Peer Support!

Over the years of Michael's schooling - he is currently in year 6 -  he has had some fantastic teachers who have helped to develop an attitude of care and acceptance within Michael's peer group.  I'm going to do a few posts about these kids, to highlight how important they have been to him in his life.

In grade one, one of the first ways his teacher discovered to get him to do something, was to get one of the girls to ask him!  He has always been popular among the females, and usually attracts all the little would be mothers!  They will tie his shoes, carry his books, show him where to go, and generally do things so he doesn't have to think for himself!  Sometimes I wonder if he would have grown up a bit tougher if he hadn't had such accommodating peers, but it has made his primary school years so enjoyable for him, and he is so happy at school, and within himself, that I think the advantages out weigh the disadvantages no end.  I believe that giving a child a strong, solid and secure background, where they know they are loved and accepted is the best starting point they could possibly have.

There has been a core group of about 6 students from that first class who have stayed with him right through to now, and will be with him next year as well.  I know I am going to cry my eyes out the day he finishes primary to start high school, as all his friends seem to be going to different high schools, so it would have been impossible for him to stay with them.  In the end, we have chosen a school that has a superb reputation for supporting special needs children quite close to us, with very low student numbers.  It will be hard for him to adjust at first, but I believe it is the right choice for him and have had a lot of positive reinforcement for our choice.