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Wiglestown Elementary students describe 'Recess Buddies' reverse‑inclusion program
Summary
Teachers and fifth‑grade students told the Dover Area SD board how weekly Recess Buddies visits help autistic‑support students build social and communication skills; board and audience members praised the program.
Rachel Evans, principal of Wiglestown Elementary, presented the Recess Buddies program, a reverse‑inclusion initiative that brings fifth‑grade general‑education students to the autistic‑support classroom during recess to model social interactions, teach sign language basics and build peer friendships.
An autistic‑support teacher described how structured, recurring interactions translate into increased hallway greetings, reduced anxiety and more social confidence for students with autism. Fifth‑grade teachers and student participants gave brief, concrete examples — swinging, decorating cookies, and learning signs — and parents and PCAs in the audience described emotional, observable benefits.
Board members asked whether other district schools use similar models and were told Wiglestown is the primary site for this program but that reverse‑inclusion exists in other districts. Trustees thanked students, teachers and parents for the presentation and congratulated participants on the program's outcomes.
The board encouraged expansion and noted the program as a model for peer‑led inclusion practices.
