Daa den der

When my youngest son was in his nursery year (aged 4) he was only just starting to walk and his speech was non existent other than a few syllables along with some makaton signs.

He went to a special needs nursery which was one of the most AMAZING places I have ever seen. The teacher had the kids dressed in specific colours for specific days. Red every Monday, green on Thursday, Black was Friday etc. Each day they would sit in a group (6 in the class) and were encouraged to work out what day it was, look for the colour on their clothes and then they would smell something. Friday was Lavender.

He used to say Daa den der.

He eventually started talking more and more and it was all down to the hard work of that teacher (and of course those who followed) using the makaton signing and repetition to teach him about the world around him.

Now it's hard to keep him quiet. He still talks about that nursery year. He always smells lavender and recognises it instantly. I find it astonishing sometimes when I realise how much he learnt before he could speak or walk.

Every year I make a little thank you gift for the teaching assistants. This year I decided to make lavender bags. This lavender is from a local lavender field. I have got it hanging over a big box to dry out for a week before I make them.

In September his class is changing. He will be back with 2 others from his little nursery class.

They are all growing up so quickly. Never underestimate the potential of anyone.