High school students treat hearing-impaired preschoolers to a Halloween social

Kindness begets kindness is the idea behind the mentoring program that matches high school students from the Chester County Alternative Education program with preschool students in the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s hearing impaired program. When last year’s pilot program, “Brunch with a Book” was a hit with high schoolers and preschoolers alike, teachers in both programs began brainstorming to provide students even more opportunities to interact with one another.

The most recent event was a Halloween social. High school students led activities that included reading poetry, singing songs, and of course treats. The preschoolers showed their thanks by making ghosts for their teenaged hosts. Although the activities appeared to focus on fun, food, and games, a deeper purpose existed.

“The high school students experience giving and sharing in situations where they are the responsible party and must be aware of others’ needs,” said Meredith Lambert, alternative education teacher. “Students benefit knowing that they are assisting in socialization and communication activities that help the preschool students. And, as a result, they learn that it is okay to behave in a softer, kinder way in front of their peers.”

Cindy Ziegler, CCIU preschool teacher, explained the benefits to students go both ways: “The preschoolers experience books being read with a new voice and expression and are able to put their knowledge to work,” said Ziegler. “Plus, the preschoolers develop their communication skills by using manners and eye contact when speaking, and welcoming the teens into their classroom.”

Due to the success of the mentoring program, more activities are planned for the students, including a holiday social in December, and field trips and story time activities throughout the school year. Upcoming events in the Chester County Alternative Education program include a presentation by the Great Valley Nature Center, entitled “Birds of Prey.”

In addition, high school students have volunteered to stock shelves at the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown as a community service project; proving that kindness truly does beget kindness.

About the Chester County Alternative Education Program: The Chester County Alternative Education program serves middle and high school students (grades 5-12) who are unable to cope in a regular school environment. The program provides a structured and self-contained program with academic and behavior modification components. The goal of the program is to return students to a regular education environment.

About the Pre-school Hearing Impaired Communication Classroom: The preschool classroom for children who are hearing impaired provides learning experiences in a language-rich environment for children, three to five years of age. The primary goal of the program is to improve communication skills through spoken language and listening so that students may be successful in a regular education setting with they become school-aged.