Creating an Inclusive Environment
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My goal is to create an inclusive classroom that is comfortable and conducive for all students to learn and interact.
This school year, I began a Peer to Peer mentoring program. Thanks to Grand Valley State University for the training, support, and inspiration!! See the link to learn more about Peer to Peer programs! The videos are so inspiring!! https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/peer-to-peer-support-for-students-with-asd-93.htm
This program is an elective class option for students at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI. Students enrolled in the class learn about various disabilities and are taught how to relate and be more accepting of people with learning differences. The mentor students are each assigned a mentee, who is a special education student (with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, or Severe Multiple Impairment).
So far, this program has been a huge success! The students have made connections in ways that we did not see coming. Before the program began, many of the students had never met and didn't realize that they even went to the same school. Now, the students have become close friends and look forward to seeing one another every single day. We've witnessed huge gains in social skills and improvement in both attendance and behavior for all of the students involved. It has been AMAZING!
Why I need some help...
We have a classroom available for our mentor and mentee students to meet throughout the week, but it is a very basic classroom setup. I am hoping to get funds to help purchase materials, so that we can create a comfortable, visually appealing classroom that encourages students to collaborate and interact more often.
My vision is to have a "home-like" feel, so that students will be drawn to this room and will spend time connecting with one another. Having couches, comfortable chairs, standing desks, stools, floor cushions, a rug, and lamps with soft lighting will help to create an inviting atmosphere where all students will feel comfortable.
Please help in any way that you can! I am looking forward to growing our Peer to Peer program throughout the years! It's already been such a terrific experience for everyone involved! The students and I would be so incredibly appreciate of any amount that you are able to donate!
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Kim Sclafani
Special Education Teacher/Peer to Peer Instructor
Wyandotte Public Schools
This school year, I began a Peer to Peer mentoring program. Thanks to Grand Valley State University for the training, support, and inspiration!! See the link to learn more about Peer to Peer programs! The videos are so inspiring!! https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/peer-to-peer-support-for-students-with-asd-93.htm
This program is an elective class option for students at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI. Students enrolled in the class learn about various disabilities and are taught how to relate and be more accepting of people with learning differences. The mentor students are each assigned a mentee, who is a special education student (with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, or Severe Multiple Impairment).
So far, this program has been a huge success! The students have made connections in ways that we did not see coming. Before the program began, many of the students had never met and didn't realize that they even went to the same school. Now, the students have become close friends and look forward to seeing one another every single day. We've witnessed huge gains in social skills and improvement in both attendance and behavior for all of the students involved. It has been AMAZING!
Why I need some help...
We have a classroom available for our mentor and mentee students to meet throughout the week, but it is a very basic classroom setup. I am hoping to get funds to help purchase materials, so that we can create a comfortable, visually appealing classroom that encourages students to collaborate and interact more often.
My vision is to have a "home-like" feel, so that students will be drawn to this room and will spend time connecting with one another. Having couches, comfortable chairs, standing desks, stools, floor cushions, a rug, and lamps with soft lighting will help to create an inviting atmosphere where all students will feel comfortable.
Please help in any way that you can! I am looking forward to growing our Peer to Peer program throughout the years! It's already been such a terrific experience for everyone involved! The students and I would be so incredibly appreciate of any amount that you are able to donate!
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Kim Sclafani
Special Education Teacher/Peer to Peer Instructor
Wyandotte Public Schools
Organizer
Kim Sclafani
Organizer
Wyandotte, MI