My students love games!  As a speech-language pathologist at Aloha-Huber Park Middle School, I use structured games as an effective avenue for my students to work on their articulation, language and social communication skills. I wish to bring these familiar, traditional games outdoors so my students can safely have fun while working on their communication skills!

Students will be notified that we have the "Outdoor" version of the games we have previously used in Speech. The students will be invited to borrow them for home use 1-2 weeks to try. They can borrow the games and take a short video clip explaining how to play the games. Video clips would focus on the game itself, unless their parents have given them permission to show their face on the video. Once in-person instruction starts, the games would be available to use outdoors during speech therapy and during recess. Funds will be used to purchase outdoor games such as Giant Jenga, Giant Tic Tac Toe, Giant Connect 4, Giant Checkers, etc., and $100 for storage/transport (rolling baskets, etc.)

During Comprehensive Distance Learning, my students can borrow these outdoor games so they can have a chance to play these familiar games with their families. When in-person instruction is back, they can play these games outdoors and keep the 6 feet distancing required. My students usually struggle with academics but they enjoy playing and learning about new games. Playing familiar games gives them a chance to be successful in school.  Most importantly, they enjoy teaching the games to others. Teaching others gives them a chance to practice their language and socialization skills. It gives them a chance to be an expert. Students learn better when they feel confident about themselves. Mastery of these games and the opportunity to teach others boosts their confidence. I have several students who have good leadership skills. Playing these games also helps them realize their potential as leaders of the community. They are given the chance to lead a small group into learning a fun activity that is available outside of the school walls. 

Help us expand our offerings and keep these students on track to be successful in all areas of their lives!