Grade Three

I want to share a story from his grade 3 year.  His teacher that year was one of his best, and Michael really blossomed under him.  The whole class was good for him that year, and he really enjoyed himself.

One afternoon, when picking Michael up, his teacher told me the story of what had occurred that day.  They had had a maths test that day.  Now maths happens to be Michael's best subject.  He has a great knowledge of all things numbers, and it is definitely one of his strengths.  He doesn't like writing however.  He has low muscle tone in his limbs, quite common with autism, which can make writing hard and tiring.  10 minutes writing for a child with low muscle tone, can be equivalent to 40 minutes for a child with normal strength.

So, this particular day, Michael was in the middle of this test, and he decides he needs a break.  The desks had all been arranged in testing style.  Michael hops out of his desk, and proceeds to look at every single child's work.  Offering suggestions here and there, but basically just sticky-beaking!

Now, did anyone try and stop him, or tell him off?  Of course not!  The teacher actively encouraged it, and the students all moved when he came by so he could have a better view!  If any other child had tried this, they would have been disciplined and sent back to their seat.  But not Michael!  No one even thought of trying to curb it!  No one resented this either.  None of the children seem to mind that in some things, Michael gets treated differently.  It seems to be just a part of who his is to them.

This nurturing environment has been just wonderful for Michael.  It may make some aspects of high school and beyond a bit tougher, but I firmly believe that the more secure a child is early on (any child), the more confident and able they will be later in life.  We shall see in the next few years if I am correct I suppose!