We’re back! This past week my Seeing Eye dog Luna and I visited three different schools in person to talk with third graders about guide dogs and what it’s like to be blind. Pretty wonderful to be back with the kids in person, but I gotta be honest: two years without any in-person visits to schools left me a little rusty.
During our first presentation, the one at Indian Trail Elementary, I forgot to give Luna the “Outside” command at the end so they could see how well a Seeing Eye dog maneuvers around obstacles (including 3rd graders sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor) to guide me to the door to the hallway.
At the second presentation, the one at Braeside, I never took the Braille version of “Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound” out of my bag to show them how Braille works.
Third time’s the charm, though: the kids at Ravinia Elementary School got the whole show. And here’s the good news:no matter what I did or did not remember to do in those three presentations, the questions the kids asked afterwards were as thoughtful and sweet as ever. Here’s a sampling from the third-graders Luna and I met at Indian Trail, Braeside and Ravinia elementary schools this past week:
- So is going blind like closing your eyes for the rest of your life?
- Do you remember what colors looked like when you were a little kid and could still see?
- Was it hard to make friends after you were blind?
- You said you only see the color black, but if you got really, really close to a bright light, would you know the light was on?
- How do you swim if you can’t see where you’re going?
- So if you see the color black, but you can tell close up if something is white, does it look brown?
- Did you ever drown?
- When you drive, do you, like, have to use a navigator thing or something?
- So if you still remember colors, then when you are imagining things, do you see them in color then?
- I know we’re not supposed to pet your dog when she’s working, but when you pet her, how does she know it’s you who is petting her?
- If you don’t drive, then, well, do you, like, do you take a taxi?
- How do you get on the plane if pets aren’t allowed on planes?
- Where does your dog go when you take a taxi?
- Is your dog blind, too, or just you?
- Do you inspire other people?
With all of us wearing masks, some of the questions were hard to hear. Did that little boy just ask me if I inspire people? How do third-graders even know the word “inspire?” Repeating his question out loud gave me time to think about how to answer that.
These schools all participate in a weeklong ”Disability Awareness” program, and from what I’ve observed, it really works.
Days before my visit, the kids had met a para-olympian who uses a wheelchair to win track and field medals. During her presentation she showed them how her prosthesis works. “It was awesome!” one of the third-graders told me. After I left they’d be learning to say “hello” and “My name is…” in sign language. “It’s pretty cool to meet people with disabilities,” one of them said.
That was my cue.
Do I inspire people? “Well, I do a lot of things, you know, like go to concerts and eat out at restaurants and swim at the health club and travel in taxis and airplanes. Maybe getting used to seeing me out and about having fun will inspire people to make friends with people who have disabilities,” I said. “Because like you already know, we can be pretty cool.”
And you know what? Those kids inspire me. They’re pretty cool, too.
Beth – I absolutely love reading about your visit with the third graders! I am sure they will not forget their time with you and you have no idea how better understanding disabilities will be used during their lifetime. Maybe just being with you will help them live with courage, patience and kindness!
Beth, this is the best post ever! You really are an inspiration on so many levels.
Best post ever? You sound like one of the kids! Thanks, Susie.
Beth, thank you. Your interaction with children always inspires feelings of hope in me…and laughter. And I would add that you surely inspire those kids!
Oh, Annelore, I wish you could come with me to one of these schools sometime. It’s so great to hear the sincerity and enthusiasm in their young voices when they ask those questions.
This piece made me feel like I was in on the fun! So glad you had the chance to get back out there and enjoy and inspire the kids. And I can’t wait until we get together again, friend.
What a coincidence: I can’t wait to get together again, too. So nice to have friends!
This is like “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” It’s good none of the kids tried to describe their appearance.
It was a bad weather week to be out there, but I’m glad you were able to make it. And to share with us.
Before they even had a chance to tell me what they looked like I let them know that one of the good things about being blind is that you cn’t tell if people are fat or skinny, tall or short, what they dress like and so on. “I just picture you all as healthy, happy kids with smiles on your faces,” I said.
Pretty sure I was right.
I always love the questions little kids ask you. Especially the one asked about if it’s hard to make friends when you’re blind. That’s some deep thinking. The one asking if you inspire people is even deeper than that. They are so caring and intelligent!
They sure are!
You know, the little girl who asked the question about it being hard to make friends after I was blind was particularly concerned, you could hear it in her voice. I took some time answering her question, and I think her question is what motivated me to mention friendliness in my answer about inspiring people. I wanted to assure her I’m doing okay!
Wow! Smart kids and great questions. Yes, you inspire us as well as the upcoming generations.
.
S
Thanks, Audrey. The kids –and their teachers –deserve all the credit here. They’re all pretty great.
Welcome back to the classroom! Love the post.
And yes, (all caps,) YOU ARE PRETTY COOL!
Ah, Hank, you know I was fishing for a compliment here. Thanks for taking the bait!
Questions Kids Ask is always a favorite. So happy it’s happening again. Refreshing now and will never get old. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Bev. I’m so glad it’s happening again now, too.
Smarter than ever. Except for “is your dog blind too.”
Beth, I just returned from Florida and am trying to catch up on missed messages. Reading about your return to the classroom adds warmth and sunshine to the cold weather. As always, your kids’ questions are fabulous and you are TOTALLY COOL.
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