Both the teacher and the student

Nov. 1, 2010

I’m secure with myself and my past to admit that growing up I had an imaginary friend. Personally, I was the perfect child. However, if trouble was to be found, I was frequently an accessory to the antics that “my buddy down the street” would commit. At one point, I had to separate myself from him and the bad influence, he seemed to be pressuring me into. Later on all was forgiven and life went on as usual.

I’m the one responsible for transporting Nathan around and most of the time, I’ll take my car. One of the main differences in the setup of our cars is behind the passenger seat of my car are pockets to hold toys and such, but in the van there’s a mirror which Nathan enjoys seeing himself. I don’t know if Nathan sees him as an long-lost friend, but every time he gets in Annette’s van, he’s excited to see, “the little boy in the mirror.”

At one time, Nathan would ask to watch videos or want toys in his hands when we drove. Now, he can barely wait long enough for us to strap him in before he starts smiling, “talking” and sharing with his reflection. Nathan’s been making a lot more noise lately and there’s been a lot more exploring about his face and mouth. He no longer startles himself biting at his own fingers, and he’s learning how to find different body parts on his own body.

As I watch him at red lights or stop signs, it almost looks like he’s trying to teach the “other little boy” how the face works and identifying the different parts. We’ve seen greater success the occasions where Nathan tries to feed himself, and actually getting food in his mouth. He still isn’t biting food off or chewing, but the sense of discovery and accuracy seems to be building confidence as well.

If the opportunity arises, we try to move his feeding chair in front of the mirror in the family room. The same excitement shows up as he’s reintroduced to his friend, and the same exploring, teaching and learning takes place.

Experts say that the true test of how well one has learned a skill is the ability to teach it to someone else. As Nathan plays the role of both teacher and the student, there is a good deal of learning taking place. He’s taught me things, now he training someone his own age and potentially a future partner-in-crime.

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