INCLUSION TIDBIT Strengthening Belonging Social Inclusion Created by
INCLUSION TIDBIT Strengthening Belonging: Social Inclusion Created by Marji Voetberg and Linda Weemhoff Teacher Consultants, CLC Network
INCLUSION TIDBIT The Inclusion Tidbit series was developed by CLC Network to support professional development within CLC Network Member Schools. This series is available exclusively for Members. Permission is required for any other uses. Copyright © 2018 CLC Network.
Big Idea • Social inclusion is a key element of inclusive school communities. To be fully included a student must feel a sense of belonging.
Social Inclusion: Who is it for? • • Students with academic needs Students with emotional needs Students with behavioral needs Everyone
Social Inclusion What Is It? • Mutuality in relationship • Foundation of inclusive school • Grows and changes with child • Enriches all parties What Isn’t It? • Patronizing • Set in stone • A quick fix • Easy • Obligatory
People you love (family) People you like (friends) Groups you belong to People you pay to be with you
Why Social Inclusion? • Closer image of God’s kingdom here on earth • Without social inclusion you don’t have inclusion • All persons desire authentic relationships • Enriches the whole community Intimate friendships are better than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Proverbs 18: 24
Circle of Friends: Types • • Whole class or small group Short term or long term Volunteer or selected Skill focus or relationship building
Circle of Friends: Format • Meeting: Celebrations, Challenges, Monthly topic • Activity outside of school • Lunch buddy
Peer to Peer Types Friendship Festival Students gathered at a bowling trip Lunch Partners playing games Connections Celebration
Social Skills Training • Meet twice a month • Student is not identified as the target for the circle. • Focus is on specific social skills the student lacks • Group can changes every 8 to 10 weeks. Key students may stay with the group • Identify a Facilitator
Community/Church • • Life long relationships Beyond school walls “Wrap Around” Groups Friendship Ministries’ TOGETHER Curriculum • Inclusive and accessible worship
Social Inclusion as the New Normal If we do it right, social inclusion can become as natural as this!
Further Resources • • speakingofspeech. com thewatsoninstitute. org jillkuzmawordpress. com Resources from CLC Network (clcnetwork. org/shop) • • • Circle of Friends Manual by Barbara J. Newman Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities by Barbara J. Newman Inclusion Awareness Kit by Barbara J. Newman Body Building: Devotions to Celebrate Inclusive Community by Barbara J. Newman Creating Connections: Social Inclusion for High Schools by Ellie Van. Keulen
Connect with CLC Network clcnetwork. org/blog /CLCNetwork @CLCNetwork /company/clc-network /user/CLCNetworkorg
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