Building Connections and Confidence: The Impact of Conant Elementary's Peer to Peer Program

Peer-to-Peer programs are designed to foster connections among students, encouraging them to support each other academically and socially. Through these programs, students engage in collaborative learning, helping one another enhance their skills and confidence. At Conant Elementary, the Peer-to-Peer program is a well-crafted student connection program that consists of 20 grade 3 students, the school social worker, and the speech pathologist.

Conant’s program aims to connect students in the special education program (mentees) with classmates in their general education classroom (mentors). Mentors provide support in various tasks, such as helping mentees locate the right page in a book, sharpening pencils, escorting them to the office or to another class, carrying communication devices, or simply engaging in friendly conversation. Noah Falah (grade 3) shared, “We spend time together, talk, listen, and [are] just friendly [to each other].”

Third grade teacher, Denise Krupa, noted, “This program has helped build relationships and self-esteem for all students involved. It creates kind and caring behaviors towards differences, and fosters acceptance.” Alice Kernya (grade 3) noted the ability to recognize others' needs based on emotions through the intensity of clapping hands, different sounds, or facial expressions. This understanding aids communication. “When she doesn’t respond verbally, I use the iPad, and then she does respond!” Kernya added.

Additionally, mentors and mentees enjoy cooking and socializing together. Once a week, mentors participate in functional cooking and social skills lessons with the mentees. This time allows students to encourage one another, enjoy each other's company, and have fun!

The group meets weekly during lunch to discuss the progress of the group. Students share their experiences and successes and even ask for help with solving problems in certain scenarios.  

The program not only strengthens academic skills, but also nurtures a community of empathy and understanding. Parents and teachers have observed notable improvements in the social dynamics of the classroom as students learn to appreciate and celebrate each other's unique strengths and challenges. By fostering genuine connections and promoting mutual respect, the program helps shape compassionate individuals who carry these values beyond the classroom. As students learn and grow together, they develop a shared sense of responsibility and pride in their community, making this program an integral part of their educational journey.