School Counseling

Maritza Zea, Lower School Counselor

Meaningful and novel experiences will most likely reach students deeply when fostering inclusion and empathy through fun and interactive activities. Two years ago, Mrs. Zea introduced a program called Walk In My Shoes (WIMS), an interactive, hands-on empathy-building program that simulates learning differences, developmental challenges, and other conditions to shift the school environment toward a more inclusive mindset. This program results in a more knowledgeable, understanding, empathetic, and helpful student body and supports the school counselor's goal of advocating for all students. Everyone benefits when children expand their understanding of others and learn how to respond sensitively and appropriately. Mrs. Zea wanted to help students understand what life is like for students with disabilities while teaching students ways to support peers facing challenges.

Through interactive experiences, students take on the perspective of students with a particular disorder or health condition as they attempt a specific task. For instance, last week, third and fourthgrade students simulated what it would be like to have a food allergy; a scene was set as though the students were dining out at a restaurant. Dressed in an apron to excite the students, Ms. Zea and two parent volunteers presented an appealing menu to them. The students got excited as they discussed the different food items and shared what they might choose. Then the students were given a paper plate with a food allergy on the back. Students were told to make their menu selection as if they had that particular allergy, which creates a tangible experience for them in coping with disappointment and then having to be flexible. Afterward, the experience moved into talking about what it might be like for a child to be excluded for having a food allergy and what they might do to support a peer in that situation. After the hands-on experience, the parent volunteers and Mrs. Zea debriefed the students. The program has allowed students to understand their peers' daily challenges. In addition to building empathy and understanding, student participants can feel empowered to learn useful strategies to support a classmate.

The Walk in My Shoes program offers simulations of several disabilities and conditions, such as ADHD, color vision deficiency, dyslexia, fine motor delay, movement disorders, and sensory processing issues.

The Walk in My Shoes Program conveys to our Sagemont Prep students that talking about and acknowledging differences is essential. It also tells them that we will 'walk the walk' by immersing our students and teachers into experiencing what it is like for students who struggle with specific skills or disabilities. Since we started the program, Mrs. Zea has observed much kinder and more accepting behavior toward other students who struggle with a disability.

What can we learn from Walk in My Shoes? When students can be part of the process and share their voices, they feel personally connected to promote inclusion and demystify disabilities. Also, the activities seemed to have given them a greater appreciation for what they could do to be a better, more supportive, compassionate, and helpful person.

Interesting read this month:

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, Book by Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor