Peer Models

Last night was parents night at Waverly's school.  Matt and I were really excited to attend and find out more about Waverly's day.  Her teacher is wonderful!  She has been teaching moderate-severe special needs children for 16 years.  She is passionate about what she does and you can tell upon meeting her that she loves her students.  We were able to see the daily picture schedule, her little cubby, the play area, the magic touch screen for the computer and the switch button for the other computer.  Waverly uses the switch button - it is a large button that Wavey can push (with assistance) to advance a story.  The technology folks put together a Winnie the Pooh story that she loves.

There are typically 5 children in her class.  Wavey is the youngest, most of the students are in 2nd and 5th grade.  There is a group of children next door with similar needs, so the teachers are able to team up throughout the day for specific activities, such a circle time and cooking.  Wavey gets adaptive PE 3 times a week, music once a week and art once every 2 weeks.  The OT, PT and speech therapist also come into the classroom to work with the children throughout the week.

My favorite part about the visit was hearing about the PE class yesterday morning.  There was a mix-up with schedules, so a few children from Waverly's class ended up in the gym at the same time as a 4th grade class.  Now, typically one of the most difficult moments is when an adult of child looks at Waverly with "that look".  It is a combination of confusion, fear, and sometimes disgust.  I hate those moments.  They typically make me want to cry or fill me with anger.  But, I am trying to look at these interactions as teachable moments.  Many people simply do not understand how to approach a child with special needs (or the parents, for that matter).  I am trying to remain calm and introduce them to Waverly.  I like to tell them right from the start about her disease and why she acts the way she does.  I think people want to know, they are just unsure how to ask.  Now I noticed that the PTA is looking for a special education representative to be a part of the team and specially work on planning something for special education week in December.  I have been talking to Matt about this and thought that a peer modeling program would be such a terrific way to give kids the opportunity to volunteer, while being exposed to children with special needs.  I believe that children, if given the opportunity to help, with then feel a sense of protection and love for the special education students.  They could come in a read a story, help with computer games, assist with crafts, etc.  What a wonderful team that could be!  Anyway, back to my story about gym class yesterday....since the 4th graders and Wavey's class were in the gym together, the gym teacher thought this would be a wonderful time to attempt some peer modeling.  The 4th graders were assigned a child and then they worked with them on an activity.  Some of the kids were playing on a mat, working on rolling.  Waverly loves to walk and she loves to hold hands, so a few girls took her hands and walked her all around the gym.  Waverly loved being with the big girls and the girls fell in love with Waverly.  They had a great time walking with her and listening to her giggle.

I almost started crying as the teacher was telling me about it.  I love that these girls enjoyed helping Waverly.  I can just imagine that there are a few 4th graders who, when passing Wavey in the hall, will stop and say hello to her and give her a smile.  That is such a beautiful picture.