This is a very inspiring and moving account of Freeman's 2-year response to an ad "Special Day Class Teacher With Severely Handicapped Students" that transformed her own life and that of so many others. The title "I AM the Child" is very significant. It reflects how Freeman entered into the life and soul of each unique child's multiple challenges and needs. She literally imitated each severely handicapped child to get the inner sense, feelings and needs of these 11 exceptional children. Her compassion, openness, the ability to get the cooperation of each child, teachers, parents and general-ed peers, all helped in the process of tranformation. Reading the book is a spiritual experience. From the Christian perspective, you see incarnation in becoming another and salvation as wholeness being lived out again and again in these miracles of learning and growth. The subtitle: "Using Brain Gym with children who have special needs" is a great testimony to Brain Gym and Vision Gym, developed by Paul and Gail Dennison. "These simple movements help stimulate the sensory system, coordinate eyes and hands, and activate core postural muscles, supporting learning from the inside out.(p. 17) Freeman adapted these exercises and was even able to restore sight to one blind child! For a scientific neurological basis of Brain Gym, please read Carla Hannaford's "Smart Moves". What the book conveys is the vision, heart, honesty and courage that inspire every educator and parent. If only all classrooms would have such personal and competent care suffused by the spirit of compassion and love!
