part of therapeutic program BOCES 2 students in Deb Bennett's class at Fairbanks Road School presented the play "The Wizard of Oz" to a packed house of parents, administration and staff at the BOCES 2 Education Services Center in Spencerport. The theatrical production was part of a therapeutic program designed by BOCES 2 speech and language pathologist Nona Bouwes to teach students communication and social skills in a repetitive manner. Bouwes also wrote the students' lines and the lyrics. In addition to their starring roles, the students also designed posters, scenery and the artwork for the program. Many of the students in Bennett's class have a diagnosis of Autism and have difficulty learning skills in the traditional manner. Drama activities allow the students to use their echolalic (to repeatedly say what you've heard, such as dialog) and reading strengths to learn how to interact with each other. Many of the students in the class previously received preschool or early intervention services through BOCES 2. |
