditory discrimination disorder and hyperaccusiveness, but who has also tested off the charts in some areas, I think of the fish as the child who needs a special environment to receive a full appropriate education

August 29th, 2006 at 4:52 pm

Jane says:

Ellen, I like your comments about the fish just as they are. I disagree with Toni who said that young children are accepting. When a child is enrolled in special education classes and comes back to the regular classroom, the children can be very cruel and tease the child. This experience can have a life-long effect. I would rather see the special needs child receive help outside the regular school day and remain in the regular classroom. As a teacher, I have seen the miracles that can be worked with outside help such as “Sylvan Learning Center” and I have seen devastating the effects of making a child feel different.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:00 pm

Jan says:

The fish quit school because he felt he didn’t belong and nobody understood him, because they had never seen a fish.
The fish is a child who really requires an alternate placement to the regular classroom due to his unique cognitive/social/emotional learning needs.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:01 pm

ChristineMM says:

I will admit to not understanding the fish description as it was originally written.

However when I read the 2nd line I thought of my autistic nephew whose public school was unable to meet his very specific needs so he goes to a special school just for autistic children.

There have been some very good suggestions by others. I say leave out a reference to dropping out. Perhaps don’t use “no one had seen a fish before”. I like the ideas about a special environment that is highly individualized to meet the fish’s unique needs. I really did like the fact that it made clear that the ‘regular classroom’ was not the right place for that.

Mainstreaming= putting a special needs child in a regular classroom even with a full time aide is not the best for EVERY child, it is not always good enough.

I wish also you’d update Animal School to include the sheep reference which is the child who adapts from his original to fit a mold and to be a follower. Or perhaps a lemming is a better animal to represent that?

Thanks.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:07 pm

Karen Metcalf says:

The first slide should be something like “The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, and no one seemed to understand his feelings”.

The last should be “The fish is a child who really requires full special education and
would not benefit from a regular classroom setting.”

Karen

Due to the feedback that you have given me, I would like to revise
the fish slide in the Animal School movie so that no hard feelings
are generated.

The slide currently reads as follows- at the beginning of the movie:

‘The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four
subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they had
never seen a fish.’

And at the end of the movie:

‘The fish is a child who really requires full special education and
should not be in the regular classroom.’

August 29th, 2006 at 5:08 pm

Dennis says:

The song states, ” ‘The fish quit school because he was bored. To him, all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they had
never seen a fish.’

And at the end of the movie:

‘The fish is a child who really requires full special education and
should not be in the regular classroom.’”

I feel this would be better:

“The fish never finished school, for the fish was always trying; eventhough, to him, all four subjects were the same, but nobody helped because they could not see the fish.

And then
‘The fish is a child who requires special love and training and should not be left alone but nurtured with compassion.”

August 29th, 2006 at 5:09 pm

Soraya says:

I think the story as it is is very good. Why should we have a problem with special needs children? They can be gifted, active, with special disabilities and still not having the quality of attention needed. All these kids would have tendency to quit, if they don’t find understanding, loving and persistent parents, teachers and environment.
We live in a world programed to go so fast that only kids who fit in the mold designed by the public system or the specific private school where he/she goes can make it. The other kids with special or affirmed personality, with other abilities or needing more thinking freedom will need very creative parents and teachers. So I totally agree with the fish and would say we need to fight to get a sytem where we stop growing nice quiet lambs!!! Let them be themselves.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:16 pm

Doreen Browning says:

I’ve read through quite a few of the suggestions. To me the opening line re the fish being bored because the subjects were the same and the closing line re the fish not belonging in a regular classroom imply that those who are bored don’t belong in a regular classroom. I happen to agree, believing every child is unique and deserves a specialized education. Many kids are bored in school, but for a lot of different reasons. Some of these kids aren’t going to qualify for special education programs because they don’t have an identified special need. Yet they are not being reached. And there are others w/ special needs who aren’t being reached because of the many reasons others have listed. I don’t know that it is as much about being PC as having a meaning that is applicable to many within the category of learners who are just not reached by traditional classroom approaches. My two gifted visual/spatial learners would be fish, as would our friend who has Asperger’s syndrome, as would our friend’s sister with Down’s syndrome. How about the teens who underachieve and drop out? Why are they disengaged?

The opening line could read: The fish quit school. To him all four subjects were the same, but nobody understood that because they didn’t know what it was like to be a fish.

Then close with the following: The fish is a child who needs a teacher that understands what it is like to be a fish.

These would encompass the broad range of children who are fish, for whatever reasons.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:18 pm

Michelle Terzini-Hollar says:

The fish quit school because no one understood how he learned. To him, all four subjects were the same, and the school was unable to change the environment to capture his true talents.

