When you know that your child struggles in certain areas, when he excels in others, you celebrate. At the same time Liam was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, he was also identified as gifted. I strive not to be one of those moms… let’s just leave it at that. But being able to receive small group instruction from an additional teacher greatly benefited Liam’s overall growth in social skills, organization, and time management.
In first and second grade, Liam’s gifted teacher focused on teaching him problem solving through game play. Liam often had the opportunity to work with other kids while he was playing games such as Rush Hour.
He loved this game, as well as hearing ideas for how to solve more difficult levels from his peers.
She also focused on math, which was the area in which he needed enrichment. She would assign him short, low-stakes projects, for which he needed to learn time management skills, as well as how to organize the various components. He was young, so they weren’t stressful or “long term” until 3rd grade. Nevertheless, they taught him strategies for how to navigate the beginnings of future projects.
He also had to present his work at various times, which taught him how to look at his audience, think about what they knew about his topic and how to best communicate his information with them, and how to grow more comfortable with others.
While he only saw his teacher for small amounts of time each week, he really enjoyed meeting with older students and growing in extra-curricular ways. We are very grateful for all that she taught him and how she nurtured his curiosity.
aileenhower's Blog 
Sounds like Liam’s gifted teacher was “gifted” too.
She was absolutely a gift!
I love hearing great news about teachers, and this teacher made a big difference in Liam’s life, and in his family’s life, too. Thanks for sharing a lovely celebration of the teaching profession and of Liam’s accomplishments!
Your post encourages me and brings a smile to my face. For classroom teachers, meeting the needs of so many different children isn’t the abstract, theoretical exercise that today’s media presents–it’s real life. It sounds like your son (and you) have got a fantastic teacher to work with. That makes me want to try just a little bit harder, too. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your comment!
I love this post, and look at that face! What a cutie he is! It’s so nice and refreshing to hear about a dedicated teacher who thought of ways to really connect and make a difference. It’s so great when we know our kids are making progress and doing well, but most of all are happy. Thanks for sharing.
Liam has certainly been blessed with having so many wonderful teachers, including you, in his life!
I hope your post gives renewed energy to those teachers who see kids for small amounts of time each week, but can truly make a big difference.
Sounds like a great teacher for Liam! So glad he had a great experience!
Teachers…they can help open doors, and new pathways. Here’s another instance in which Liam has been lucky in teachers.
What a blessing!