We know that each person is unique. Some may share similarities with others, but even identical twins are unique. No two people in the whole world are the same! We all show diversity.
Ailís, mummy to Tess and Peadar, introduced us to an important word …. CHROMOSOMES.
We have 46 of these chromosomes, that is 23 pairs. These chromosomes are a bit like information stores, so the way that they organise themselves makes us, US.
Having an Extra chromosome, 47 of them, alters the way that the body works. The muscles need a little Extra effort to do activities such as crawling and balancing, climbing and talking. For those who are identified as having an Extra chromosome, ( Down Syndrome) carrying out normal activities just means that they need Extra time and support.
Having that Extra chromosome means that with Extra help and Extra time, any activity can be completed. That’s it!
To help us understand a little more about diversity, P4 carried out familiar tasks with some unfamiliar modifications. Their senses were challenged!
The sense of hearing was challenged when ears were covered with cotton balls. Communicating non verbally through use of sign language. Touch was impaired by wearing oversized gloves. The messages from fingers was lost. Drawing shapes and writing, whilst blindfolded was interesting!. Identifying how a visually impaired person learns Braille was amazing and yet a bit stressful.
Experiencing the different ways in which communication and learning can take place, showed us all in P4 that it is important to learn new ways to communicate and to be mindful that some people may need that wee bit of Extra time from us.
