by Mary
Beth Northrup
Dear
Mom-I-am, dear Mom-I-am, we have a problem, Mom-I-am.
Your
son won't do what he must do. He drives me crazy, yes
it's true!
He will stall and squirm and hum, and leave all of his
work undone.
He dreams and will not pay attention, have you
considered medication?
With other
kids he does not play, he is alone much of the day.
Something does not seem quite right, because I know he
must be bright.
He seems to learn, despite the rest, but the work is not
his best.
He is disruptive, yes it's true. He just won't do what
he must do!
Yes,
teacher, I can really see, how frustrating all this must
be,
I've had him tested on WISC-III, by your approved test
agency.
He scores far higher than the mean, there's more to this
that can be seen.
So help us,
help us find the way, to teach this child best if we
may.
He is not like the rest you see, he acts and thinks far
differently.
We need another way to teach him, another way to finally
reach him.
Not the normal thing you do, but something altogether
new!
What!
Something new - go bar the door! We've not done it that
way before!
If we do this thing for you, then all the rest will want
it too!
Change our ways, that can't be done. Same for all, not
changed for some.
All children are gifted, yes it's true! Just MAKE him do
what he must do!
Please,
please, teacher, hear me through. The laws say you must
help us, too.
His needs are different than the rest, we CAN help him
to do his best.
We can make this easy too, it will not be more work for
you.
This can work out, you will see. Try it, try it, please,
for me?
All right,
all right, if I must. I still maintain this is not just.
But first there is red tape you see, tests and checks
and IEP.
And after weeks and months of proving, finally we can
begin moving.
Then I'll try it and we'll see, if this method is the
key.
Hey, I see
something, yes I do! We have found something he will do!
No more fiddle, squirm and hum, no more worksheets left
undone.
He's zipping through, he's learning fast, he's doing his
best work at last.
Why did I put up a fight? I guess dear Mom, that you
were right.