The fish is the one who needs us to be creative, reach him on his own territory, and embrace his differences.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:21 pm

Mary says:

As a special ed educator, I have been in the ‘regular’ classroom with the ’special children.’ Each child in the classroom is special. Each one has his/her special ways of learning. Until we stop having this cookie-cutter style of education, none of our children’s individual learning styles will be used to the fullest potential.
You could say in your poem “The fish went on to be an olympic swimmer and diver after having honed his unique talents”.

Thanks, Mary

August 29th, 2006 at 5:22 pm

Rachel says:

Here is a possible change to the fish paragrah and ending:

The fish quit school because there was no place for him. All the other animals moved and learned in ways he did not, or could not.

The fish is a child who would benefit from a special cirriculum tailored to meet his needs and pace of learning.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:23 pm

Allie says:

The fish is the child who may require special classes to meet his needs. He is very special.

I agree with one of your responders, this is not for kid’s and it is not really about being PC, but it is also true that even if your child is a fish, they need to be exposed and given opportunities in all environments. There needs to be a balance…getting what they need and being in the “big world” too. I love the video.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:24 pm

Windy Wellner says:

The fish can do wonderfully within its own environment, but a fish out of water……well that is fatal!

August 29th, 2006 at 5:24 pm

Jackie says:

A fish is a child who would benefit from special educationn and not a regimented enviroment.

Jackie

August 29th, 2006 at 5:39 pm

Amy says:

I honestly wish I knew what to say. I din’t find the material in the original form offensive, yet I do not have a child with special needs. I didn’t know what you were even talking about until the end line. It’s hard to please everyone, yes that’s true, but I admire your efforts.

It seems like if we are talking about a fish, it can’t survive out of water. So whatever water it needs to be in, well, it should be in it. The fish are the children who require special education, because they too were created special.

I mean aren’t all children special? Doesn’t every parent believe that about their child?

I still think a great job was done and that obviously there were no bad intentions here. Just my $.02!

August 29th, 2006 at 5:44 pm

Jerene says:

The fish is a child whose world is so unique that he will not survive, let alone thrive unless those needs are uniquely met.

August 29th, 2006 at 5:57 pm

Joyce says:

I love the video but I dont think any human should be isolated from his community. I am a speech pathologist who has a nonverbal, low cognitive child who makes his classmates day by activating a voice output switch that says “Hey dude, what’s up?” It is the joy of his peers for a few moments of class time that makes all the difference as he takes the same skill out of the school setting. Thanks for being sensitive.

It might read….The fish is a child who requires full special education and the encouragement of specialists and his peers.

August 29th, 2006 at 6:00 pm

Lauren says:

I think it was beautiful as it was, but if you feel the need to change it, I like your last change to:
The fish is a child who really requires a full special education.
Everyone can understand that.
Thanks for your work!

August 29th, 2006 at 6:02 pm

Ramona Garcia says:

There is no need to change the original version. It is clear and accurately represents the problem facing the fish.

August 29th, 2006 at 6:03 pm

Tammy says:

Silly me. Isn’t the point of the Animal School to point out that no child is the same? They each have their gifts that our wonderful God gave them and that we should work with those gifts. Who are we to dictate God’s creation? “The fish quit school because God’s gifts to him were not covered in any class.”

August 29th, 2006 at 6:09 pm

Wendy says:

I think the Fish is written just right. No changes needed in my opinion.

August 29th, 2006 at 6:16 pm

Rebecca says:

I am a special education teacher and yes, sometimes students aren’t able to succeed in a regular education classroom. However, I have seen some of my most severe students who are technically enrolled in a full day special education program still spend some time in a regular education class with support and have much success. So, maybe you could change it to “The fish is a child who really requires some special education and should not be in the regular classroom without support.”

August 29th, 2006 at 6:25 pm

Janice says:

The fish can learn in an enviroment that suits his own learning style. Not being put into a box because he needs to be free to think outside of the box. The classroom dosen’t allow that kind of learning in most cases.

August 29th, 2006 at 6:31 pm

Anne says:

The fish moved to Florida got a grant for his succes in water, will study hard too but basically in a school of fish!

August 29th, 2006 at 6:33 pm

Karen Sinclair says:

The fish is the child whose abilities and aspirations remain invisible therefore unacknowledged within exclusive, inflexible school systems

August 29th, 2006 at 6:39 pm

Keith Thompson says:

As the father of a fish who has been in both the regular and self-contained classroom, I agree some kids can’t make it in the regular class. I would change the first line to say “The fish quit trying, because he was frustrated and confused.”

August 29th, 2006 at 6:41 pm

Susan says:

The fish is a child who requires more individual attention than a regular classroom can offer.

August 29th, 2006 at 6:57 pm

Jill Goldberg says:

I am a college professor in Early Childhood Education. I teach students who are training to be teachers of very young children. I showed this video to each of my classes at the start of the semester. They were all transfixed while watching it, it made


Name:
Email: