2008 Woodie Awards
Saturday Sidekicks reach out to special needs children
Allison Poehlman, Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/15/06 Section: Student Life
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Elaine McHugh brings students the opportunity to become a "Sidekick" for developmentally-challenged children. For three one-hour sessions every Saturday, Sonoma State students have yet another way to help others, while being productive in the educational field and community.
Sidekicks has been active for eleven years and consists of a once-a-week physical activity class for children 5-18 years old who have special needs of any kind. Each Sidekicks student is paired with a SSU volunteer who accompanies the child throughout the session. With an emphasis on building motor skills and self-esteem through participation in games, perceptual motor activities, tumbling, modified sports, dance, and relaxation, Sidekicks aims to improve the lives of many young children.
McHugh encourages SSU students to check out the program and notes that "nearly all SSU volunteers have open hearts and minds and lots of energy and enthusiasm." The Sidekicks experience is designed to benefit both the children and the college students, by giving students the opportunity to learn more about children with disabilities.
The first fifteen minutes of the session consists of free play with the children. After this fifteen minute period everyone joins what they call the opening circle. This circle gives the children a chance to experience group structures as if they were in school or at camp. In order to welcome and acknowledge each individual as part of the group, everyone participates in "the name song" which is then followed by a group dance or exploration-type activity. This activity serves to reinforce their sense of "groupness" and helps to get everyone moving. However, the real opportunity for connection comes in what is called stations.
The stations allow each child and their Sidekick to really develop a relationship and connection with one another. There are a variety of activities and it the Sidekicks job to modify the activities to fit each child's needs. Sidekicks help the children to achieve success in each station within an eight week period and constantly encourage and motivate their partner. A Sidekick's primary goal is to build a strong relationship with the children.
Saturday Sidekick's and SSU's Adapted Activity Lab is looking for more volunteers to help improve the lives of these developmentally challenged individuals. For more information contact Elaine McHugh at (707) 664-2660 or elaine.mchugh@sonoma.edu.