Class Garden Project

Mia loved coming to school. She liked drawing, helping her friends, and learning new things.

One Monday morning, Ms. Green smiled and said, “Class, we are starting a big garden project!”

Everyone cheered. Mia smiled too, but inside she felt a little nervous.

Mia had dyslexia, which sometimes made reading long directions and writing her ideas feel difficult.

Class Garden Project

I want to help with the garden,” , “but sometimes I do not understand the directions as fast as everyone else.”

“Mia, are you okay?”

“You belong in this classroom, Mia. We will make sure you have what you need to learn.”

IDEA Principle: Every student has the right to a free and appropriate public education.

The next day, Mia met with Mr. Lee, the school counselor.

"Hi, Mia,” Mr. Lee said with a smile. “Today we are going to do a few reading, writing, and thinking activities. These will help us learn how you learn best.”

Mia looked down at the paper. “Is this a test?”

“Not the kind you need to worry about,” said Mr. Lee. “This helps us see what is easy for you, what feels tricky, and what kind of support will help you shine.”

IDEA Principle: Schools use appropriate evaluations to understand what support a student may need.

Later that day, Mia’s mom came to school to talk about Mia’s evaluation.

She met with Ms. Green, Mr. Lee, and Principal Carter.

“Mia worked hard today,” said Mr. Lee. “We learned that she has great ideas, but reading long directions and organizing her writing can be tricky.”

Mia’s mom nodded. “That sounds like Mia. She loves telling stories out loud, but writing them down can be frustrating.”

Ms. Green smiled. “Thank you for sharing that with us. We want to work together to help Mia feel confident in class.”

After talking together, the team made a plan to help Mia.

“This plan is made just for you,” said Principal Carter. “It will help your teachers know what supports you need.”

Ms. Green showed Mia the plan. “You will have shorter directions, extra time when you need it, and help organizing your ideas before you write.”

Mia smiled. “So I still get to do the garden project?”

“Of course,” said Ms. Green. “This plan helps you be part of it.”

IDEA Principle: An Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, is a plan made to support a student’s specific learning needs.

The next morning, the class went outside to begin the garden project.

Mia worked with her classmates to choose seeds, plant flowers, and make garden labels.

Ms. Green gave Mia a checklist with pictures to help her follow each step.

“I can do this,” Mia said proudly.

Jayden smiled. “You are really good at making the labels!”

IDEA Principle: Least Restrictive Environment means students should learn with their classmates as much as possible while getting the support they need.