As the holiday season continues, I wanted to share about a group of students in our county that warms my heart. One of the county Middle Schools has a Peer Buddy group which currently supports the students in the Life Skills classroom. Peer Buddy groups can also be referred to as a Circle of Friends. This concept is practiced more widely in European schools, but is also taking hold here in America. A peer buddy group is a group of students who work to help other students who may be easily marginalized to feel safe and supported in the school setting. They monitor for bullying and reach out in times of need. These programs are frequently used to support students with Autism, but can be used to support any child in need. Other students that could benefit include students who speak a different language or students who are new to the school setting. Participating in a buddy group is a powerful experience for both the “target” student and the buddies.
The group of students in this Middle School Buddy Group came together last year to support an individual child in need. Students met weekly to eat together during lunch. We worked on social skills and solving problems that the “target” student was experiencing. I was continually impressed by their ability to identify significant strengths in their struggling peer, as well as come up with feasible solutions to support the student in areas of need. I saw elation from the target student as that child developed relationships and social skills and true compassion from the buddies. My spirits were lifted by the kindness that these students shared and the difference I knew that they were making, not only in the target child’s life, but in their own as well.
This year the peer buddy group chose to support the whole Life Skills class, which consists of approximately six students. The buddy group meets once or twice per month to plan activities for a monthly whole group lunch meeting. This year they have planned ice breaker activities and crafts. When we return from break, the students will be planning social skills lessons to present. Watching a group of students with such diverse talents, needs, and backgrounds reach out to each other, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company is an experience that will stay with me throughout my career. When asked why they thought the group was important, student buddies shared that “it is a positive experience” because it “makes people happy,” has helped them to meet other people, and helps other students to have friends. The Life Skills teacher shared that the group lunches are something her students look forward to. She believes that the interactions carry over into social situations outside of the lunch group and can serve as a starting place for classroom discussions. The success of the program was truly made clear to me when I asked one of the students in the Life Skills classroom what he thought about their lunch groups. He shared that he likes “eating lunch with his best friends and buddies,” then asked, “When are we going to do that again?”
Resource:
Schleider, M. (2007) With open arms: creating school communities of support for kids with social challenges using Circle of Friends, extracurricular activities, and learning teams. Autism Asperger Pub.Co. Shawnee Mission, Kan.
The group of students in this Middle School Buddy Group came together last year to support an individual child in need. Students met weekly to eat together during lunch. We worked on social skills and solving problems that the “target” student was experiencing. I was continually impressed by their ability to identify significant strengths in their struggling peer, as well as come up with feasible solutions to support the student in areas of need. I saw elation from the target student as that child developed relationships and social skills and true compassion from the buddies. My spirits were lifted by the kindness that these students shared and the difference I knew that they were making, not only in the target child’s life, but in their own as well.
This year the peer buddy group chose to support the whole Life Skills class, which consists of approximately six students. The buddy group meets once or twice per month to plan activities for a monthly whole group lunch meeting. This year they have planned ice breaker activities and crafts. When we return from break, the students will be planning social skills lessons to present. Watching a group of students with such diverse talents, needs, and backgrounds reach out to each other, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company is an experience that will stay with me throughout my career. When asked why they thought the group was important, student buddies shared that “it is a positive experience” because it “makes people happy,” has helped them to meet other people, and helps other students to have friends. The Life Skills teacher shared that the group lunches are something her students look forward to. She believes that the interactions carry over into social situations outside of the lunch group and can serve as a starting place for classroom discussions. The success of the program was truly made clear to me when I asked one of the students in the Life Skills classroom what he thought about their lunch groups. He shared that he likes “eating lunch with his best friends and buddies,” then asked, “When are we going to do that again?”
Resource:
Schleider, M. (2007) With open arms: creating school communities of support for kids with social challenges using Circle of Friends, extracurricular activities, and learning teams. Autism Asperger Pub.Co. Shawnee Mission, Kan.