Yesterday began a new after school program called Girls On the Run. It is a group of 3-5th grade girls who will be meeting twice a week after school to learn about running, team building, self-esteem, healthy eating, etc.
Two wonderful runner moms who live a stone's throw away from me, and have girls in third grade lead the program. I am along for the ride, to support Riley and to help when she doesn't need support.
The girls sat in a circle yesterday, and were asked to give one word responses starting with the same letter as their name to describe themselves.
"Respectful" Riley (how cute is it that she called herself this?) and I had discussed beforehand the possibility of educating the girls about Asperger's. Riley agreed it would be a good idea and we prepared together what would be said. The mom leaders gave me the green light.
The girls listened attentively and were really sweet and open. I think Riley felt welcome. I like that there were 4th and 5th graders there and girls from her own class as well. I feel like the more people at school who have some understanding of Riley, the better off she is.
The girls ran just a little yesterday and will be working up to a 5K run by the end of the school year.
Each week two awards are given. Riley got the "energy" award for her bravery in being open to allow her mom to talk about Asperger's.
She beamed.
*props to Seth who sat in the corner, headphones on, portable DVD player, eating a snack. Best boy ever. All those girls. Blech.
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14 comments:
Wow! That's SOOOOOOO AWESOME!
Riley is one rockin' girl! I love "watching" her through your eyes!
"...the more people at school who have some understanding of Riley, the better off she is."
amen, lady. amen!
this sounds like it will be fabulous for her.
so, what was it? magnificent michelle?
Such a wonderful program and a great opportunity for Riley. :-) And Seth? A very good sport!
Michelle, your blog came up in our alerts. We love to honor good GOTR programs and it seems like youre daughter is part of a great one. It looks like you're in Cleveland. What school does she go to?
Thanks! Great blog!
Lauren Byrne
Program Director
Girls on the Run International
lauren@girlsontherun.org
Marvelous, miraculous, magnificent, multi-talented...the list goes on and on for Michelle.
The people who develop understanding others are better off, too, my dear. Every single one of them.
I love that she chose "respectful." Wow.
You guys are on such a good path, come a very long way. It does my heart good. Seth is a great brother, too.
So awesome, so awesome.
So tell me is there a Boys on the Run program? If there is, I so want to find a local chapter and sign up Salamander...
Lots of good deep proprioceptive input!
"Respectful" - adorable.
Just look at your baby fly.
It's heady, this success.
Hard to top respectful!
That sounds so great! I love how Riley chose "Respectful" - such a sweet girl. And kudos to both of you for talking to the girls about AS.
I love to hear that! There are more understanding people than the "other". Children are more compassionate generally anyway, and as an OTR, I'm all for educating peers.
What a terrific idea. Something tells me that Seth will benefit from watching his big sister be involved in something so important, too.
Beautiful. Love it.
:)
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