A New Girl in Class

A New Girl in Class

"Does anyone know what cerebral palsy is?" Mr. Porter asked.

Karen raised her hand. "I know that kids who have it are handicapped," she said.

"That's right, Karen," Mr. Porter said. "Does anyone know anything more about it?"

When no one said anything, Mr. Porter continued."It's a condition that a person is sometimes born with.It prevents the person from developing motor skills properly."

"What are motor skills?" asked Dave, thinking of his new remote control car.

"Motor skills are basically movement skills, Dave," Mr. Porter said."Babies born with cerebral palsy often have a hard time learning to roll over, sit up, stand, or walk.They can develop these skills, but it takes them much longer than usual - sometimes many years."

Maria asked, "How do they learn these skills?"

"They usually need a lot of physical therapy to learn to control and develop their muscles.Sometimes kids with cerebral palsy are helped by wearing braces.They - and their parents - have to work hard and have a lot of patience," Mr. Porter explained.

"I guess if you have cerebral palsy, you can't play in regular sports and stuff," said Franco.He was thinking about how he loved playing soccer.

"Right," Mr. Porter answered, "but the condition can improve with time."

"Why do only some kids get cerebral palsy?" asked Franco.

"Scientists are not entirely sure," Mr. Porter paused."In general, some scientists believe it's the result of not enough oxygen getting to the brain in the early stages of development."

Tony asked, "You mean like before a baby is born?"

"That's right, Tony," Mr. Porter said."Before, during, and just after their birth are very critical times for a baby."

Bobby was waving his hand wildly.When Mr. Porter called on him, he asked, "What's so important about oxygen?Look! I can go without it!" He stood up, puffed out his cheeks, and held his breath.

Everyone in the class started laughing and some of them started counting to see how long he could hold it.After a minute, Bobby was starting to turn red.Suddenly he let go of his breath and sat down in his seat, completely tired out.

"Thanks for that demonstration, Bobby," Mr. Porter said."I think you've helped us see exactly why oxygen is so important.We really can't go without it for more than a minute or two."

He continued, "Thanks to Bobby, we've seen what happens when you don't get enough oxygen.Now, who can tell me what happens when you breathe in oxygen?"

Karen said, "It goes into your lungs."

"That's right," Mr. Porter nodded. "Then what happens?"

Karen thought for a moment. "Doesn't it get absorbed into your bloodstream?" she asked.

"Right again, Karen," Mr. Porter said. "And then?"

Karen said, "Your blood carries the oxygen to all different parts of your body - including your brain.So babies who don't get enough oxygen can get cerebral palsy.Their brains don't get enough oxygen to help them develop properly."

"That's exactly right, Karen.That's what happened to Lisa, the girl who is going to join our class in a few weeks," said Mr. Porter.

Everyone looked shocked when they heard this.They all were silent for a moment.Then, suddenly, everyone started asking questions all at once.

"Can Lisa talk?" "Can she walk?" "Is she in a wheelchair?" "Where will she sit?" "Where has she been going to school?"

Mr. Porter raised his hands to quiet everyone down."I'll try to answer all your questions. Last one first.She's been going to a special school up until now.Her therapist and teachers feel that she is ready to join us in a regular classroom.

Lisa has worked very long and hard.She talks with a little difficulty, we can get used to that.She wears braces on her legs, and her gait is a little uneven, but she can get around on her own.She may not be able to play basketball, but I hear she's a whiz at math."

Karen had her hand in the air.She was sitting very patiently and quietly, and it was clear she had something very important to say.

Mr. Porter called on her.

"Mr. Porter, I think I know Lisa. Her mother is a friend of my mom's.In fact, Lisa and I were born in the same hospital.That's how our moms met. Lisa was a few months premature.When I started to sit up and crawl - all Lisa could do was lie there on her abdomen."

Karen was silent for a moment."Lisa is a really brave girl. She's worked hard to get where she is today."

Now the whole class was silent.Then Dave asked, "Mr. Porter, isn't there something we could do to help kids like Lisa?"

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