Structured Programs for Normalcy and Fun
Have you ever wondered how recreation can make a difference in the lives of neurodiverse learners? During my time at Brehm Preparatory School, I have had the privilege of working as a dorm parent, recreational staff, and recreational coordinator. These roles have given me a comprehensive view of the significance of recreation in our students' lives, helping me appreciate the profound impact it has on their development and well-being.
The primary goal of our recreational program is to provide our students with a sense of normalcy, allowing them to engage in activities that their peers would typically enjoy. Being in a boarding school setting, it’s crucial that our students experience everyday fun, from attending sporting events to visiting parks. These activities are designed to mirror those of other kids their age, ensuring they do not miss out on essential social and developmental experiences.
However, recreation at Brehm goes beyond mere fun. Our programs are carefully structured to offer deeper lessons and valuable experiences, catering to both the broad audience of our students and down to the individual.
Broad Appeal and Everyday Activities
We offer a variety of activities that appeal to most of our students, ensuring everyone finds something enjoyable. Regular outings to parks, walking on campus, engaging in outdoor sports, open gym sessions, and movie nights are just a few examples. These activities are designed to be inclusive, providing opportunities for all students to participate and enjoy themselves, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Catering to Niche Interests
Recognizing that each student has unique interests, we also cater to more niche activities. For instance, Castle Perilous, a tabletop gaming and comic book store, may not attract the entire campus, but it is a haven for some of our students. Activities like joining a D&D club, participating in Magic: The Gathering games, or starting a comic book collection are tailored to those specific interests. I personally started my comic book collection by taking students to Castle Perilous, witnessing firsthand the joy it brings to those who are passionate about it. We have even had students go on to have internships there. And we even painted a mural there because of recreation creating that community connection with them, like I talked about in my marketing blog "The Power of Community Engagement for Schools."
Similarly, we attend various sporting events at our local university. While some students eagerly anticipate SIU basketball and football games, others prefer baseball. For our avid readers, the Carbondale Public Library is a favorite spot. These smaller recreational outings not only cater to specific interests but also provide excellent opportunities for social skill development.
Enhancing Social Skills
Attending smaller recreational activities helps students develop social skills in a more manageable setting. Smaller groups make it easier to observe and understand the social norms of different activities. For example, it's acceptable to cheer loudly at a sporting event, but the same behavior would be inappropriate in a library. The intimate group size allows for a learning process where mistakes can be made and corrected without impacting the entire campus.
Learning New Skills
Recreation also offers opportunities for students to learn new skills. I recall my first year at Brehm when a young lady attended the skating rec every Saturday despite not knowing how to skate. For almost a month, I held her hand and we skated around the rink, staying close to the wall. One week, she confidently told me, "No, I got it," and proceeded to skate independently. Moments like these highlight the personal growth and self-confidence our recreational programs can instill.
Fostering Independence
Ultimately, our recreational program supports the individuality of each student. Once students have shown enough independence, they are allowed to participate in independent recreational activities. These are outings they can attend on their own, independent of staff, with an approved plan in place. This level of independence is typically granted to students who have been at Brehm for a while and are familiar with the recreational offerings and the surrounding area. It's the ultimate display of normality, allowing a student to leave campus and function as a member of society.
Of course, safety precautions are always in place, including parental permissions, check-ins, and pre-approved plans. These measures ensure that students are safe while enjoying their newfound independence.
Holistic Services Integration
At Brehm, we believe in a holistic approach where lessons learned in recreational settings often dip into classroom and dorm life. For instance, our Speech and Language Services reinforce recreational lessons by going over expected and unexpected consequences. This helps students understand the broader implications of their actions in various settings. Similarly, lessons about tipping learned during dining outings are often reinforced in the classroom, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Conclusion
Recreation at Brehm Preparatory School is not just about having fun. It’s about providing normalcy, fostering social skills, learning new skills, and ultimately helping our students become independent and confident individuals. Whether through broad activities or niche interests, our recreational program plays a crucial role in the lives of our neurodiverse learners, supporting their growth in multifaceted ways.
