Watch Educating Peter

The movie Educating Peter is a heartwarming documentary that follows the journey of a young boy named Peter Gwazdauskas, who has Down Syndrome, as he enters the fifth grade at a regular public school. The film is directed by Gerardine Wurzburg and was released in 1992. The story starts with Peter attending a special school for children with disabilities. His mother, Judy Gwazdauskas, is determined to give Peter the best education possible and believes he can thrive in a mainstream classroom. She decides to enroll Peter in the school's regular fifth-grade class, where he will be the only child with Down Syndrome.

The film follows Peter's first few days of school, where he struggles to keep up with the other students. His classmates are initially hesitant around him, unsure of how to interact with him. However, over time, they begin to accept him and include him in their activities. The film shows how the students learn from Peter's differences and how he learns from them.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with Peter's teacher, his mother and father, and other professionals who work with children with disabilities. They share their observations on Peter's progress and the benefits of mainstreaming children with special needs.

The documentary also tackles the issue of inclusion in education, and how it benefits not only the child with a disability but also the entire classroom. The film shows that when given the opportunity, children with disabilities can learn and achieve amazing things.

At times, the film can be emotional, as it shows the struggles that Peter and his family faced. They had to fight for his right to attend a regular school, and there were many obstacles along the way. However, through it all, they remained positive and determined to give Peter the best opportunities in life.

One of the standout moments in the film is when Peter is chosen to play the lead role in the school's production of "The Wizard of Oz." This was a significant achievement, as Peter had difficulty with his speech, and the role required him to memorize many lines. The entire school came together to support Peter, and the play was a huge success.

The film ends with Peter graduating from fifth grade, a milestone that his family and teachers were once unsure he would reach. It is a heartwarming moment that highlights the importance of inclusive education and the potential of children with disabilities.

Overall, Educating Peter is an inspiring and educational film that sheds light on the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families. It shows that with love, support, and the right opportunities, they can overcome their struggles and achieve their dreams. The film remains relevant today, as inclusion in education is still an important topic that needs to be discussed and addressed.

Educating Peter is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.