Kindergarten Visits Step Up Academy

Kindergarten has been visiting A Step Up Academy (ASUA) and forging new connections with our next door neighbors.  We have had interesting discussions about our similarities and differences.  All of the students at ASUA have a form of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Our students have responded quickly to the idea that some behaviors, while noticeably different from their own, are simply another expression of the human condition.  The kindergartners have been kind and inclusive with the students from ASUA, and it is inspiring to see them all share space and play together.  Interpersonal skills are essential in our highly relational world, and our students are honing their communication skills as they navigate this new experience.  We have shared some of our mindfulness techniques and songs with the students and teachers from ASUA, and we have joined them for read-alouds, craft projects, and play times.  Here are some photos from our most recent trip...

                              One of our intrepid readers read Hop On Pop to the whole group!

                                                           
                                                                Making new friends

                                                               Practicing sharing

A visit with their class pets

...On Pajama Day!!!