My summer as an afterschool teacher 2 

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You were awesome with those kids.

I like your message that kids aren't clay, they're sponges, we need that in a world where parents put too much pressure and kids are almost forced to be what their parents want them to be, not what they want to be.

My jaw actually dropped when the kid said that. I feel bad for kid because in all honesty she definitely deserves a better home life, but I also feel bad for the boy. I am bisexual and I’ve had my fair share experiences with people being homophobic, to me and to my friends who are more open about it. I’m glad that people finally stand up for what they know is right or wrong. Kids aren’t just to be whatever you want them to be and put these idiotic thoughts in their head, every kid deserves a loving family and loving parents who want and know what’s best for them. ❤

I think the hair cutting analogy was perfect. It explained it in simple ways kids could understand and understand fully. Hair is something they’ve all had experiences with and know about, so using it like that really snaps it into perspective for them. ❤️

Give the background artist a raise. All the little easter eggs were having a party in the bg the whole time

It sucks how even some of the best schools can have hostile elements for neurodivergent kids. When I worked as a teachers aid, I had one of my leads refer to a student as a “sociopath” *with in ear shot of him.* Literally all he did was display classic early warning signs of adhd. I ended up loudly talking about how sweet and helpful he was to neutralize that fuckery

As someone who has had to deal with grooming, a destroyed childhood, and bullying online and irl, i can somewhat feel the pain of an abuse survivor, i feel happy knowing that people are teaching kids that that is not ok, and that nobody ahould treat you like that or make you feel unsafe

2:51 "I don’t like it when people yell at me either." Me: Same…..

Did any of the kids ever know you are an animator? It'd be cool if ya had the situation Emirichu had.

It makes me so sad that people avoid adressing deeper topics with kids because when they grow older it's harder for them

2:41 thank you for not yelling at the kids like other people may do because my family would argue a lot which would leave my parents frustrated and if i did something wrong they would yell at me... which mentally scared me and now arguing, fighting, and yelling is now triggering to me and i start to cry because of it...

6:20 Think of it this way: They'll eventually learn about these things. Its best if they learn from someone who has experience with it, and can give advice and wisdom. Worst case scenario, an angry parents yells at you, while still helping the kids whether said parent accepts it or not.

I'm autistic and have ADHD, I know how that first kid felt. I was so isolated and outcasted but thankfully, that hasn't slowed me down. Thank you and god bless you, Illy.

As a fellow abuse survivor I’m really grateful that you talked about that with those little kids. I never want anyone else to go through what people in our situations had too. ❤️

5:36 (for the full context of the conversation) 6:24 you did an amazing job handling such a difficult situation and topic, making you cut your hair is just as much about bodily autonomy as everything that happened to you and kids can process that as just as much a no-no without needing to necessarily hear all the gritty,complex scary rest of the story, without needing to ask their parents if they can hear about stuff like for example: someone being forced to take feet pics; if i was put in that scenario i would've taken a long time to figure out my words and the feet thing that's probably the metaphor i would've used but if parents were in the room they might've disapproved so needless to say you handled that perfectly.

10:05 god bless that girl for saying that, i almost cried when she said what her parents said ahout gay ppl (im gay) thats so messed up

As a child who grew up hearing these things with my mom being lesbian and me openly being bi by 12 (20 now and pansexual) thank you. Thank you and your old coworkers for not allowing this to just be said and nothing done about it. You changed that lil boys future in good ways and hopefully the lil girls too

I am so happy that you could explain on an age appropriate way how bad toxic relationships can be

“To bad, so sad, cry about it💅🗿"

Props to you and that southern teacher who worked with you I also love your videos ❤

Girls can have short hair and boys can paint there nails -kmk

As a child my husband had a terrible family and learned things he shouldn’t have. Now as an adult his sister has said I’ve helped him so much learn new things and to accept himself.

I have two moms and I remember being told things like “you can’t have two moms, you need a dad” and “two girls Can’t get married/have a baby” but thank god as a kid I knew better then to listen to those kinds of comments

Kids are really smart! which means they also know what their parents will let them get away with. which can be a massive problem when it's a behavior that will actively get them hurt or the people around them hurt. not all parents deserve kids. I'm so glad you where one of the adults these kids needed!

