Young students with special needs may need a little nudge to help them relate to their peers in the classroom. Similarly, regular students may feel that their classmates with special needs are different than they are, but in fact children just need to be shown that they do in fact have many interests in common. Here are some creative ways to build relationships and meaningful friendships in the classroom.
Building Friendships in the Classroom
Encourage peer interaction by highlighting similarities of children that are in the classroom. Some can share hobbies, extracurricular activities, and interests easily, whereas other students will need a little support. Ask leading questions and point out common interests. Here are a few ideas:
- If a student shows an interest in a sport, or in computers, mention that another student has that interest in common.
- If students seem to enjoy reading the same type of book, mention it.
- If two children love to draw or paint, let them work together on an art project.
- Pair a student who loves music with another student who also shares that interest.
Help Children With Special Needs Initiate Play
Often students with special needs will want to play with others, but do not have the initiative or the right words to say. Guide these individuals by asking questions before recess other social times. For example, ask the student whom he would like to play with or partner with, and help him come up with ways to accomplish this. Work together to come up with appropriate words to initiate conversation and join in the fun. Some simple questions to ask may be:
- “Will you play with me?”
- “May I play, too?”
- “Will you be my partner?”
- “May I swing (or slide, dig, play kickball, etc.) with you?”
- “Would you like to share my snack?”
Social Rewards for Good Behavior
When a student with special needs behaves appropriately or performs above and beyond, there is usually a reward system in place for positive reinforcement. Instead of material rewards or stars, try awarding social time with others. These social rewards will provide the student with opportunities to learn teambuilding develop stronger bonds with friends. Some social reward ideas are:
- Allowing a student to sit with a best friend for the day
- Pairing up students to play a board game
- Giving students computer game time together
- Awarding extra recess with a friend
- Planning a lunch bunch with a student and one or two friends
Encourage Understanding and Tolerance in the Classroom
With the student’s permission, share information about that student’s disability, special equipment, and support he may need to help him do his schoolwork and get along. Do not keep someone’s special needs a mystery. Instead offer information to help the class understand what it might be like to have a disability.
Another tip would be to have all the students share one thing they wish they could improve, such as reading, basketball, etc. Sharing this information will help strengthen bonds of friendship and encourage understanding and tolerance. Once a good conversation gets underway using any of the tips listed above, simply step back and watch the kids build their own meaningful relationships in the classroom.
Other teambuilding and social skills articles:
Teamwork Skill Games for Kids with Autism
Classroom Social Skills Training for Kids with Autism
Social Skills in the Classroom
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
