Flickinger Peer Pals program builds positive relationships

This week, Flickinger Elementary will conclude the second year of its peer-to-peer support program.

“Peer Pals” involves more than 75 students in grades 4 through 6 who work together to build positive peer relationships with students in the school’s L.I.F.E. program.

“I like it. Meeting new friends is fun,” said sixth grader Crystal. “My peer pal is fun, funny and a wonderful girl. Without Peer Pals I wouldn’t have met her. I’m really glad I met her.”

Students volunteer their time during lunch and lunch recess to support students in the special education self-contained L.I.F.E. classroom.

The program offers students the opportunity to be a positive role model, mentor and friend to a same-age student experiencing social and/or cognitive delays. The peer pal volunteer helps provide a model for friendship skills, appropriate social-emotional skills and social communication skills. All members meet regularly with program staff to learn positive ways to engage students and brainstorm areas of concern.

Participating in the program helps foster leadership skills by developing empathy, group problem-solving skills and cooperative learning skills while learning to accept individual differences.

While talking about the benefits of the program, one sixth grade student commented, “It’s fun. It’s cool that you get to work with kids who aren’t in our classes.” Another said, “I like that you meet more people. Everyone likes more people around them.”