Teaching Social Norms Through Recreation: A Practical Approach for Neurodiverse Learners
Have you ever thought about how social norms are taught through recreational activities? In my previous blog post, "The Importance of Recreation at a Boarding School for Neurodiverse Learners," I gave an overview of how recreation plays a crucial role at Brehm Preparatory School. Today, I want to delve deeper into the specific skills and social norms that are learned, witnessed, and taught during recreational activities. Understanding and navigating social norms is essential for our neurodiverse learners, and recreation provides a practical, real-world environment for these lessons.
Turn Taking and Courtesy
One of the most fundamental social skills we emphasize during recreational activities is turn-taking. This skill is essential in many social settings, and recreation offers numerous opportunities to practice it. For instance, during bowling outings, students learn to wait for their turn, understanding that patience is a critical component of social interaction.
We frequent two main bowling alleys: SI Bowl and the bowling alley at the student center. While the general rules of bowling apply at both venues, each has its unique social norms. At both locations, students learn the importance of being present and engaged, as waiting for someone to take their turn can be challenging, especially for those with learning disabilities. We teach patience to those waiting and immediacy to those who need to move around. This approach helps prevent potential triggers that could arise from prolonged waiting.
The Bowling Alley: A Social Skills Classroom
Bowling alleys are excellent venues for teaching social skills. The first golden rule we teach is always to bring socks. If students forget, they either miss out on bowling or have to purchase expensive socks there. This lesson in responsibility is just the beginning.
Students also learn the importance of only bowling on their turn unless the group agrees otherwise. While it may seem minor, this rule helps students understand the importance of respecting others' turns and the social structure of the game.
Healthy Competition and Cheering
Healthy competition is another crucial aspect of our recreational activities. Students learn to cheer and clap for everyone, fostering a supportive environment. However, understanding the balance between being competitive and going overboard is essential. Our staff guide students in recognizing when competition has become too intense and how to pull back, ensuring the experience remains positive for everyone involved.
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.
Dealing with Social Dynamics
What happens if a student takes too long away from the group? They might find themselves in a situation where the group is frustrated upon their return. We use these moments to teach about expected and unexpected consequences, helping students navigate the social dynamics that arise from their actions. It’s important to note that not all consequences are bad—they are simply the outcomes of a situation, illustrating cause and effect. For example, if someone bowls out of turn to keep the game moving, students learn how to respond appropriately when re-entering the group, understanding the effects of their choices on others.
Adjusting to Different Sensory Environments
Some students might prefer quieter activities, such as billiards at SIU. The pool area offers a calmer environment, ideal for those with sound sensitivity or who need a bit of space. This setting helps students practice social interactions in a less stimulating environment, providing a balance to the more active and noisy activities like bowling.
Navigating Food and Dining Situations
Food and dining situations present their own set of social challenges. At SI Bowl, there's a small restaurant where students learn to navigate ordering food, sharing, and managing their time so they don’t miss their turn. These experiences teach students about courtesy, sharing, and the social norms of dining out.
At Longbranch Cafe, students learn about efficient service and effective tipping. They understand that sitting together and being considerate of the server's time can lead to better service. They also learn the basics of tipping, an essential social skill for dining out. To reinforce these lessons, our math instructors often integrate real-world examples of tipping into classroom discussions, helping students see the practical applications of what they learn.
Learning New Skills and Independence
Recreation also offers opportunities for students to learn new skills and gain independence. I recall a young lady who attended our skating rec every Saturday despite not knowing how to skate. For almost a month, I held her hand as we skated around the rink. One week, she confidently said, "No, I got it," and proceeded to skate independently. This moment was a testament to the power of persistence, support, and the confidence that comes from mastering a new skill.
Encouraging Healthy Risks
Finally, recreational activities encourage students to take healthy risks in a supportive environment. Whether it's trying a new activity or learning to interact with peers in different settings, these experiences help students build confidence and social competence. Our role is to motivate, preview, observe, teach, and allow students to put themselves in positions to have fun and take healthy risks.
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. Integrating these lessons into different aspects of school life ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience.
Conclusion
Recreation at Brehm Preparatory School is not just about fun and games. It's a vital part of our holistic approach to education, providing practical opportunities for students to learn and practice essential social skills. From turn-taking and courtesy to healthy competition and navigating dining situations, our recreational activities are rich with teachable moments that help our students grow into confident, socially competent individuals.
