Welcome back to school!

Whether you’re a first time COF group leader or a seasoned veteran, thank you for your commitment to Circle of Friends.

One of the questions I’m frequently asked this time of year is, “When is the best time to start my COF group?” Our answer? Yesterday!

A special education teacher for 32 years, I totally understand the flurry of activities taking place at the beginning of the school year. While it’s an exciting time, it can also feel overwhelming. Try to keep in mind that Circle of Friends is a support intervention that can actually make your teaching life easier. Connected kids, those with healthy friendship networks, often present fewer issues taking up adults’ precious school day time.

Also, COF is a vehicle for teaching interventions. Our focus students have been chosen because they need instruction in how to make and keep friends, build social skills, and demonstrate acceptable behaviors. We wouldn’t wait a month or two to start teaching math or reading , would we?

The same holds true for teaching these other critical skills. Your first meeting doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to find the most ‘wow!’ activity, the exact right group of peer mentors, the perfect date/time/place–there isn’t one. My advice? Jump in! Your group will evolve over time as you learn what works best for you and your students.