🦕 The Dinosaur, the Bunny, and the Boy Who Couldn't Count

the boy who couldn't count

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A couple of days ago, I attended a talk by Josef Schovanec, philosopher and advocate for autism inclusion. He shared a story that perfectly captures what we believe at Rabat Tutoring Academy.

While working at a school in New Caledonia, Josef met a seven-year-old boy with Asperger’s syndrome who had never learned to count. Traditional tools—like red tokens—meant nothing to him. But Josef noticed something: the boy loved dinosaurs.

So he swapped the tokens for tiny plastic dinosaurs. And within an hour, the child could count.

Later, the same boy—who couldn’t sit still or follow a lesson—transformed again. A teacher brought a bunny into the classroom, knowing the boy was fascinated by animals. In the bunny’s presence, he calmed down. He stayed seated. He listened and engaged.

❝ Josef shared that this child is an adult today —and unless you were a specialist, you'd never guess he was on the autism spectrum. ❞

This story is more than touching. It’s a lesson. One we follow every day.

🌟 What Makes Individualized Education So Powerful?

At Rabat Tutoring Academy, we believe every child can learn—when they are taught in the right way.

For most students, standardized classrooms often miss the mark. These students don’t lack intelligence. They lack instruction that’s designed for them.

📌 We adapt the method to fit the child—never the other way around.

🧠 Our Approach: What Individualized Learning Looks Like

✔ For Dyslexic Students

We use multisensory techniques and structured literacy programs that build confidence along with skills.

✔ For ADHD Students

Our sessions incorporate movement, curiosity, and real-world relevance to support focus and executive functioning.

✔ For Autistic Students

We prioritize calm, consistent environments and use student interests—like animals or trains—to spark meaningful engagement.

❝ Sometimes, all it takes is a bunny—or a dinosaur. ❞

When we recognize what matters to a child, we build bridges to learning that work.

🎓 What Happens When We Get It Right?

When students feel safe, seen, and successful:

• They engage with learning

• They retain more information

• They grow in confidence and independence

Many of our students—once discouraged or anxious—rediscover joy in learning and surprise even their families with how far they go.

📣 Join the Rabat Academy Difference

If your child hasn’t thrived in a traditional classroom, there is another way. One that honors who they are and how they learn.

📍 Visit us at rabatacademy.com📞 Contact us to schedule a consultation📧 Email us at info@rabatacademy.com

Let’s help your child thrive—one dinosaur at a time.