In the hullabaloo of reviewing report books and exam results of my two younger ones, we found out that our firstborn, Faith, who has autism, was given a silver award for art at special school. The school gave her a trophy, certificate and cash voucher too.
I saw some of her work when we met the very dedicated teachers at her special school for our regular case conferences (parent-teacher meetings) on her progress. The teachers told me she really enjoys the art lessons.
Sure, she needs a little help holding the tools (she has low muscle tone) but she made the pieces and enjoyed the creative process, which is a win all by itself.
Her teachers framed one batik piece and made a book cover with the other. We've put it on the family mantle (ok, we don't really have a mantle; it's the shoe cabinet at the front door but it's a prominent place).
Faith must've liked her trophy a lot, because when my mom tried to help her with it, she refused to let grandma take it, haha!
[photos courtesy of Faith's teachers]