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In the sunny classroom, EE, wearing a red and white striped t-shirt and blue jeans, stares out the window at a fluttering bird. Ms. Bell, wearing a soft yellow cardigan and glasses, leans forward gently, saying his name.
EE sat at his desk. His teacher, Ms. Bell, talked about shapes. But EE watched a bird outside the window. He thought about circles, squares, and his pet rock at home. "EE," said Ms. Bell softly, "can you look at me?" EE blinked. He did not know he had stopped listening. His brain liked to wander to fun places. Today, he wanted to try something new to help him focus.
Ms. Bell, wearing a soft yellow cardigan and glasses, kneels beside EE, who is wearing a red and white striped t-shirt and blue jeans, placing a small blue star in his hand. EE squeezes the star tightly and looks up at her face.
Ms. Bell knelt by EE's desk. "Let's try a trick," she said with a smile. She gave EE a small blue star to hold. "When you hold your star, look at me and listen." EE squeezed the star. It felt smooth and cool. "Can I try now?" EE asked. Ms. Bell nodded. EE held his star tight and looked straight at her. For the first time, the words stayed in his head.
At his desk, EE, wearing his red and white striped t-shirt and blue jeans, holds a blue star and carefully draws a bright red circle on paper. His face lights up with joy as he realizes he followed the direction perfectly.
The next day, Ms. Bell said, "Everyone, take out your crayons." EE squeezed his star and watched her mouth move. He took out his crayons too! "Now draw a red circle," she said. EE listened close and drew it. His hand moved fast with excitement. "I did it!" EE whispered. He looked around and saw his circle matched everyone else's. Following directions felt like solving a fun puzzle.
EE, in his red and white striped t-shirt and blue jeans, grins broadly as he stands quickly at his desk, ready to line up. Ms. Bell, still wearing her soft yellow cardigan and glasses, claps and beams with pride.
By Friday, EE didn't even need his star. He watched Ms. Bell's face and listened with big ears. "Line up for lunch," she said. EE stood up right away. "Great listening, EE!" said Ms. Bell, clapping. EE grinned so wide his cheeks hurt. His brain still liked bugs and clouds, but now he knew how to catch her words too. Paying attention was becoming his new favorite trick.