The+Circle+of+Friends

__**Item 1 **__ The Circle of Friends strategy was developed in North America to promote the inclusion of students with learning difficulties into mainstream schooling (Whitaker et al 1998). The Circle of Friends approach shows a child can suffer from isolation from their peer group due to learning difficulties and behavioural problems, both in and out of school (Newton et al, 1996). This isolation or rejection can damage the child's sense of self but acceptance and friendship can foster growth and enable the child, in turn, to contribute to the school community to which they belong (Whitaker et al 1998). The Circle of Friends approach is commonly used to assist in the development of social and communication skills in a child with ASD (Asperger’s Syndrome Disorder,n.d.), as this is an area in which ASD students struggle and is age appropriate for all year levels of schooling as it deals with all levels of social interaction ([]). The Circle of Friends also assists in changing the attitude of peers in the classroom as well as ASD students which can take some the stress out of socialising for these students. The Circle of Friends is not a way to force friendships upon students but rather a way to develop and perfect socialising for the students. The four main aims of Circle of Friends are: References: Asperger Syndrome. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 27, 2011, from [] Newton, C., Taylor, G. and Wilson, D. (1996). Circles of friends. An Inclusive approach to meeting emotional and behavioural difficulties. In: //Educational Psychology in Practice,// 11, pp41-48 Whitaker, P. et al (1998). Children with autism and peer group support: using circles of friends, In: //British Journal of Special Education,// 25, pp60-6
 * Creating a support network for the focus child
 * Providing the child with encouragement and recognition for any achievements and progress
 * Working with the child to identify difficulties and devising practical ideas to help deal with these difficulties
 * Helping to put these ideas into practice.

Circle of Friends for secondary school to early adolescence is a low planning but well facilitated activity run by staff, as the students, around 6-10, mainly do all the work. Staff will assist in the early stages but the onus is then placed on the students to develop the conversation or discussion. The Circle of Friends is **NOT** the same as Circle time as Circle of Friends has a focus student who the activity is aimed towards developing skills, where as Circle time is a general class discussion to develop all students communication skills rather than social skills for students with a learning difficulty (“Circle of Friends”, n.d.). A great way to see this in action is this short video made by inclusive-solutions called Circle of Friends in action. This video shows how effective this strategy is in including a learning difficulty student in to mainstream schooling and the support network it sets up for that particular student whether it be staff members or peers. References: Circle of Friends. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from [] Inclusive-Solutions. (2011). //Circles of Friends//. Retrieved from [] Newton, C. (February 11, 2011) Circle of Friends in Action [Video file]. Retrieved from []
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