When Penny was transitioning from elementary school to middle school, the school invited her to come in before the year started so she could walk the building, see where her classrooms were, and get a sense of the space before it was full of students and noise. We paid attention to practical details—whether she could manage a combination lock on her locker, what it would look like if she couldn’t, and how much extra time and practice she might need if she could. This walk-through was so helpful.
Too often, school transitions feel like something that just happens to our kids instead of something we prepare for together. So I loved talking recently with Adrian Wood about her experience navigating public school with her son Amos and about the times when special education actually works.
Here are a few of the many practical steps she shared:
First, plan transitions early. Don’t wait until the first week of school. Ask for a transition meeting, request a walk-through of the building, and talk about sensory challenges, schedules, and spaces that might be difficult. Those early conversations can shape the entire year.
Second, name what matters most and be willing to get creative. For Adrian and Amos, planning for him to eat in the cafeteria was not the goal. Belonging was. So instead of forcing a loud and overwhelming lunchroom, the school invited peers to eat lunch with Amos in a quieter space, creating connection without unnecessary stress.
This episode is a reminder that inclusion and belonging don’t have to be rigid or formulaic. They can be collaborative, flexible, and creative, centered on relationships and a shared willingness to try things together.
My hope is that this conversation offers a little courage and a few next steps as you think about education for your child.
“When Special Education Works with Adrian Wood” is live now on Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker
Ep 12 • Grateful for Hope Heals collaboration in creating Take the Next Step
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