My Visit to Cappello School
Susan Zibbe, of Joseph Cappello School in New Jersey, wrote me this letter after I performed at her school in 2004. I've been back twice since then and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Click here to learn more about my school performances.
"As a teacher of autistic children for over 10 years, I am always looking for things to inspire my students. Be it music, books, manipulatives, movies, etc. In the summer of 2003, one of my students came in with the "Firetruck" book and tape. His mother told me it was his favorite. This little boy was a little over 3 years old, very shy, and not verbal. His speech consisted of one word requests, and many of the words were unintelligible. At this time I had 5 students in my class, all 3 years old. A couple spoke a little more than the first little boy, and one not at all. Not only did he not speak, he did not like music. He would not hum songs, imitate motions in songs (Wheels on the Bus, etc.), and had never shown any interest in music. But I figured since it was a favorite of one of my students, I would give it a try.
"As an educator of students with special needs,
I believe his songs are so therapeutic and uplifting that
they should be heard in every classroom."
"I decided to play the tape and show the book at circle time. I must say, from the first beats of the song, I felt the song was something special. My students really sat up and took notice to the song and even the book I was holding. And to my amazement, the little boy that barely spoke a word recited the entire song word for word! My assistants and I were floored! His shyness was gone and he was singing his little heart out. We literally played the tape 5 times in a row. Because the song is so catchy, a couple of the other students were already learning the song. I decided to throw in some movements that fit to the words. Imagine my surprise when the little boy that NEVER even looked up from the floor during music time started to nod his head to the music and ever so slightly imitate the movements. It was amazing. Over the next few days, we played the tape all the time and found ourselves singing it even when it wasn't playing!
"Over the next couple of weeks, parents of my students were writing into the school asking "What is this firetruck song?" and remarking how their child was singing it. They were all very pleased. Unfortunately not long after, the tape broke in the player and we were unable to find a replacement. We were crushed!! After searching many websites and finally contacting Ivan through his website about his book and song, he sent me his "Songs From the Old School" CD. We hadn't heard the song in at least 7 months. I put in the player and school and looked at my students. All of them perked right up after hearing those initial notes and then each and every one of them began to sing the song, and did every motion that we had done with me not even prompting them. It was amazing! We played the tape over and over and every single student (including my 2 new ones) learned every song. They would sing them at home, during playground time, etc. without even needing the CD on. My speech therapist was thrilled! I have to honestly say the songs really made a difference in my students last year, it was a huge part of our school year.
"This year, Ivan was able to play at my school. I cannot even put into words how amazing the show was. The kids were thrilled, the teachers were thoroughly impressed, and the hallways were buzzing with children and teachers alike singing the very catchy tunes. And the best part? While Ivan was playing, that little boy that had been so shy and silent stood up, right in front of Ivan, in front of the school and sang every song word for word with a smile that absolutely lit up all of our hearts. My students this year have been just as touched and fond of Ivan's songs. As an educator of students with special needs, I believe his songs are so therapeutic and uplifting that they should be heard in every classroom. I know I will use it for years to come. And I look forward to the next CD as well!"
Susan Zibbe
Joseph F. Cappello School
Hamilton, NJ
