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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Local author Michele Gianetti answered questions from C.H. Campbell Elementary School fourth-grade students during a visit to their class to discuss her book about her daughter, “Emily’s Sister,” on May 24.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Local author Michele Gianetti read the last chapter of her book, “Emily’s Sister,” to fourth-grade students at C.H. Campbell Elementary School on May 24.
By ABBY SLANKER
Fourth-grade students at C.H. Campbell Elementary School got a special visit from local author Michele Gianetti on May 24.
Gianetti is the author of the children’s book “Emily’s Sister,” which is about her daughter, Elizabeth, a special needs student diagnosed with dysphasia.
The students read the book as part of their Social Emotional Learning Curriculum. Gianetti read the last chapter of the book aloud to the students and discussed how to work in a classroom with special needs students.
Gianetti told the students how important it is to try to make friends with someone they may not normally make friends with.
“For those of you who volunteer your time in the preschool here, you need to know how important that is. It is a gift to the special needs children and you get a gift back. For those of you who love it, know that you are loved right back. It’s important to make friends with people you may not normally make friends with,” Gianetti said.
C.H. Campbell Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Dana Zarlenga-Buist echoed Gianett’s sentiments.
“It is important to make friends with all students, regardless of what their needs are. Everyone has different needs,” Zarlenga-Buist said.
Gianetti was open to answering any and all questions from the students. She also explained what dysphasia entails.
“Dysphasia affects your motor skills, like writing and running. It affects your muscles. People can have it a little or a lot. It can affect things you cannot see, too. It can cause someone to become confused about their schedule and many people struggle with their short term memory,” Gianetti said.
Gianetti also explained how Elizabeth has sensory issues.
“Elizabeth has struggled with sensory issues. We have had great successes and some setbacks. I like to think about where we were and where we are. I am very proud of her. We are excited for successes when they come. We are very proud of her when she accomplishes something,” Gianetti said.
Gianetti praised Elizabeth’s siblings, Emily, a 2013 CHS valedictorian, and Michael, a fifth-grade student at CVMS, with helping her.
“Emily is Elizabeth’s biggest supporter. She is her best, best friend. She is a wonderful friend to her. She made everything fun for Elizabeth. When Elizabeth graduates on June 4 from Canfield High School, Emily is even going to walk up with her to get her diploma. Michael helps Elizabeth just like Emily does. He guards her and protects her. They are really good friends,” Gianetti said.
Gianetti said her first book, “I Believe in You,” was written for adults, while “Emily’s Sister” was written for children.
“I wrote my first book for four reasons. First was for everyone to be able to understand her. Second was to raise awareness. Third was to teach people all that she can do. And lastly, to help others. I geared “Emily’s Sister” more toward children. It is for children my son Michael’s age and it answers the questions they have. The book is meant to answer their questions so they can grow with an understanding of dysphasia,” Gianetti said.