At Grenfell Elementary School, Marcus stands proudly in front of his art exhibit which showcases his talents and favourite activity — cutting, painting, and molding paper and found objects to create big, bold, fantastic creatures.  

Catalina, who has been Marcus’s Student Support Worker (SSA) for Grade 1 and now Grade 4, found that using art motivated Marcus and helped support positive behaviour reinforcement. Now, Marcus enjoys art time once he completes his scheduled activities and classwork for the day.

Marcus uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to help him express his wants and needs. For example, when Marcus watches his favourite program — Mister Maker on YouTube, he will use his AAC device to pinpoint the type of image he wants to make.  He will then use his AAC device to ask Catalina to draw the base image for him or to bring the materials to him. With the materials set aside, Marcus is incentivized to finish his academic work which earns him tokens. In turn, the tokens are exchanged for more art time.

“Our class is very proud of Marcus and his art,” says Marcus’ teacher Scott Macdonald. “He enjoys sharing his finished products with the class during Sharing Time/Show and Tell, especially the applause he gets from his audience. Art has not only helped motivate him in his academic areas but has provided a calm space for him to explore his interests.”

 Catalina  wants to help share  Marcus’s talents with more people.

“This is his second exhibit at the school, and he is delighted to be featured. Marcus’ passion and enthusiasm for creating art is an inspiration to everyone,” she says.