Teen Party Builds Social Skills/Confidence

Monday, May 11th, 2009

The Whole Learning School’s (TWLS) ”Spring Spectacular” surpassed everyone’s expectations Saturday night, parents and students alike. The idea for the event centered around giving TWLS teens a taste of that quintessential high school experience, Prom. But as the students danced and laughed the night away, everyone in the room could see that this first-time, semi-formal party was building more than just memories. 

The amazing thing about TWLS is that we cultivate this caring, accepting environment that doesn’t tolerate unkindness.  The result is that the students don’t judge one another, they just accept each other, so everyone feels safe to try new things.  We could actually see the kids’ confidence building throughout the night.

For example, even the non-dancers got out on the floor for the “snowball” and the most shy students in the bunch participated in the hula hoop, limbo and dance-off contests.  Earlier in the evening, students enjoyed their first limo ride, munched on butler-passed hors-doeuvres and Shirley Temples and got their photos taken by school photograpy studio, P4 Photography.

Some of the social skills being built that night included appropriate attire and preparing for an important social gathering, meeting new people, socializing during the pre-dinner hour, sharing conversation at a formal dinner table and learning how to dance. Next year, we look forward to tying some of our social skills curriculum to this event, possibly including a social dance learning opportunity.

Afterwards, students enjoyed an “after-party” hosted by the Gallant Family which featured pizza, snacks, movies and a bonfire.

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