With a few days until National Read Across America Week, students at Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS4Kids) listened to a book about acceptance and inclusion of those different from them.
Derrick J. Washington wrote “A Special Little Girl” for his niece, Zyion, who has Autism and does not learn or interact in the same way as many other children. Derrick lives in Maryland, but Zyion’s mother, Takirah Washington, read the book to ECS students on Thursday.
Takirah Washington said her daughter does not always know how to approach other children to play with them but welcomes it when they approach her.
The book is meant to teach young readers that each person, though different, is valuable and loved.
After the reading, Washington asked the students to name examples of how people can be different, from language to behavior and ability. She said she remembers growing up and seeing other children who were autistic, or in a wheelchair, and not knowing what to make of them.
“No one really taught us about the importance of inclusion and acceptance of kids that are different,” Washington said in an interview. “They’re still like you, they still need love, they still want to have play time and feel included. And my daughter, she taught me a lot about this.”
ECS4Kids’ East Ridge Head Start program welcomed Washington in to read to students, hoping to encourage them to dream big by showing them an example of someone from their community who made an impact and supported literacy.
“Exposure to reading and literacy in early childhood is the cornerstone of a lifelong love of learning,” Jessica Bone, senior director of Child Wellness, said in a press release. “Head start opens doors for children to reap the benefits of literacy by creating rich, nurturing environments that foster early reading skills.”
ECS4Kids uses family engagement as a tool to empower the family along with the child to build students a strong foundation for success, and the community engagement of local author readings is an extra step in the learning experience.
Washington also taught the ECS4Kids students affirmations, teaching them to say that they are brave, strong and can do anything. She said her daughter uses those affirmations before school every day.
“I want her to know that she can [do anything],” Washington said. “And even if she sees other kids that are doing it quicker than she can, I want her to know that just because she’s a little delayed, it doesn’t mean she’s denied access. It’ll come with time, consistency and practice.”