The glare he gave when your brother said “thanks, I know” A real girl boss right there💅

i love how illys animation is so much different from any other youtuber I've seen, it really makes me realize how different and unique everyone is

even better golden rule from a psychologist: treath others the way THEY want to be treated, we are all different. Lots of love, I like your stories.

story time animators are always a delight to watch. Your videos are really relaxing to watch.

As a neurodivergent person I heavily relate to Stitch. I was immediately outcasted on my first day of school ever 😭 it’s like they just knew I was different… Autism, ADHD, visual dyslexia, schizoaffective, photophobia (severe light sensitivity) and an anxiety disorder is what I was born with 🥲 adding depression and a respiratory condition later in life

Kids are always curious they always want to know more and what's happening around them sometimes too curious but you handled it better than 70% of most of the teachers out there.

This is a nice series. Hope you make a third episode! Child-care jobs can be tough, but full of good stories to tell. Children are often misunderstood and raised to follow a "this or that" from someone that can be silly to them. As someone studying in ECE in college, I hope to be a better childcare worker!

I love this video, I work at a day camp during the summer myself and have definitely had similar situations to the ones in this video and in the first video (which I just happened to have watched the other day). From the sounds of it you handled your role really well.

The sequel that was well worth the wait.

I'm outright crying, you guys helped raise those kids in such important ways. Especially telling them about your ex, that one really hit home.

Seeing her animate her little character browsing the sponsor is so adorable-

I've been watching your videos a lot lately, and I just want to say, thank you for always making me smile and feel better about myself. Also I find your voice very calming Lol-

You’d be my favorite teacher too! That part about telling kids about serious topics is so true. It’s why I’m glad Bluey exists…and this channel!

Dear Illy, Thank you. I’ve been going through a hard time recently with my mental health, like almost uh “checking out early” of my life if you catch my drift. and I’ve found such a beautiful light through your videos. They make me laugh, smile, and it’s just so beautiful how you put all the things in life the hard times with joy, love, kindness, and laughter, you put it together in such a wonderful way. I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you, you’re a light in the world and I love you, so do my Guinea pigs, Furrn & Winnie. They’re big fans too. ;) Thank You! I Hope this makes you smile like your videos make me smile. Bless You! :)

Everytime i watch illymation I always cry. WELL, in a good way. you videos just hit me mentally idk why

The long awaited sequel is finally here!

10:11 W TEACHER W TEACHER

Bro Istg your videos always make me cry and I don’t know why, you’ll say something so sweet and heart warming and I’ll have to stop myself from sobbing

these are some very sweet stories. Also i love the Castle in the Sky reference at 8:12, its one of my favorite Ghibli movies and the robot scenes were so emotional!

When the teacher suddenly intervened before you could in such a positive way, I started jumping up and down with excitement. I fucking WISH I had teachers that direct when I was that age. God fucking speed to that woman

When the world didnt expect her to return, she blessed us in the blink of an eye

Thanks for everything Illy!! Your stories are so funny and always make me feel safe and smile. 💕

i really like the animation. great job and i hope all of you have a great day

I feel for that boy on the spectrum because I felt something similar going through public school. I acted kinda like him and for the most part, kids weren’t outright mean, they were awkwardly nice, and it was patronizing. They would act nice to me in school but either didn’t mean it, or would blow me off later on.

As a neurospicy gremlin, the Stitch story really got to me. Especially the part about everyone else yelling 🥺

Being tired or frustrated and then watching illymantion is great! I love these videos and appreciate the acceptance and love. ❤😊

Youre my favorite artist on utube because youre always sending messages, thank you illy!

“He was mean to me when I said no about a lot of things” that’s such a good way to put what happened to you. ♥️ Hope sounds a lot like me growing up. I’m glad she had you and the other adults in her life to help set her straight and teach her better. Not to mention to stand up for Phil when he was being targeted.

