Square Pegs: Inclusivity, compassion and fitting in – a guide for schools

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He also for some reasons keeps mentioning that parents have to play the long game and keep steps ahead of their kids which he refers to as chess and definitely NOT checkers. It seems likely that increasing numbers of square pegs will continue voting with their feet until we reach crisis point. Square Pegs is a must read for parents, teachers and all who want an education system which reflects and rejoices in the diversity and individual needs of children.

They highlight the continuing inadequate responses to promote effective access, inclusion and strategies for engagement and progress for a growing number of learners. Finding a way to use current technology to help all children individualize their education could potentially transform education and help many overcome their special needs or limitations. The author has some practical advice that will interest parents and should also interest policy makers. Fran Morgan founded Square Peg in 2019, following her own daughter’s struggles in the education system, having seen clear evidence that there were (and still are) a growing number of square pegs.

Rose's book has given me a new outlook and strategies to help him and encourage his teachers to think "out of the box" when they teach him.

Over and above this emotive aspect, which one might expect from a book on compassion, there are also many innovative and outside-the-box ideas for supporting “square peg students”. His description of the hard time he had being bullied is of course quite moving and definitely wrong.With all the buzz around it, it was evident that the premise of this book was resonating with teachers in a big way. The next secretary of state for education should send a copy of this book to every new head teacher and put it on the reading list for all initial teacher training courses. The rest of its title, all that "visionary thinker" stuff, is not so much in this book, but Rose's story was still thought-provoking. Social interaction and communication can be difficult for some autistic people but others may enjoy it.

Rose explained that if he had the kind of educational opportunities that digital technology has brought to schools today, his grades probably would have been better and his classroom performance on par with everyone else, but because teachers are not trained to deal with kids like him, he was often sent to the principal's office for discipline. Thank you, Fran, Ellie and all the contributors for helping us to better understand and support our square pegs. Gove and his acolytes have cleverly marshalled arguments around equality as guarantees of social justice: all children should have the right to the same core body of knowledge, and only by treating everyone the same can we ensure standards across the board. If you need to read something for an education or psych class, this is a short, easy read that should fit the bill nicely.

The editors have done an excellent job of curating experiences, personal stories and expert insights that make their book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand, appreciate and nourish the unique qualities that make each student special.