And The Rest Is History

Me:  "CJ, WHO is this?"  ( I hold up a picture of Alexander Graham Bell)
CJ: (A puzzled look on his face)

Me: "This is Alexander Graham Bell!   CJ, WHO is this?  Say Alexander Graham Bell!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrayam Bell".

Me: "Good CJ!  Now, WHAT is this?"  (I hold up a picture of a telephone)
CJ: "Phone".

Me: "YES CJ!  VERY good!  It is a telephone!  Let's sing "Hello, How are you?"! "

(Singing with phone gestures of course)

So then I held up both pictures emphasizing on which was which while saying, "Alexander Graham Bell (picture) invented the telephone (picture)!  He MADE the telephone CJ!"

Me:  "Alexander Graham Bell invented the..............................telephone."
CJ:  "Telephone"

Me: "Good!  Alexander Graham Bell invented the......................."
CJ: "Telephone."

Me: "YES!!!!!!!!  CJ, say the whole thing!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrrrrayam Bell innnnnvented the telephone."

Me: "YES!!!!!!  He did invent the telephone!!!!  Great job CJ!!!"

Of course so that he understands what he is saying, we will follow this by crafts and activities and videos.  There is an awesome series of history videos that I learned about (thanks to an introduction from our wonderful co-op) called "Animated Hero Classics" By NEST Entertainment.  This is perfect since CJ is a visual learner.

I decided to start history because who says an autistic child can't learn some facts?  Why aren't they exposed to things like "The Pledge Of Allegiance"?  Just because it seems like they are not listening or they can't say it doesn't mean that they aren't capable of understanding.  Appearances can be deceiving.  And I have learned over the years that CJ truly is paying attention when I think he is not.  I have learned this through his sneakiness!

So yes, we continue his therapy.  (Which he has been in since before he turned 3.)  That is all well and good and even necessary.  But, I believe there is SO much more potential than that!  Remember, each child is different but don't underestimate their potential!  With autism, we always say "Think outside of the box."  But, sometimes you have to think outside of the therapy box and expose them to things that a typical child would learn.  They just may surprise you!!

So for now, in addition to therapy, life skills, math, reading, and language......the rest will be history.  Hellooooo Abe Lincoln and "I pledge allegiance... to the flag......".

Oh yes....and I have to add....I would not be able to do what I do if it wasn't "Under God."