Am I Invisible?
Think you might want to read this book?
Am I Invisible? by Murphy Lynne, gives her account (physically, mentally, emotionally) of what school was like as a student on the autism spectrum. Her brutally honest and eye-opening journey will leave all readers with a better understanding of how school is different for all students, and how we, as educators can help to make sure all students are seen.
What Would Socrates Ask?
What can we do to identify students who feel they are not seen?
How do you build relationships with students who feel invisible?
How does your class environment affect the relationships you have with students?
What is the difference between listening and hearing students?
Are there ways you could more effectively engage with your students?
Do you and your students have fun when you teach?
How do you want to be remembered?
Concepts
Ways for teachers to connect
Don’t look away!
Don’t ignore students who are more difficult to connect with.
No one wants to be invisible, even if they come across that way.
A smile can make a giant difference.
Teachers can change a child’s story
Have intentional conversations
Make eye contact
Make sure your tone is genuine
Put in consistent effort, even when it is not easy
These conversations may be uncomfortable
Build a relationship with all students
“Get beyond, ‘How are you?’ See me, know me, get me.”
Breaks down anxiety
Even if you are not the cause of the anxiety, you can help reduce it
Truly care, being nice is not enough
Say hello
Spend the first few minutes of class at the door or inside making connections
Be present and ready when students come in, not rushing around getting ready for class
Students need the engagement and interactivity when they come in the room
Advocate for children
Create a safe space for all children
Show respect for students
Students may look like they are coping on the outside but spiraling out of control on the inside
Understand the language of mental health to aid in both recognizing and assisting students
Look at the whole student, not just the surface - dig deeper
Be generous with compliments, even if you do not mean them at first.
Draws students out
Starts relationships
When teachers truly see a student, it makes it possible for other students to accept one another.
Teachers can make all the difference in the kind of day a child has at school.
All students need an outlet to run to.
Quotes from the author
“I was fighting to make a statement that I was enough exactly as I am.”
“A diagnosis makes a difference in a teacher’s ability to understand the challenges a child may face and therefore address them in the correct way.”
“I felt special. I felt as if they actually cared about what I had to say.”
“Nonetheless, being in third grade was the beginning of the end in a way. The last year when I felt as secure in myself as I’ve ever felt. The last year I felt like I belonged.”
“...she seemed to understand me. She saw me. I was not invisible to her, and in turn, she made me not invisible to others.”
“If only I had had teachers at every turn who celebrated differences, as opposed to working hard to make sure we were all the same.”
“...but what too many teachers and adults don’t realize is that knowing how to do something and actually raising my hand with ease are worlds apart for a kid like me. The other kids could start conversations with those who were sitting beside them like it was nothing. I could not do that. I always wondered how they did that, which is where my deepest insecurities came from.”
“Once you got to know me, though, I was not all that quiet.
“It is hard for adults to look past a diagnosis and see a kid who is full of anxiety and one who doesn’t have the skill yet to make conversations like the others.”
“I was physically there, but no one recognized me, no one acknowledged me.”
“The impact of a teacher can be felt for years and make you believe things about yourself that just aren’t true.”
“Despite my friendships growing stronger, my depression was skyrocketing.”
“I understand that I am quiet - that’s a given - but I did not appreciate how that was the first thing she used to describe me.”
“Don’t just pay attention to the superstars. There might be a student who simply is too afraid to ask for help. Be the one to ask first!”
“She did not make me feel like an outcast. She treated me like any other student, which made me feel a sense of safety.”
“Each year there are students who are terrified to come back. Be aware of them. Make a plan to be inviting, and understand anxiety is real and impactful in times of change.”
Organizations/schools working on answers
Gateways to further learning
The applicability of this book to education is ….
Resources
