Inclusion

As I've continued to research I have been thinking about how it is important to have inclusion in the classroom. I believe in inclusion and think it is beneficial for not only the students with disabilities, but also the students without. It creates a sense of acceptance and builds social skills for the children. So, I have started to think... isn't it just important we include children with disabilities in extra curricular activities as well?!? A lot of the time people think of extra curricular activities and think of physical sports such as soccer, football, cheerleading etc, but there are other activities teachers can introduce to families, such as theater, book clubs, academic games, chess club, choir etc. I found this website that describes these extra curricular activities and why they are beneficial to children with disabilities. These are even simple activities/clubs that a teacher can create at her school. It wouldn't take a lot of time out of a teachers  already busy schedule, and would help with the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children with and without disabilities.  What are your thoughts on these extra curricular activities? Do you think it would be something you'd like to get involved with at a school you worked for?

this is the website  :) ...enjoy!
http://www.ldonline.org/article/9924/

Children who need to express themselves but are limited on how they can express can be difficult when considering outside activities that would interest him/her.  As I previously stated, I think it is important for the child to be able to enjoy the extra curricular activity, but how do the parents know what exactly he/she would like if communication is limited/not available.  On the other hand, I think that the parents will know some sort of interests just by living with the child and being around him/her all the time.  Picking activities can also be challenging if the child has a physical disability which limits him on what he can do even if it interests him.

I found this article that explains picking activities to do, which I find interesting.  It says to have unplanned time to explore different options for the child.  Start younger, and then when the child gets older, the parents will have more of an idea of what the child is interested in.  This article says that in choosing the activities, there cannot be a lot of new rules and situations can be overwhelming.


http://www.netplaces.com/parenting-kids-with-special-needs/extracurricular-activities/choose-activities.htm

A list for teens diagnosed with autism

I found this website that is short and simple suggesting that parents get their child involved!  I couldn't agree more that children with special needs have to get out and be active.  That not only relieves stress on the parents and family, but the child.  This article specifically focuses on activities for children diagnosed with autism.  There are some great ideas.  Also, it talks about how parents can be involved if we take for example kayaking.  The child can sit in the kayak while a parent paddles.  This is still getting their child involved with the community and outdoors and taking a break from everyday struggles.


http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/teens-with-asd-extracurricular-activities/

I found another article on how students with disabilities are participating in extra curricular activities more now than ever.  I am really happy to have found this information because I think it is really important for students with special needs to be involved and active outside of school.  It helps the family and the child create a more positive environment.  What stuck out to me in this article is that the child should choose an activity that is of interest.  The parents should help motivate the child into finding an activity that is of interest, not just any activity.

http://www.ldonline.org/article/9924/

Getting Started...

Hello! Welcome to my blog:)  I am starting an adventure in finding more information related to extra curricular activities for students with special needs.  Some of the questions that I have pondered include: What activities after school could students with disabilities participate in and feel included with other students?  How can a school system enhance the overall school experience for students with disabilities through extra curricular activities?  What roles should the families play?