Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Alesia had her first pottery class last night at Spruill Arts Center. Boy what a pain to park at that lpace! I had to park next door at the Bellsouth building. Next time I will just park at the library.
I stayed with Alesia, sitting quietly in the back, just to see how the class was going. Good thing, too – I had to pay for her bag of tools and help her haul her 10 lbs. of clay to the car when class was over. The teacher just explained the basics. There wasn’t time to actually throw and center and really work on a cylinder. They have a great classroom, though, all those pottery wheels lined up, with sinks and shelves for pieces.
Even the bathroom has some impressive pottery in it, just sitting there!
I like the teacher. She is an energetic little woman who is from Brazil and her name is “Maritse” – I think she was very pleased I actually came close to pronouncing it right. I was able to chat with her a little bit outside the room and tell her about Alesia. She said when she first came to Americaand took classes she would tape record the lectures to play later so she could understand. She speaks very well, but there’s a strong accent. I asked Alesia later if she liked the class and she said yes. She was very quiet during class. Most of the women in there are in their 20’s and 30’s. I was told there would be another teen taking the class but we didn’t see her last night.
One thing I need to do is go over the vocabulary with Alesia before the next class. She doesn’t know basic terms like fire, glaze, etc. I told her I took a pottery class years ago, in high school, and so I know a little bit about the process. It’s amazing - when I was observing last night it all came back to me. I wish I could take the class with her, but the eczema on my hands and my allergy to gloves just makes it impossible. Even the latex-free gloves bother my hands.
I sent the following to Bronwyn and Lesleigh, Alesia's tutors, this morning:
I have noticed a behavior change in Alesia, since we got back from Virginia – she’s more cooperative.
Also, she seems to be understanding concepts a lot better, and working on expanding her mind and thought processes. I think it’s a combination of a couple of things.
One, I think after our trip to see Dr. Federici, she realized that I am serious about her learning and understanding. Also, I am trying to be more patient with her and explain things better, and even just talk more slowly and enunciate my words.
Two – and I really think this accounts for a lot more of it – she has two people spending a couple of hours a day with her who are dedicated to seeing her learn. You and Lesleigh both are great teachers. You have a big advantage over other teachers because you are giving her lots of individual attention, which she’s never had from a teacher. Most importantly you both love her and really want her to do well. Love can accomplish miracles.
After I talked to Dr. Federici and read the literature he gave me on FAE I was so downhearted for a few days. It was so depressing to think Alesia would never have an entirely normal life, that she was “brain damaged” and I was helpless. I am now determined to prove that he was wrong, that she CAN do anything she wants to do – she may need some extra help, but she can do anything.
I feel SO BLESSED that Alesia has not just a mama and grandmamma who love her, but both of you - two de facto “aunts” who have enriched her life in countless ways.
We ALL get the incredible joy of watching Alesia grow and blossom like a flower.
Thank you both for all your hard work!!
