Fun 15 promotes awareness and acceptance at Edward Murphy Elementary

After eating lunch, the majority of Edward Murphy Elementary School students head outside to run around, play and let loose in the schoolyard. For a handful of students, however, their lunch break is spent in a quieter setting indoors as they take part in the Fun 15 with Friends extra curricular activity. 

The program, which ran from the end of March through late April, paired students on the autism spectrum with student mentors and staff volunteers. They socialized by taking part in activities together, ranging from colouring, board games to ice-breaking activities. 

“We were looking at ways we could help our autistic students socialize and find ways to connect with the other children,” said Alana Goodings, who has taught one of the school’s WINGS classes for over a decade. 

This English Montreal School Board program, which stands for Working on Individual Needs to Grow and Succeed, is made up entirely of students on the autism spectrum. Goodings spearheads the Fun 15 program, which she started in 2017, along with teacher Pamela D’Adamo. “There aren’t too many integration opportunities when you are in class. I’ve been really excited for the opportunities to help our kids connect.” 

The student mentors, from pre-K to Grade 6, typically volunteer once a week over the five-week period. 

“I love interacting with other kids, while also learning about autism along the way,” said Kiara, a repeat volunteer. “It makes me feel happy.” 

“We pair them with purpose so that, hopefully, some genuine connections and friendships can be formed,” said Goodings. “They all have a common recess, but often, what we see is the WINGS students isolate themselves. They don’t really have the social skills. By creating those connections, the hope is that outside, there is some recognition and respect. When we see that, we are very happy.” 

“Whenever they see other students walking by, my WINGS students are always high-fiving them since they recognize each other now,” said D’Adamo. “I find this program has made a difference.” 

For 10-year-old Olivia, the Fun 15 program has allowed her to make friends with those outside of her WINGS class. She particularly enjoys playing board games (Zingo! is her favourite) and helping “plant” flowers in the Friendship Garden located just outside her classroom. 

“I just want to do it over and over and over again,” she said.