Yesterday we had the pleasure to welcome Giannis, Helena and Aleka into our school to spend the day with both children and parents. The children had the most amazing time listening to how Giannis learnt to accept and strive to cope with having Dyslexia throughout his life - which he says he would not change.

Years 4 upwards spent time listening to parts of his book which were specific to their age group and then completed a ‘fun’ and carefree writing task alongside him.

Year 5, thought about their ‘Lost Thing’ learning and how a sense of belonging is important to all of us both adults and children. Year 6 read poetry to Giannis with the theme of acceptance and change, with a reading focus of moving onto secondary school from his book and Year 4 had created the most amazing imaginary fish with made up names to reflect Giannis’ love for ichthyology.

The children in our school never cease to amaze me with how creative and reflective they are. Aleka asked them to think about and name any childhood carefree instincts which they may lose their as they grow older; you can read their responses below.

Thank you so much to the few parents that managed to make it, your support means a lot to me and I am pleased that you enjoyed the session.  Giannis shared how his parents coped / didn’t always cope with his difficulties as he went through the education system in Greece, we then reflected on the art, creativity, fun and words above and took away the message that…

Like Giannis and many other children with SEN needs- if we show love, support, let them find their own way and keep their childhood qualities they will be more than okay. :) Maybe we should all try to bring one thing off the list back into our ‘grown up’ selves too!

A huge thank you once again to all who supported the day and gave the children a very different experience day in school.

I would personally like to thank Giannis for sharing his memoirs, in such fun, loving, thoughtful, inspiring and heartfelt way and Aleka for translating his words.

A book to read, educate, share and enjoy indeed.

Helen Allison

If you would like to buy a copy there are a few at the school office for £10 or you can use the link below.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chronicles-Dyslexic-Author-Giannis-Paschos/dp/1917334168