Amazing Race Life Skills Trip (WI)

http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20100523/FON0101/100521108/-Amazing-race-teaches-valuable-skills

'Amazing race' teaches valuable skills
An “Amazing Race” through the city of Fond du Lac challenged students from Lomira schools to stretch their limits.


Special education teacher Patty Bollman, who describes herself as a “reality TV” junkie, came up with the idea after watching the Emmy award-winning ‘The Amazing Race.” The CBS show just finished its 16th season.

“At first, there were reservations, and some anxiety. Many students had never done anything like this before,” Bollman said.

About 45 special education students in sixth through 12th grades were split into three teams and tasked with traveling through the city by maneuvering on the Fond du Lac Area Transit System. Transition activities that mirror life skills were planned at local businesses that included Target, Pick ’n Save on Pioneer Road, Kohl’s, and other stores within the Forest Mall,

“I learned for bagging (groceries) you want to keep all of the chemicals separate. You also want to keep your bread and chips on top,” said 15-year-old Mike Stark.

Skills learned

The “Amazing Race” succeeded in teaching students skills they will need to thrive in the real world once they leave high school, said Chris Keilor, Lomira’s special education director.

“It’s one thing to talk to students about how a city’s transportation system operates, how to pay, and how a bus schedule works. It’s another thing to experience it,” he said.

For some of the kids in Lomira’s special education program, it may be difficult to obtain a driver’s license in adulthood, Bollman said. Student disabilities range from cognitive (learning) to emotional and behavior issues to autism.

“We tried to tailor the experiences to the needs of the students, and we changed some activities so they were more specific to certain individuals,” she said.

Local businesses welcomed the students with open arms, said Principal Shannon Stein. The Fond du Lac Police Department invited the group to a presentation at the downtown station, and from there, everyone headed to a cookout at Lakeside Park. The Amazing Race challenge ended with team-building activities hosted by members of the Army National Guard.

“It was a collaborative idea — how to facilitate all this and make it happen. Talking with the students, they were proud of themselves. For them, it was a valuable experience,” Stein said.


Lomira High School student Kristie Mitchell said she listened to Officer Steve Olson’s advice on decision-making.

“I learned what you wear represents you. Also, the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing to do but it’s always the right thing to do,” she said.

Cherie Schellinger described the activities as hectic and designed to teach students how to follow a tight time schedule. Her 16-year-old son, Brandin, was among the travelers that day.

“It was a busy day, and it mimicked real life. They had to hop from one bus to another. They had to approach people in the various businesses and ask them certain questions,” she said.

Solving problems

Keilor said students were challenged to use their problem-solving skills, prompted to advocate for themselves, and pushed to overcome obstacles.

The Amazing Race taught students that teamwork and cooperation can be fun, he said. The exercise was designed to be non-competitive. The prize — a sense of accomplishment.

“I’d never asked for a (job) application by myself, but I did fine,” said 16-year-old Julieanne Keifer.

“I learned you need other people to help you to be successful in life,” said her classmate, Joe Black.

Along with Bollman, a special education teacher since 1981, students were accompanied by special education instructors Bridgette Johnson and Shawn Schraufnagel.

“We knew in our heads this would all work out, but to see it all pan out and watch how the kids interacted with employers and each other, we will absolutely be doing this again next year,” Bollman said.