She's not sick, she's a dancer

We would love to start 2023 sharing with you an inspiring story that reminds us of the many ways in which playing positively shapes children’s development. This tale was brought to our attention by Ken Robinson's excellent book "The Element," which we recommend to anyone interested in education.

Eight-year-old Gillian struggled at school. She often disrupted her class by constantly fidgeting and staring out the window---much to the frustration of her teachers. Gillian didn’t think she had a problem, but her school was greatly concerned about her. 

The school director told her parents that she may have a learning disorder, and that she might be better placed in a special school for children with special needs.

Gillian's parents decided to take her to a psychologist. Gillian's stomach twisted with anxiety as she heard her mother explain the problem to the psychologist. She felt confused, starting to believe that perhaps there was something wrong with her.  

Eventually, the psychologist and Gillian's mother stopped talking. The man rose from his desk, walked over to Gillian, and sat next to her on the huge leather sofa. "Gillian, you've been very patient," he said. "But I'm afraid you'll have to be patient for a little longer. I need to speak to your mother privately now. We're going to go out of the room for a few minutes. Don't worry; we won't be very long." Gillian nodded nervously, and the two adults left her sitting there on her own. But as he was leaving the room, the psychologist leaned across his desk and turned on the radio.

As soon as they were in the corridor outside the room, the doctor said to Gillian's mother, "Just stand here for a moment, and watch what she does." There was a window into the room, and they stood to one side of it, where Gillian couldn't see them.  Almost immediately, Gillian was on her feet, moving around the room to the music. 

The two adults watched quietly for a few minutes, mesmerized by Gillian's grace. Anyone paying attention would have noticed that there was something natural about Gillian's movements and the expression of pure joy on her face.

The psychologist was indeed paying attention. He turned to Gillian's mother and said, "You know, Mrs. Lynne, Gillian is not sick. She's a dancer. This little girl has a special talent, and she needs to be able to express herself through dance. I think it would be much better for her to be enrolled in dance classes instead of a special school." Gillian's mother was shocked by this observation. She knew that Gillian loved to dance, but it had never crossed her mind that this would have anything to do with her problems at school.

Gillian’s parents did exactly what the doctor suggested. The rest is history: Gillian Lynne became one of the most accomplished choreographers of her generation. As Ken Robinson concludes, "This happened because someone looked deep into her eyes. Someone else might have put her on medication and told her to calm down. But Gillian wasn't a problem child. She didn't need to go away to a special school. She just needed to be who she really was."

This tale inspires us to encourage children to play and engage in activities that allow them to express themselves and find their talents and passions.  Also, rather than focusing on the symptoms of a child's struggles---whatever they may be---this tale inspires us to consider the child's overall well-being, and the various factors that may be impacting their ability to learn and thrive.