They have been practising in the classroom for weeks. They know the drill. “Stop, look, go.” Today is their big day. The zebra crossing looks much longer in real life and the fast moving traffic is very real.
They have been practising in the classroom for weeks. They know the drill. “Stop, look, go.” Today is their big day. The zebra crossing looks much longer in real life and the fast moving traffic is very real.
On Wednesday learners from Kuyasa Special School were seen crossing High Street and Hill Street. In groups of two, they held hands and crossed the street under the supervision of three teachers in charge of the junior class.
Motorists obliged as the teachers guided them repeatedly across the road to re-enforce the learning outcome for the day.
Back and forth they went as on-lookers smiled empathetically. Occupational therapist Elsje Scheltens, hopes this exercise will make the learners more independent.
“These children don’t learn by just doing it in the classroom, they have to come out for some practical experience,” said Scheltens.
Paul Jonker, a 12-year-old pupil, recites the plan to himself before his turn: “First you stop then you go.” “No you wait and watch for cars!” says a fellow learner correcting him.
Paul has problemsremembering the drill. He says he wants to be a lawyer. His friends burst into laughter. Once they successfully complete the zebra crossing back and forth during the morning hustle and bustle, they move onto the traffic light crossing on Hill Street.
“What colour is that little man?” asked Scheltens, pointing at the pedestrian lights. What would generally have been a mundane question for children of this age is quite appropriate.
She explains that these children have mental challenges. “Unfortunately most of them are not specifically diagnosed because many parents only realise their children have learning disabilities when they reach school,” she said.
