UDL naturally informs educators on how to capitalize on students’ strengths,” says Ms. Laswell, “Part of that comes from the principle of engagement and really asking students for their input, but also making sure that learning is valuable, authentic, and relevant. This applies not only to academics but also for socialization — building relationships, taking risks, and learning from our mistakes and our victories.”
In this clip, Mr. Hudelson gives some examples of how he helps students learn social skills like how to provide peers with constructive feedback or how to understand microaggressions, which are woven into his academic lessons.
Sometimes, lessons on social emotional learning are directed primarily at traditional learners so they can better understand, appreciate, and support their classmates with autism or other special needs. BCSC also promotes formalized peer relationships through small-group lunch bunches where, for example, a few “positive peers” may join a teacher and an autistic student to play a game like “Would You Rather?” to practice conversational skills.
In this clip, Ms. Scruton talks about how she helps both traditional and autistic students learn from and support one another as they build friendships and peer relationships in and beyond the classroom.
Enter: robots. Ms. Scruton talks about using robots with some students with autism or behavioral challenges to help them practice social skills.
Throughout all grades and schools at BCSC, there are formalized groups that partner typical peers with peers with autism like Best Buddies, Young Champions, and Unified Sports — all in an effort to create opportunities for one-on-one friendships and to develop a deeper understanding of all people. “In the grand scheme of things, these programs and partnerships help kids understand that we are all different and we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses, but, most importantly, how we can grow from this knowledge,” says Dr. Dettmer.
In this clip, Ms. Vogel talks about the growth she has seen in both typical and autistic children because of programs like Best Buddies, her daughter included. She sees them as a chance for kids to make more authentic connections.