Susan Surgoth

The Key to My Children Series: Wilhemina's Strong Will Susan Surgoth

THE KEY TO MY CHILDREN: WILHEMINA'S STRONG WILL is about a three year old little girl who was born eleven weeks preterm, a "preemie." She was in the hospital over 200 days and had to fight to live. Her strong will and determination to thrive are still displayed today by her feisty personality in the Early Childhood classroom. When Wilhemina 'acts out' during circle time, the other children giggle and enjoy her funny antics. The teachers realize the need to help guide her behavior in a positive direction and yet allow her to feel free to talk, thereby diminishing her frustration from her language delay which enables her to learn. "Shape the spirit, not damage it" is the teachers' motto. The teachers secretly enjoy Wilhemina's spunk but also realize they have to gently show Wilhemina and the other children proper conduct in the classroom. Wilhemina's key to learning is her strong will to survive and take care of herself. Wilhelmina was a "preemie" and was placed in the classroom with a label of Developmental Delay. Visit the Illustrator's website at www.creativeartsbycathy.com