“And then what?” “He was still mean to me.” That was so moving to me and all she needed to understand:)

I listened to your song beautiful every day and it helped me get through day by day I want you to know how much you’re helping people❤

I have two moms as well and I’m glad to report things were pretty alright throughout my school experience, though I know it can still be incredibly hard out there

God I had a student who was saying Trans people were gross and whatnot. Around 11 years old. And he was making a few students uncomfortable. Like they were very upset and trying to get him to shut up. I reminded everyone that in the classroom we are not allowed to make fun of, or bully people based on their appearances, beliefs or identities. Regardless of what that was. And if anyone felt uncomfortable with someone or something they tell me, and dont confront others and make them feel unsafe. I made sure to tell them that each of them deserves respect no matter what. And I told the parents that exact same thing. And what did dad tell me? "Well who was he making uncomfortable huh? What about his comfort?" Like? I told the parent If another kid was mocking that boy for his beliefs or shouting how weird and gross he was I would have defended him too. But he doubled down and said well it's his right to say whatever he believes. Like??? Gross. All my students deserve the ability to concentrate on their SCHOOL WORK in school. It's unfair and disgusting how entitles parents can be! Their kid deserves accommodation and a feeling of safety. But God forbid another student deserve the same. And another kid, bullied a girl for being fat. Didn't hear jack from the parents. But that girl isn't in my class anymore and mr jackass is still joking around mocking the other kids. He's awefule to other people, but because his parents don't care about him he gets to ruin a class he doesn't like for everyone else. It's so frustrating. Kids would be so much happier if parents were just nice people!!!! These poor kids suffer because they go through life being cruel. And they make everyone else miserable too. Ugh. I just wish parents would shut up and be kind.

"Don't litter, instead feed harry" is such a creative idea to stop kids from littering!

I love how ember,wade,bluey and bingo just chillin in the backround

i love all the easter eggs this animator adds into her storys. it grabbs mt attentions

LET HIM PAINT💅💅💅💅

I love how Illy goes into more serious topics than most animation channels, combine that with the fact that we share a lot of the same beliefs, almost perfect channrl

this video was great and as usual the backgrounds are amazing.

This… this video shouldn’t have made me cryyyy AAA-

We need more people in this world like you. - A caustic smartass who genuinely loves what you do.

As somebody who both has a degree in elementary education and was 9 years old when 9/11 happened -- the "talk about it but in an age-appropriate way" is spot-on. Do you divulge all the nitty-gritty details? Absolutely not! You handled the conversation well, and you hit the "sponge, not clay" analogy on the head. 💜

these are so refreshing to watch

I remember being a kid like hope. I wasn't really vocally mean or bullied specific people, I was mostly quiet and kept to myself, but I came from a fairly harsh background and didn't know how to protect myself apart from violence. So when kids started picking up on my weirdness and bullied me or even if I just assumed, that they were talking about me or looking funny at me, I immediately started screaming and throwing things and would try to hurt them. That stopped very soon after I got a new teacher that really apprechiated me as a person and stood up for me. I was still depressed, but she made it easier and made it clear to me, that there were adults in the world kids could trust. I still think of her from time to time and she was amazing.

can we just appreciate illy? we need more people like her to teach kids about things that absolutely suck but teach it in a way that the kid can understand and that it sn't too much for them? i love the message she sends to her viewers

8:47 that kid in the upper left is just having the time of his life XD

My childhood was alot like Hope's i might not remember alot of it, but from what i DO remember it was not a childhood. No kid should go through what i went through or anything similar ot worse. Kids are indeed like sponges, they take the words of their parents, teachers, and other adults directly to their heart.

