The Zimmer Zoo

Last week Burke’s Art class started up again. He was really reluctant to go…and I had a hell of a time trying to figure out why – he LOVES this class.

After a lot of discussion, I *finally* got it out of him that he didn’t like being called “pizza man” by the class assistant (a super nice pre-teen with Downs Syndrome we’ll call Captain.) This was news to me because I’d seen interactions between Burke and Captain on numerous occasions and Burke has always seemed to really enjoy them. So…upon questioning a little more, I found out that one of the times Captain called Burke Pizza Man, it made all the other kids run after Burke. Ah…it all makes sense now.

So Burke and I chatted about things. And about how silly it would be if he didn’t go to the class and then found out that Captain wasn’t even there! And we chatted about what Burke might be able to do to let Captain know not to call him Pizza Man anymore. (Because, like me – I’m sure Captain thought Burke LIKED it – it usually brought about fits of giggles.)

I was finally able to get Burke to go by telling him that I’d chat with Ms. Art about it (and the promise of Burger King on the way home if he was good).

Fast forward to after class…I asked Burke how it went and he told me that Captain called him Pizza Man twice, but Burke chose to ignore it – and nothing happened. GO BURKE!! He was really proud of himself. (I was proud of him too!)

And this week? Burke looked forward to the class and had a great time. He even walked in and sat down right next to Captain. I think they’re best buddies again. And THAT Makes My Monday.

Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this one. Head on over to see what else makes people’s Mondays (there are always some really good ones!)

Filed under: Burke | Tagged: handling it himself, proud mama, so grown up! |