Peer Programs: Based on the complex needs of certain individuals, sometimes interactions with peers need to be facilitated by families, teachers, or related staff. These are called Peer Programs. The following videos follow one peer program at Glacier Peak High School. Remember, this is just one peer program.  All programs will look slightly different based on the needs of the individual child and the school site.  Follow the links at the bottom of the page for helpful resources!

Starting a Peer Tutor Program

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • Where is the peer tutor situated? Is this an optimal position for communication?

  • Notice the time delay between asking the question and waiting for the response.

  • The peer tutor looks to the camera when he doesn’t get a response from the focal student. Why does the peer tutor look to the camera? How does the teacher respond?

  • How did the peer tutor present the option differently in the first take compared to the second attempt? Where were they positioned?  In front of the students vision?

An Interview with the Principal

In this video, the principal at Glacier High school describes the peer tutor program at his high school.

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • Do you hear a lot of talking from the teachers? Who is doing most of the direction through the lesson?

  • Notice how quiet the environment is. There is not a lot of background noise. Do you hear the teachers talking?

  • Does the peer to be enjoying the task? What makes you say that?

  • Do you think this is their first time playing this game?

Megan Tutors a second grader

In this video, Megan, a fifth grader, is tutoring a second grader. They are matching sounds with images.

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • Where is peer sitting? Is this an optimal position?

  • What other sounds do you hear that might be distracting?

  • Does the focal student appear engaged? How can you tell?

Peer Tutor Reading an Experience Book

In this video, two peers share an experience book.  The peer tutor reads the book aloud while the focal student responds to the different topics.

Interviews with Peers

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • What did Sam enjoy most?

  • What did he gain? How did he grow?

Sam

“Being able to see them all really happy made me happy.” -Sam, Peer Tutor

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • What did Yeimi enjoy most?

  • What did she gain? How did she grow?

Yeimi

You can’t judge a person by their cover.” – Yeimi, Peer Tutor

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • What did they enjoy most?

  • How did Peter communicate with Ryan?

Peter and Katy

“Just really cool getting to know them and hang out with them.” – Peter, Peer Tutor

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • What did Brian enjoy most?

  • What did he gain? How did he grow?

Brian

“They always made me smile [and] gave me a good day.” -Brian, Peer Tutor

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod
  • What did Chrissy enjoy most?

  • What did she gain? How did she grow?

Chrissy

“It helped me be able to communicate with my friends better too.” – Chrissy, Peer Tutor