2. How are we the SAME?
How are we DIFFERENT?

3. STRENGTHS…
CHALLENGES…

4. Some students are very talkative and may blurt out inappropriate comments and/or at inappropriate times.
Some students have very strong interest areas.
Some students have a difficult time understanding social situations.
Some students may have unusual preferences to objects or materials.
Some students like when things stay the same.
Some students struggle when they have to change from activity to activity.

5. Andy’s Interests Video Games Skylanders Computer Games Angry Birds
Super Mario
Digimon
Webkinz
Power Rangers
Drawing

6. How can WE help?

7. A Peer to Peer Support Program
Lincoln Links
A Peer to Peer Support Program
Kids Helping Kids to…
LEARN
CONNECT
SUCCEED
GROW

8. What is a LINK?
A LINK is a student volunteer who supports another student in the classroom, during lunch, or at recess to include them in activities and model appropriate interactions.

9. WHO can be a LINK?
LINKs are selected on a volunteer basis and must have parent and teacher permission to participate in the program.

10. What are LINK RESPONSIBILITIES?
A LINK participates in the program no more than one day each week. LINKs are there to be positive student models for students who have difficulty (following the rules, being included in games and activities, completing classroom assignments). The LINKs meet periodically to discuss questions, problems and solutions, and celebrate successes.

11. BENEFITS of the LINK program
The LINK program provides many opportunities for all students to learn from each other. Students learn to accept and tolerate differences and challenges and are more willing to provide support and help – as a peer.  This program gives friends an opportunity to help friends and learn that we all have different challenges.  Students learn to see and appreciate the strengths of each other.
Provides opportunities for interaction between LINKs and students with social or learning challenges.
Students learn to relate to people with different needs.
Students increase their understanding of individual differences.
Builds strong communities in the school.
Students become more responsible.
Students with challenges learn from their peers in the natural setting.
The LINK program is focused on students strengths and creating positive school-wide opportunities.

12. Activity
What makes YOU unique?

13. What are some things that we have in common that LINK us together?