College Partners with SOAR to Help Students Learn and Have Fun

Middle school and secondary education teacher candidates of the College of Coastal Georgia recently enjoyed teaching new skills and strategies to members of SOAR (Social Opportunities & Active Recreation, Inc.). Teacher candidates spent time with SOAR members at the Golden Isles YMCA for fun, learning activities.

SOAR is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the physical and mental health of individuals with development disabilities. SOAR provides engaging physical and social opportunities to increase the health and wellness of its members, leading to the development of new friendships and collaborations with both non-disabled and disabled peers.

Assistant Director of SOAR Charlotte Lawson said that having the College’s education department partner with SOAR was a wonderful opportunity for members to interact with their non-disabled peers.

“That’s one of our goals, to get our disabled student adults more included in the community. Being able to come to the YMCA, learn new skills, hang out and build relationships is great for them,” Lawson said. “It’s a win-win situation, because the college students are getting experience—not just from a book, not just from a video, but it’s hands-on. They’re learning what to do with a young man in a wheelchair who wants to play. Or if you’re a PE teacher and have a student that’s non-verbal. How do you interact? They’re having a chance to have these first-hand experiences before they leave the classroom—which again is a win-win.”

During their last visit with SOAR, Coastal Georgia students taught SOAR members new skills and crafts through the approach of explicit instruction.

“We’re working on how to provide explicit instructions and gradual release,” said Professor of Practice of Special Education Dr. Caroline Geiken. “First, the teacher models it (the activity) for the student. Next, they do it together, and then the student has the opportunity to do it independently.”

The main goal of explicit instruction is to make lessons clear and show students how to start and succeed at a task. Coastal students performed this learned approach by leading SOAR members in different crafts and activities, such as playing golf, ping pong, chess and guitar lessons. Geiken shared that through their time with SOAR, teacher candidates came to realize and appreciate that SOAR members are just like them in many ways, with different interests, talents and skills.

Through her time with SOAR members, teacher candidate Mallory Malone learned that not all students learn the same way.

“Everybody is different, and a teacher needs to connect with every single student in their own way, and teach them the best way that they can,” Malone said. “If they don’t understand the instructions, you go back and correct yourself and make it to where they do understand. You edit your lesson based on their capabilities.”

She shared that working with SOAR members was enjoyable, and recommended others to also volunteer their time.

Teacher candidate Caleb Kabasakalian said it’s been fun hanging out with SOAR members, getting to know them and learn with them.

“I’ve just been enjoying it. It’s a really cool experience. I like the method of ‘I do, we do, you do.’” he said. “What I’m learning now is how to plan things on paper.”

Kabasakalian has prior experience teaching students. He’s been a basketball coach for several seasons, and has taught classes at his church. Through his education courses, he’s learning how to format his lessons in a way that students can understand them better.

“I’m having to relearn some things. Before, I wouldn’t have lesson plans. I knew what we were going to learn, but the students didn’t,” he said. “It’s important for students to know what they’re learning about beforehand, so they know what to expect.”

SOAR offers its members many programs. The Adult Enrichment Club links adult SOAR Club members with community partners such as businesses, churches and civic clubs. The Special Sports Support Program features the Special Olympics Coastal Georgia and two summer camps—bike camp and swim camp for youth and adults. The Adult Health & Wellness Program focuses on fitness and healthy living. The sessions combine physical activities with cooking, art, music, and dance. SOAR also does monthly activities, free of charge, for its members. Past activities have included putt-putt, hosting a dance, visiting the zoo, and a Christmas party for members and their families. Anyone looking to volunteer with SOAR is welcomed, whether it’s working directly with participants or behind the scenes, Lawson said.

 “It’s one of the most wonderful things to do for them. So many are isolated, are in work shelters or just stay at home. We’re very proud of our work and excited about what more we can do,” Lawson said. “We love being able to partner with the College. We’re hoping to build this partnership with other departments as well, such as health science and nursing.”

For more information about SOAR, including its upcoming Tournament Fore Success fundraiser, visit, www.soargoldenisles.org.