Through a Circle of Friends program, typically developing peers are taught important information about classmates with social challenges, and are invited and encouraged to befriend them. These peer mentors are provided education and awareness, strategies for connecting and supporting others who may be different, and given opportunities to socially interact on a regular basis. This presentation will discuss the specifics of implementing a circle of friends program. The webinar will include information on how to set up your group, how to address peer awareness and training about autism, teaching social skills, and developing relevant CoF lesson plans.
● Identify goals and objectives that can be addressed through a Circle of Friends program
● Collect lesson plan ideas for your own Circle of Friends group
● Develop a Circle of Friends implementation plan
Administrators, general education teachers, specialist teachers, family members, paraprofessionals, special education professionals, and related service providers.
Mary Schlieder, EdD, is a high school special educator, adjunct professor, and educational consultant. Her professional interests include fostering positive inclusion experiences, peer-mediated intervention, Learning Objectives: collaborative problem solving, and active learning. She is the author of With Open Arms: Creating School Communities of Support for Kids with Social Challenges, and the 2008 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
Registration may be cancelled up to 14 days prior to the event for a full refund. Cancellations received within 14 days of the event will not be refunded. No-show registrations will also not be refunded.