teaches Special Education at East Boston High School.
East Boston High, AHHSP Teachers, Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Vision Therapists; Speech Pathologists; Adaptive Physical Education Teachers
| Classroom Activities | |
• |
Hold round table discussions on students’ attitudes toward SPED students |
| • | Decide to address isolation of SPED students |
| • | Invite SPED specialists (Occupational Therapists, etc.) to classroom |
| • | Plan mentoring program for SPED students |
| • | Develop games & strategies to help SPED students in & out of class |
| • | Track mentoring progress in Reflection Journals |
| • | Plan ways to include SPED students in school’s social & athletic events |
| • | Share reflections results with other classes |
| Community Activities | |
• |
AHHSP students observe isolation of SPED students |
| • | Interview specialists on ways to involve SPED students in more school activities |
| • | Visit SPED classroom & conduct “getting to know you” activities |
| • | Arrange schedule for mentors to identify & visit SPED students each week |
| • | Introduce games & strategies to SPED students |
| • | Accompany students to school events |
| • | Host end of year T.E.A.M. party for mentors & SPED students |
Each mentor and student with a disability took away something different. One student mentor was a star of the boys’ basketball team and requested that his new charges come to see him play. This was arranged, and the four students were elated to see their mentor in an exciting new role. . . . Mentors and students with disabilities became friends both inside and outside the classroom. Mentors became advocates for their students. At the first of the year, student with disabilities would walk down the halls, and no one would talk to them. Now they can walk down the halls, and you hear a lot of interaction. The mentors have established a social network for the students with disabilities. They’re becoming part of the social fabric of the school.
I noticed yesterday that the kids really get attached to you quickly. One girls was so happy when she saw me she actually hugged me. We did the lesson plan that we worked on in Ms. Zarrella’s class, Math bingo. It went well. . . . I thought I was going to hate mentoring, but I actually enjoy it. I can’t help but wonder what’s going to happen to these kids when they are older, and their parents are no longer around. They deserve to be taken care of because they are truly amazing gifted kids. . . . Mentoring has made me a better citizen. I know that students with disabilities are just like I am. They go to school and even get homework. I realize kids are kids. We can all accomplish things together.
