So part of my thoughts in creating this blog is to write about the funny things that happen in my classroom as well as to be of assistance to those who made need help navigating the crazy world of special ed.
One thing I do in my classroom, about once a week, is bring in my Senegal parrot. I have found especially with children who do not wish to speak, they will speak to my parrot, rather than me. It is also a special treat for good behavior. Little did I know how intelligent my little parrot is, and how much my children would enjoy her.
Her name is Mango and I bought her for myself when I graduated with my secondary credential in special education k-12. She was darling and learned quickly, but I didn't think I would get away with bringing her to school. I explained my theory, that kids my want to talk more to an animal who has no judgement, than to an adult. My principal was all for it.
However, Mango had her own games in mind. Daily, our first job in the morning is to read a book and take an accelerated reader test if they are able. However, Fridays are special, because the kids get to read to Mango instead. I have a class veterinarian that gets Mango fresh water, and helps me get her food. Then we paper clip her doors close. While the kids are getting their books and chairs, Mango soaks herself in her fresh water. She rolls in it, and peeps and sings. Then when she notices the kids are getting ready, she waits patiently. As soon as she sees all the children are sitting down, she flaps and squeaks and drenches them all. Then she laughs and preens herself. The kids swear I taught her to do it, but that was all on her own!
Another thing she does is check every door to see if she can get out. She has three small doors and
one giant door. She carefully checks each small door, if they are locked tight, she then opens the big door and the kids have a fit, "She's out, she's out!" I then put her back in, and soon she is out again. One of the reasons she only comes once a week.
The special thing about Mango is that she will let each child hold her, though she does get nervous if they try and pet her. She plays dead, she gets a ball and brings it to me while saying, "Get the ball, get it." She climbs a ladder. She waves "Bye, Bye" while saying it.
Hope you enjoyed the story. It makes me laugh every time she soaks them. Though I never know if she will do it again.
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