Teaching Social Skills through Recreational Activities

By Jan Petrides, CIP Berkshire Center

Social skills are difficult for most of our students with Asperger’s and learning differences. Many students may be uncomfortable making eye contact or may not understand subtle social cues or facial expressions. Some students may be confused or distressed when new or unfamiliar activities are presented. Students may also struggle with peer interactions.

Recreational activities can help in many ways make students’ social interactions more comfortable. Students should be required to attend some social activities each week. One way staff can mentor students is by allowing them to experience new and different things.

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Mentoring Flexibility

By Karen Noel, Berkshire Center Admissions Coordinator

As staff working with young adults that have additional challenges trying to get along in the world and be successful, we at the Berkshire Center pride ourselves on being good role models and treating each other with kindness, and going out of our way to help one another.

The best example yet of how our staff works so well together came This January during a snow storm. We had a family scheduled for an interview that lived approximately 2 1/2 hours away. Their appointment was scheduled for 10:30 am. The Northeast woke up what was called a “snow squall” that made for messy driving and caused many accidents.

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CIP Advisors Teach Accountability and Independence

By Mary Ann Brown, Berkshire Center Student Advisor

As Advisors, one of our focuses is to teach our students banking and budgeting. This is a hard concept for many of them to grasp as they have not had the opportunity of experiencing a cause and effect where money is concerned.

Their monetary needs have been met by their parents and, in most cases, they have not had jobs. They have chosen to attend CIP because of our emphasis on college and career development and they know on some level that if they are to become independent either through taking college courses or pursuing a vocational course, they need to learn to manage their money.

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Perceptual Reframing

By Jeff Wheeler, Academic Coordinator, The Berkshire Center

The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being. No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure. - Emma Goldman

I have worked with scores of students with learning differences at the College Internship Program (CIP) for more than a decade. In that time I believe that I have encountered every possible LD diagnosis as well as great number of psychological and psychiatric diagnoses.

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Online Readiness: What You Need to Know

By Marc Larrivee, The Berkshire Center

“Should I take this online course?”

Frequently a student will drop by and ask that question. With the great variety of online classes, our students consider online classes more often than ever. Here at Berkshire Center, students have enrolled in English, History, Math, Early Childhood, Technology and other classes.

I like learning online. In fact, I like taking classes in any medium. However, online classes present their own advantages and challenges. Whenever a student asks me about taking an online class, I often help them consider their own readiness for online learning and for the particular class.

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Berkshire Center to Expand, Save History in the Process

After overcoming a staggering list of zoning setbacks, securing financing, parking variances and water pressure issues, the Bookless Building development project has now been given a green light.

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Get Ready For Spring Break 2010!

Students enrolled at CIP have the option of attending a fun and educational travel program one week a year during the college spring break in March. This year CIP students will diverge across the world to Ireland, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and a Caribbean Cruise!

Students prepare for this trip through a series of class meetings in which they study the language, arts, culture and trip itinerary. Each year an exciting new world destination is chosen and students get a cultural experience they will never forget with staff and their peers.

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Berkshire Weekend Activities

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Berkshire Open House in March

You are invited to come explore the comprehensive college & career options available for young adults with Asperger’s syndrome, ADD and other learning differences at the Berkshire Center in Lee, Massachusetts. Join us for a curriculum overview including a tour of the campus, staff and student panel and Q&A. Lunch will be provided.

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Math Tutoring – The Story Behind the Techniques

By Paul Gosselin, Berkshire Center academic tutor

Students learn more when they think success can be achieved. (1) They will try harder and longer if the expectation of reaching their goal is high. Another motivational tool is to use the belief that success is based on one’s own ability and effort. (2)

Math is a subject where these and other motivational tools can be used to a great advantage because success is based on repetition of the gained skills and methodology. When the student achieves initial success, it tends to reinforce the need to practice repeatedly in order to gain further success.

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I’m Independent: A Guide to Prove It

By the students at the Brevard Center

A guide on how to change your parents perspectives during home visitations.

Since you have come to CIP you have made many strides; college, and internship, having roommates, pushing yourself to do new things (and some you might not even be aware of). Your parents, wishing the best for you, gave you this opportunity to learn and grow independently of them.

Now that you are home, you may start to feel like you are in the middle of both worlds, your life living at home with your parents and your life at CIP. The students at the Brevard Center have brainstormed some ways to fight regression and make the most out of your changing relationships with your family.

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Wellness Student of the Month

By Talitha Eustice, Berkshire Center Health & Wellness Coordinator

Liz Gray is an integral and dynamic part of the C.I.P. Volleyball team. The volleyball team is comprised of 9 dedicated CIP athletes that show up consistently and work hard. The students devote two hours of their Sunday every week for practice and drills and compete in a recreational league in Pittsfield, MA every Tuesday. In addition, they have all taken extra time to act as referees for other games.

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