I LOVE THE LITTLE DETAILS SHE PUTS IN THE BACKGROUND LIKE THE ADA DOLL💕💕

9:50 w teacher

A part 2 I never knew we would have

I'm glad this came across my feed, even though I'm a tad late to the party. I also work with kids, and have been for a few months now! And I've very quickly encountered kids similar to each of these examples, leading me to all sorts of challenges and opportunities. Where I'm at in life has brought a lot of,,, teaching moments and the before/after school program is humbling to say the least. I want to be like you, giving your best shot to be a good example and kind of adult these kids need in their life! Especially for the neurodivergent (like me) and troubled kids. I want to love on them all!!! Seeing your perspective and sharing these moments is really special, thank you. [P.s. trying to revert from my triggers and stop yelling at the kids! They just keep pushing and pushing til I react sometimes but that's not the kind of response I want to have, nor normalize for these guys. If you, or anyone, has suggestions for how to better interact with limit pushing or just overall conflict, please help a guy out!]

Thank you so much for sharing your story❤ And praying that hope is safe and well and continue to learn and do better❤

You are my favorite RU-vidr and I love the way that you talk about serious topics in a comedic way

Man that last minute conflict resolution made me tear up, so glad to hear there's people out there willing to step up in dicey situations 🥲

As a kid with two moms in the 1990s... I'm glad that teachers stick up for kids like that now.

This video really made me remember how I used to be one of those kids and I'm so happy you spoke to those kids how I never gotten spoken too, golly gee stuff have change.

1:25 I love the detail and easter eggs here, i love when yt animators do this. For example, I think that bin is grimace, the twister box on the shelf, the elemental posters, Plus, at 1:29, the elemental teddies on the fireplace and the elemental book on the bookshelf, PLUS, I think thats the teenage kraken girl plushie also on the fireplace! I loved the teenage kraken movie❤❤ Edit: Also double plus to all the other little easter eggs hidden in this video, put them in the replies!❤

I really love how she gives the people in her stories privacy by not using their real names❤❤ love u Illy!

I like "treat others the way *they'd* like to be treated." more than "treat others the way you'd like to be treated." Everyone's different! A big hug might be comforting to you but overwhelming for someone else!

The animation in this channel just keeps getting better and better.

i love this story and i love the little things in the background to. Like the elemental, toh and starv the forces of evil manequins.

About Hope: I read "My Brain is Different" (Read: Bean Cup) and I will never forget something that one of the narrators said about their experience working with "problem kids" while being neurodivergent herself: "These kids are not trouble. They are in trouble." Holy crow that was so important for me.

the sequel we never knew we needed, but we all wanted :) stich reminded me of a younger version of myself, I am also autistic and I was and still am protective of things, an autistic trait I guess ? (also fuck homophobia)

You are the best person and teacher that I have ever met be yourself and continue making these amazing videos

I really love your videos you always make me confident about myself, when I was young I was bullied because I had Asperger & ADHD no one really liked me and because of that I had social anxiety and I wasn’t confident about myself. But now I’m fine I have friends who love me the way I am & im trying to be confident again, Thank you so much for making me happy with your videos❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Petition for Illy to turn this into a full series with every episode focusing on a diffrent kid

You're one of the few animators who still do story time. I really miss the large scope but I'm glad that we still have one.

I am new to your Channel but I bingewatched all your Videos in two days after work and I think you are amazing. I love your work combined with your stories so much !

i rlly like these story times .3.

I love that your bringing a topic like this to light. A lot of people don’t realize just how much of an impact that a simple interaction with a kid can have on them in the long run. Even a simple yes or no to something they want can alter their personality for years to come.

I hope Phil is doing well today. Props to that teacher for sticking up for him and his mom's 😤👍

your videos are always so fun to watch! thanks for posting

I love the watcher outfit in the background of that scene

Honestly I appreciate it sm that Illy was able to explain a bit of what her ex did in a child friendly yet informative way to the kids and didn’t just say, “I’ll tell you when you’re older” or somethin. Kids should know about dangerous people and Illy being able to educate them briefly yet informatively gave me massive respect for her instantly.

I am crying at the last story because someone when I was a kid told me that gay people go to heck, and I didn't even know what gay was, so I internalized it "Don't be gay or else you'll burn in heck" then in the middle figured out I was gay and I was terrified. You saved that kid from so much down the road, and thank you for that.

The thing about the picking on you said about is for younger kids, some teachers aren't caring any more. I've had to deal with a lot of situations with ADHD. I also agree with the fact that kids need slight information and are like sponges.