By Luke Trimble
Staff Writer
For some children, it can take a village; for others, it takes a village with a kayak.
This year at Mira Costa, girls soccer coach and physical education teacher Patty Perkinson is taking a new approach to special education and the results could not be more satisfying.
For the past few months, a class of 13 special needs children with a range of physical and mental disabilities has gathered at the pool during fourth period.
The original intention of the program was to promote a healthy lifestyle. However, as the students’ aquatic abilities developed, Perkinson decided to take the program to the next level.
“It’s a challenge to come up with different activities that everyone can be successful in, but everyone seems to agree on swimming,” Perkinson said.
In the water, physical disabilities and limitations seem to melt away. After observing the calming effect the water appeared to have on the children, Perkinson decided to mix things up a bit. The next day, her 13 students arrived at the pool and were delighted to discover Perkinson’s personal kayak floating on the water.
When asked about her first kayaking experiences, junior Nicole Perlot simply replied, “It’s awesome and fun!”
At the beginning of the year, a few members of the group were barely water-safe, but now half the class has practically sprouted gills in the pool.
The time they spend in the water keeps the children smiling and active while working and playing with their peers. For many of the children, lack of verbal communication skills can seriously impede the learning process, but Perkinson’s alternative promotes social interaction. Kayaking solo gives the students a chance to develop motor skills and coordination and double develops teamwork.
“My favorite part is Patty (Perkinson)!” Joshua Ramos said while showing off his newly developed kayaking prowess.
Not only do students have to focus on steadying the kayak but also on calm paddling.
“The teamwork has obviously affected their everyday lives, and I’d have to say the kayaking played a large part in that,” Perkinson said.
The students have become the envy of fourth period wanderers school-wide. Also, the success of the program has caught the generous eye of Redondo Beach’s King’s Harbor, which has donated a second kayak to the class.
Ultimately, Perkinson has plans for a final exam of sorts with theykayak. She intends to put the kayaking skills to the test and has hopes of organizing a field trip to the harbor to experience kayaking in the ocean.
“I think that this is a great program,” Costa senior Madi Bauman said. “It is great to see students bonding through learning in such a cool environment.”
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