Be a Meadow Brook Hero! Safe. Respectful. Responsible.
The friendships we forge at Meadow Brook are so incredibly important.
When we think about being safe, respectful, and responsible, we often think about how we interact with one another and who we are as a community of thinkers, learners, and doers.
Among our many sources of great pride is our wonderful visually structured programing, through which we serve friends of all ages, from pre-school to fifth grade, who have unique communication needs.
Not all friends in our visually structured programs are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, I found the following article to be good guide to thinking about how we can form genuine friendships with one other, regardless of where we are in the development of our communication skills.
How To Be Friends With A Child Who Has Autism
The article give simple and practical strategies like:
- including all friends in events like birthday parties
- talking to our neurotypical kids about differences in communication and the importance of patience
- thinking through unique needs and making accommodations when we learn and play together
- looking for areas of interest
- using and responding to humor
- playing games that are predictable
- engaging in activities that each friend is good at and enjoys
- getting to know and seeking to understand all of our friends
Students, teachers, and parents in the Meadow Brook are compassionate and kind. I am extremely proud of the way we get along and care for one another.
I am also very proud of the fact that we are set on a foundation of growth and always working to make our school an even better place to learn and grow with each passing day!
Please touch base any time with thoughts, ideas or questions. Your input is always welcome and very much appreciated!
Thank you for your patience and your partnership…in it together for the kids!
With gratitude,
Seth
Seth E. Berg
Principal
Meadow Brook Elementary
Call: (248) 726 -4101
Click: sberg@rochester.k12.mi.us
My Reflective Journey: Berg’s Eye View