With Open Arms ─ Creating School Communities of Support for Kids with Social Challenges Using Circle of Friends, Extracurricular Activities, and Learnning Teams

“She sits alone every day in the cafeteria.” “His behavior annoys the other kids and no one wants to have him in their group.” “She can’t carry on a conversation.” Sound familiar? The desire to fit in and belong is universal, and at no time is this more evident than during the middle and high school years. Kids with conditions such as Asperger Syndrome, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, as well as English language learners, often face even greater social challenges, resulting in feelings of isolation. Not only are they often ignored by peers, many are the object of teasing and even bullying. In addition, their social isolation prevents them from engaging in the numerous social interactions needed to become socially proficient. With Open Arms: Creating School Communities of Support for Socially Challenged Kids provides practical, easy-to-use techniques for even the busiest school personnel. Using familiar case studies in an easy-to-read format, this manual provides step-by-step instructions for how to implement Circles of Friends, participation in extracurricular activities, and professional Learning Teams to create both accepting peers and staff. Written by a teacher “in the trenches,” the book includes reproducible worksheets, Learning Team and Book Club study guides, Circle meeting forms and activities, charts, and checklists … everything you need to create your own supportive community for the kids you care about. More