Peer-to-Peer programs for students who have the following Learning Disabilities: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, speech and communication disorders, auditory and visual processing disorders, and other conditions that make learning difficult, including attention deficit ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), have proven themselves to be extremely helpful.
These programs can be utilized by students throughout the school day.
Peer-to-Peer support is a helpful strategy that places students in small groups to participate in specific learning disability activities that support academic instruction and social skills.
Peer-to-Peer Support will help LD students learn how to access Resources and study methods from older students.
The benefits of the Peer-to-Peer Model include the promotion of a sense of community and the development of positive supportive relationships. These social interactions will help to prevent bullying and foster instead an atmosphere of compassion and caring. The creation of Social bonds leads to independence and an increase in self-esteem.
Peer support involving another student is a useful strategy that assists with learning in the general education setting and has proven itself to be very helpful for children with learning disorders /ADHD. This type of instructional support typically pairs an older student with a younger LD student. It’s a win-win situation for both students. It is an excellent method for peers to provide appropriate behavioral models for improve student who need to improve their social skills.
Past research has shown that the Peer-to-Peer Model is actually more effective than the traditional Adult-Reliant Model, which allows the student to rely on paraprofessionals or the special ED teacher. The Peer Model increases the student’s level of independence and reduces the sense of isolation by fostering social bonds between teacher and student. Should parents and teachers investigate the Peer-to-Peer Model – if an inclusive empowering elementary school climate is the goal – then the answer is “YES”!
Photo via Foter.com