I had struggled with how to find a way to bring together my students with autism and students in general education. When I discovered the Young Athletes program, everything changed.
What is the “Young Athletes” Program?
It is a program sponsored by the Special Olympics. It’s purpose is to provide an active outlet for ID students younger than 8 years-old. The Young Athletes Program was the best thing I have ever done in my special education teaching career.
How do I start “Young Athletes” at my school?
The Special Olympics makes it so easy to start a Young Athletes program. All you need is an almost even ratio between students with disabilities and general education peers. If you are able to match up with a local chapter, they will provide you with all the athletic equipment. However, the best part of it all is the curriculum is online for you! It is a simple step-by-step guide of activities and warm-up and closing songs. You can check out the curriculum here.
What does “Young Athletes” look like at my school?
Support buddies needed to fill out an application to get accepted into the program. Once we chose our buddies and got started, we met twice per week for 15 minutes in the PE room. The bond between each support buddy and the students with autism quickly formed. The support buddies were so eager to learn about the students with autism. It was amazing to see these big, tough 5th graders become gentle, compassionate young men. They encouraged each other, supported each other, and became quick friends. My students would get so excited when seeing their support buddies in the hallway. Other general education students began to notice and wanted in on it too. After weeks and months of practice, the Young Athletes program culminates into a “Little Feet Meet”- a field day. All students had a blast! It was a very heart-warming day in which I held back tears multiple times. Parents of our students with autism were finally able to witness the amazing bond our students have formed.
At the end of the year…
At the end of the year, we had the support buddies fill out a “buddy reflection.” I am so proud of the lessons they have learned. One 5th grade student said, “I want to be an autism teacher when I grow up.”
To get more detailed information on how to start a Young Athletes or Social Club in your school click here. You will also find a copy of the support buddy application and reflection.
Do you have a buddy program at your school? Let me know in the comments 🙂