Play PalsCaryl PanzarellaJuly 9, 2012

Agenda Why Play Pal? Sponsors Buy In Movie Getting Started Choosing Play Pals Documents Challenges Questions

Why Play Pals? Integrate special needs students into

the typical day Focuses on what children are able to do Improve Social Skills, etc. General Ed. Students benefit Eliminates Bullying Creates Good Role Models

Acceptance, Patience, and Kindness

Sponsors Autism Coach ESE Specialist Reading Coach Gen. Ed. Teacher ESE Teacher Support Personnel Administrator Team or Combination of above Anybody can do this and the rewards are

exponential!

Buy In How do you get it? What’s in it for administration? What’s in it for teachers? What’s in it for parents? What’s in it for you? Motivation and incidental learning

increases

Movie

Getting Started Develop a course and name it Recruit teachers that want to be

involved Recruit peer buddies Screen and match students Teach peers instructional strategies Evaluate program, make changes as

needed

Choosing Play Pals Students that are able to make up work Students who need a boost in self-esteem Students with bullying issues Students who have special challenges Responsible leaders (Safety patrols,

student council) Students who need to learn how to

interact more appropriately

Documents

Letters Parent permission Student Training Background info.

for parents Thank you letters

Organizational Recommendations Who needs play

pals? Schedules Budget

Sample SchedulePlay Pal Name

Teacher

Day Time Student

Gen Ed Teacher

Abby Aran Wed. 1:00 Ben Ryan

Billy Hovey Wed. 12:30 Aran PE Mattis

Cary Mitchell Mon. 10:00 Tommy Herbie

David Pressler Thur. 9:15 Zack Rocker

Ernie Aran Tue & Th

11:20 Lunch Smith

Franky Thomas Friday 1:15 Caryl Jones

Challenges More buddies than play pals available Teachers suspending play pals because

of FCAT Student absences or relocations Student who fall behind in their studies Know your audience Resistance from faculty

Questions/Comments

Thank you!

Caryl Panzarella, Autism CoachCoral Park Elementary

caryl.panzarella@browardschools.com754-322-5850