Silent Students

I am not a professional writer, but I am among those who have chosen a profession that cares a great deal about the special needs of children; so I am forced to describe my disgust for the terminology used in “Teaching the Silent Students” (June 11).

At a time when we are attempting to give dignity to all children with disabilities, someone coins a new phrase to describe those young children who lack language. They call them “non-nons.” What an aberration to those children who are yet to blossom into what they might become. Preserve their self-esteem, respect their differences and encourage their growth through words of praise.

It may well take an entire village to educate a child, but it only takes one thoughtless human being to label, demean and destroy him.

CONNIE K. WAY

Tustin