WILLIAMSBURG – Today’s young whippersnappers may know all about that there social media stuff, but they don’t know jack about social skills. That’s something a new program that Williamsburg Elementary School aims to fix. Many children grow up glued to the tube, learning computer and social media skills, but tend to grow up lacking the social graces, such as the fine art of shaking hands, talking with people over the dinner table and using the correct tableware, said Williamsburg principal Susan Wildman. Although technically not a part of the school’s mandate, teaching children the correct life and social skills make them more successful academically and in life, she said. Williamsburg has also pioneered a “sensory learning” program, complete with sensory learning room, that allows young students to burn off nervous energy before they go to class, she said. Counsellor Amy Welgos noticed that many students were constantly fidgeting, putting their hands on everything they saw, spinning around in the hallways and otherwise showing signs of needing sensory training, Wildman said. In addition to education for their brains and food for their bodies, people also need sensory stimulation. In the regimented structure of school – even for recess – many kids have few outlets for their energy and anxiety. The sensory room, which includes inexpensive scooters and stuffed toys and other items, provides a useful outlet and helps calm children, she said. That’s not just special-needs students, but even every student, she said. Most students now use the room – and will even get permission during classes to visit the room, she said. The program produces an marked improvement in students’ behavior and academic grades, she said. Even adults could use such a sensory room but have learned to cope in their own ways, she said. Wildman and Williamsburg teachers explained the programs at a state group of educators in Salina this week.
Wednesday, April 4, 8 p.m.
