Friendship is the Best #Inclusion

I might have a revolutionary idea…. or maybe we just need to remember the Little House on the Prairie one room school house days…..

[Tweet “What if #inclusion included teaming up #gifted #students with students who were #challenged? #specialneeds?”]

Bethany wasn’t assigned a para at her recent field trip. Devin and Lydia made sure she had a great time!

[Tweet “Some go beyond #friendly and become #friends #inclusion #treasure”]

Now before I explain, I hasten to say THANK GOD for para educational assistance! We would be lost without them! Many students have profound needs that will best be met by a professional that can come along side of them and facilitate learning!

But Bethany.

Down Syndrome is the address I live, so that’s the lens I look through. 🙂 I’ve noticed most youth with down syndrome are socially interactive, able to learn and read with repetition and skill practice. I’m wondering, if they would be better served by matching them up with inclusion minded students who love to teach.

For example, meet Devin.

[Tweet “#Friendship is the best kind of #inclusion!”]

Last year, we observed Devin during the Choral concert for 6th grade. She stood right by Bethany and every once in a while would point to the music to help Bethany get back on track.

WOW.

This year, Bethany and Devin, are in Choir, together again. A few weeks ago, Bethany, came home so excited. She’d gotten a 100% on her test. She could name all the notes on the treble and base clef by lines and spaces.

I said, “That’s a ma zing , Bethany! Did your para help you?”

“Nope. Devin made me learn them. She kept quizzing me til I knew them real good. She’s a good teacher.”

WOW!

Just last week, I got a phone call from Devin’s mom, Lisa. She was wondering if Bethany would like to sign up for a bike camp for kids who have disabilities. When I told her, thanks, but Bethany already knew how to ride her bike, we kept talking. It turns out, Devin, was wanting to attend camp as Bethany’s friend volunteer to help her learn how to ride!

WOW! WOW!

Stay tuned for upcoming news: Bethany and Devin are looking for a way to volunteer as buddies this summer.

My thought is this: We need para’s. But perhaps, one of the greatest untapped resources for learning and assistance is other students.

Devin loves helping Bethany learn. Even more importantly, Bethany not learning something is not an option in Devin’s mind. She’s not about pity or babysitting, or just being nice. Her inclusion is friendship- and friends help friends succeed.

[Tweet “Friends help #friends – #Students helping students #succeed. #inclusion”]

Surprising Treasures: A Friend loves at all times. They are there to help when big trouble comes. Proverbs 17:17 NIV

Christian family, God of Grace, inclusion, joyful journey, special needs parents

10 comments on “Friendship is the Best #Inclusion”

Edy says:

May 1, 2015 at 8:14 pm

Oooh! I love this, and I’m reminded of my own first grade in a small town. My teacher had four rows of desks, one for each grade (plus extra little chairs for the days kindergarteners showed up). We first graders paired up with the fourth grade, for reading practice, each of us having a reading partner to listen and to coach us to “sound it out” with a new word. I remember feeling so elated and special with this arrangement. Between you and Devin, along with Bethany, I think you have rediscovered a lost treasure. Students having the experience of teaching benefit, since “what you teach is what you learn!” What a win-win illustration! Thanks for the excitement I feel for all of you. 🙂

Cindy says:

May 3, 2015 at 12:17 pm

I can just imagine the picture you painted Edy! I’m sure that’s why one room school houses were so successful- I love watching certain students step up and step into Bethany’s life- accepting her as an equal peer but recognizing she needs a little “special” help. 🙂 Makes my momma’s heart sing! hugs and blessings

Reply

Jeff Barclay says:

May 2, 2015 at 12:35 pm

Bethany’s family is strong and supportive, but we are all so very, very appreciative and profoundly thankful for her friends at school!

Cindy says:

May 3, 2015 at 12:20 pm

And our church family- I’ll have to do another post about our beautiful church body who loves Bethany to pieces! <3

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Julie Garmon says:

May 2, 2015 at 1:42 pm

This is absolutely beautiful, and a universal Truth. Who doesn’t love to be included?

Bless Devin’s sweet, tender heart! Thanks for sharing this part of Bethany’s world with us.

Cindy says:

May 3, 2015 at 12:22 pm

Oh Julie, it’s so precious- everyone is nice to her and says hi- but Devin, Lydia, Lyndsey, and Amy- all go the extra mile. They make sure she’s woven into the fabric of their “school life”. They go beyond friendly to being friends. hugs and blessings!