Grant Proposal
Goal: Enhance social skill development and to reduce anxieties or communicative disabilities which stand in the way of positive interaction through FLL.
Background Information: Wikipedia defines Asperger Syndrome as an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development.
How we plan to do this with FLL:
1. Direct teaching of social rules or conventions which guide interactions with qualified therapist and applying them to the core values of the FLL program.
2. Modeling of social skills for the youth to observe through video programs, visiting other teams and going to a competition to observe what to expect. Afterwards discussing interactions and team dynamics.
3. Providing specific and structured activities that include learning about robotics, programming, researching, and working together as a team for one common purpose.
4. Identifying particular skills in youth and inviting them to help other children who are less advanced.
5. Encouraging participation and encourage youth to invite friend.
6. Provide a place where the youth can be themselves and have fun while they are learning about robotics, social skills and life skills.
7. Small group of no more than 6-8 kids.
8. Take field trips to research and learn about all that is involved with FLL.
Robotics can be a way of reaching children who otherwise struggle in the classroom. It seems to be particularly appealing to youngsters with learning difficulties. Children with dyslexia and Asperger’s Syndrome often excel in robotics competitions; the hands-on engagement gives them an opportunity to demonstrate creativity in ways that standard classroom activities do not. Even children with severe disabilities (including blindness) have successfully and enthusiastically participated in robotics activities.
(Source: http://www.roberta-home.de/sites/default/file/Roberta%20article%20D&T%20Practice%205.2009_0.pdf)