Little Boy with Down Syndrome Appointed Classroom Greeter, Watch His Sweet Morning Routine
Remember that 1986 book of short essays by American minister and author Robert Fulghum? The title itself is the best synopsis: “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”
Fulghum talks about kindness, compassion, wonder and gratitude. He considers basic concepts that can make this world a better place when consistently put into action.
Now a sweet kindergartener in Birchwood, Wisconsin, is bringing those reflections to life. And his daily routine is warming hearts all across social media.
ABC News reports that Colin Baker is a 5-year-old student at a small school in Birchwood. Recently, he was assigned the role of “classroom greeter.”
Colin happens to have Down Syndrome. But that hasn’t stopped him from approaching his greeting responsibilities with affable gusto.
Sara Waldron, business and information technology teacher for the Birchwood School District, told ABC’s Good Morning America that several area students and their families are facing economic hardship, even poverty.
So it seems that many of these kiddos could use some kindhearted encouragement. Clearly, young Colin is glad to provide that in spades.
Nicole Schlapper is a kindergarten teacher at Colin’s school. She told GMA that students actually take turns greeting at the door.
“The children absolutely love this job and show great excitement when their turn comes up,” Schlapper said.
Schlapper explained that arriving youngsters can choose their preferred form of welcome. Some shake hands with the classroom greeter, while others bump fists.
But when it was recently Colin’s turn to greet, most of his 15 fellow kindergarteners opted to give him a huge hug. A heartwarming video snippet from that day was quickly picked up by NowThis Daily and multiple other media outlets.
“I think most of the kids choose to hug just because Colin is such a good hugger,” Colin’s mother Chrisstie Baker said. “He puts his heart into every one. I’m very proud of him.”
Waldon told GMA that this simple example has the power to create a profound ripple effect.
“As a school, we worry about funding, but what we lack in resources, we make up in love and compassion,” Waldon said. “With so many tragedies in our neighboring communities in the last month, it is so amazing to receive such positive feedback from so many people all over the world.”
Colin’s mom expressed optimism that the now-viral video will help inspire folks everywhere.
“I hope that adults can learn from him and his friends that it’s OK to get out of their comfort zone and make someone else’s day. And to put our all into even the smallest things, like a hug,” Baker said.
As a teacher, Schlapper pays close attention to lessons that can help shape her students’ young minds. She said that she hopes this particular example of kindness and inclusiveness “will stay with them as they grow up together throughout their years, in school and into adulthood.”
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