Whimsy While We Work: Inside CHC's Education Center
- Ariel Brogno, MA
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Teachable Moments for Kids with Hearing Loss
By Ariel Brogno, MA, Hearing Education Specialist
Take a peek behind the scenes at CHC’s Education Center, where a surprise visit from a benevolent Turkey Fairy sparked creativity, laughter, and a few unexpected lessons in our academic support sessions for students with hearing loss.
Spread the Love
It’s been a bitter winter season for CHC’s New York campus, requiring staff to brave temperatures not seen since the blizzard of ‘16 just to get to the office. Luckily, an anonymous staff member has taken it upon themselves to spread the love this year, warming hearts enough to melt an NYC snowbank.
A few weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday, CHC experienced what will forever be known as The Great Turkening. Over the course of three days, tiny plastic turkeys began appearing on desks across the entire 6th floor. From audiologists to speech pathologists, no desk went un-turkeyed. The antics didn’t stop at Thanksgiving. A few weeks later, just in time for the winter holidays, the Turkey Fairy struck again—this time leaving behind tiny plastic snowmen!
As fall turned into winter, an air of mystery filled the halls at 50 Broadway. ... Who was the elusive Turkey Fairy? Rumors circulated, and soon staff members were gossiping about who was seen when and where, and if so-and-so’s schedule matched up with the timing of the Turkening.
Teachable Moments
Beyond the fun, the Turkening created a unique opportunity for CHC’s pediatric clients to practice important skills—including investigative journalism writing, and using clear question structure in back-and-forth conversation. As winter continued, CHC staff members grew to expect interruptions from mini-detectives demanding to know their whereabouts on the days that turkeys and snowmen appeared. A new, whimsical energy was brought into speech therapy and academic support sessions. While the official goal was to solve the mystery of the Turkey Fairy, clinicians noticed a delightful side effect: increased motivation and peer collaboration among pediatric clients.
Positive effects of the Turkening were not limited to clients alone. Beneath the intensity of the investigation, CHC staff discovered that an average workday was made much more enjoyable with a little added whimsy. Giggles permeated the hallways, and the coldest and darkest part of the year suddenly felt much warmer, thanks to a small act of kindness.
We ♥ Turkey Fairy
With another holiday fast approaching, the mystery of the Turkey Fairy remains deliciously unsolved. Valentine’s Day is coming—a time for sweet gestures—and expectations are high. CHC staff and clients wait with bated breath for the Turkey Fairy to make their next move. ... On behalf of the CHC community, here's our heartfelt message for the mastermind behind it all:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
CHC is made brighter
By people like you
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
About the Author
Ariel Brogno, M.A., is an Education Specialist with a graduate degree in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an undergraduate degree from New York University. With a specialty in DIRFloortime®, Ariel is passionate in providing access to education for children with special needs and then seeing children blossom once given the appropriate resources. Her approach with students is to focus on the relationship between academic learning and social-emotional regulation, teaching strategies for success in both area. Contact Ariel at abrogno@
