As an active soccer coach, I believe that all children benefit, more than one way, when involved in an extracurricular activity. I believe children learn more than just the physical fundamentals when playing a sport, they also learn social skills . According to LiveStrong, children are taught life long skills that they are able to apply to real world such as: teamwork, respect, self-motivation, discipline, organization, and communication (Davis, 2013). What better way for students with ELN and nondisabled students to share a common interest/goal and interact socially than through an extracurricular activity? In the videos of Jason McElwain, the basketball player with Autism, we see Coach Johnson give Jason the opportunity to be more than the student assistant and become a uniformed player. Jason learns the importance of hard work and teamwork for not only on the court but also for the real world. It also shows the team and Coach Johnson the importance of not letting the disability label a player. It wasn't Jason's Autism that helped him score 20 points in 4 minutes, it was he drive and talent. Coach Johnson did his duty as an advocate to Jason by giving Jason the opportunity to play as well as the confidence and motivation he needed to succeed. Coach Johnson led by example and showed his players and the community that people are not to be labeled and identified based on their disabilities but by their ABILITIES. If Jason was given this opportunity earlier on in the season or even his earlier in his basketball career he might have been considered a valuable player on his team and hold more responsibility than just being the student assistant.
For the past 5 years I have nannied a young boy, "Neil" with Autism and Bipolar Disorder. I have watched him grow into a courageous and exploring pre-teenager as well as a victim of bullying and isolation for his "differences". He didn't see his classmates outside of school, at birthday parties or soccer practice, but only when it was a school related function. Never were his "school friends" considered his "real friends" because his school friends were only friends with him during school hours. Though "Neil" was spending his entire day in an inclusive classroom he was still considered a "special needs student" to his peers (Jimenez & Graf, 2008) (p. 72). After "Neil" turned 7, his parents and I decided to sign him up for extra curricular activities. We gave him a list of activities that were available within his community, and "Neil" chose to partake in karate. Karate is great for "Neil", it teaches him courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and responsibility which can also be used in the classroom and in the real world. A couple of "Neil's" classmates were in his karate class as well. He was able to take their common interest in karate and use it as a foundation of friendship showing him his "school friends" can also be his "real friends". Students with ELN who partake in inclusive extracurricular activity benefit in the classroom as well. Karate was a motivator for "Neil". Just as atypical student athletes, "Neil" was not able to attend karate and see his friends if he did not keep his grades up, if he was absent from school, or if his behavior was acceptable. "Neil" was taught to take responsibility for his actions and was motivated to be the best he could be inside the classroom and out.
I agree Amanda that extra-curricular activities are an excellent avenue that can make students with ELN feel a sense of belonging to a team with common goals. A classroom setting, where the focus is on academics can lead to feelings of inadequacy and possible behavior outbursts when they feel overwhelmed. Karate is an excellent activity for it can teach self-discipline, self-control and enhances socialization skills. My nephew “Steven” was diagnosed with dyslexia while in the 1st grade. His parents enrolled him in The Fletcher School in Charlotte, which is a school for students with specific learning disorders. His parents also enrolled him in karate classes with the hopes of improving his behavioral outbursts. “Steven” thrived at Fletcher and eventually was transitioned in high school to a Christian School in Charlotte where he was active in many extra-curricular activities including football. He also earned his black belt while in high school (while I’m not sure which level he attained). He turned out to be a delightful young man with an engaging personality. He just entered Penn State as a freshman this fall. I can’t help but think of the many students who do not have the advantages that “Steven” had. “Steven” had parents who advocated for him and gave him every opportunity to succeed. Many of the ELN students never are able to reach their full potential because they may not have parents, mentors or the means to realize their potential.
ReplyDeleteI particularly enjoyed reading your post because I fully agree that sports and other extra-curricular activities is a tremendous way to promote social integration of students with ELN. After watching the videos about Jason McElwain, I realized how important awareness is when it comes to students with ELN. The families that were writing him were genuinely pouring their thanks out to him for giving them hope. They truly felt as though his glorified moment was just what was needed in order to spread awareness about Autism. Before the provisions of IDEA, 2004 and movement to inclusive environments/LRE, it appeared that most people feared disabilities and those who were diagnosed with them. They also aren't aware of the difference between mild/moderate to more severe disabilities and the types of characteristics for each category. I think it's awesome that your "Neil" was able to find something that he could participate in without judgement and learn key social skills that can carry on into adulthood. It was also great that he was able to do something at a young age and be around his peers. I remember seeing Jason McElwain's story on ESPN my senior year of high school and at the time I unfortunately wasn't very happy. I couldn't believe that it took that long into the season for him to get that chance. I wondered what the coach's hesitation was and why he felt like a hero for allowing him to play those four short minutes. I still feel this way after watching the video again. I also thought about the graduating class of 2015 at my alma mater and their ignorant perception of special education. Many of them were upset that students who were on IEP's or taking special education courses were allowed to be a part of the top 10 academic leaders. I don't blame them for being genuinely angered by this because they are adults now and were obviously not ever taught the importance of social integration. That bring me to my final thought: Like many rules, manners, and basic social skills, the promotion of social integration of students with ELN needs to begin in early childhood. Whether it is from a coach, teacher, parent, or other influential figure-- there has to be collaboration, awareness, and practice in order to guide these children to be more compassionate and accepting.
ReplyDeleteAs a basketball coach, I completely agree with your post. Extracurricular activities are so important in the social integration of students with ELN. Extracurricular activities can make students feel more comfortable interacting with their peers, without having to worry about the pressure of school and the academic setting. My blog hit on a lot of the same points as this one, but I never thought about karate. Your blog has opened my eyes as to what a great option karate is for students with ELN. It is a great way to teach children the importance of respect and integrity. Karate teaches many valuable lessons to children that they can take with them and use in their everyday social interactions.
ReplyDeleteAs a basketball coach, I completely agree with your post. Extracurricular activities are so important in the social integration of students with ELN. Extracurricular activities can make students feel more comfortable interacting with their peers, without having to worry about the pressure of school and the academic setting. My blog hit on a lot of the same points as this one, but I never thought about karate. Your blog has opened my eyes as to what a great option karate is for students with ELN. It is a great way to teach children the importance of respect and integrity. Karate teaches many valuable lessons to children that they can take with them and use in their everyday social interactions.
ReplyDelete