‘Eye To Eye’ program embraces differences in way students learn
By Cathryn Gran
The Morton Grove Champion
May 27, 2011

Acknowledging that many children learn differently, Golf School District 67 in Morton Grove has a program that addresses those issues.

Now in its fourth year the Eye To Eye program allows students who learn differently to embrace their differences and move forward, explained Bari Levin, seventh- and eighth-grade resource teacher.

“Eye To Eye is a great program,” she said. “It builds self-confidence, and allows students to learn ways to accommodate” their different learning strategies.

When the students are in their regular classrooms, they feel more comfortable taking with their teachers, she said.

Students recently displayed their artistic capabilities at a school exhibition.

Deanna, an eighth-grade student who has been in the program for two years, said working with older students in the same situation as she, has helped her express her thoughts.

“I feel more comfortable talking to people,” she said.

Michael, who also is in eighth grade, said the program has helped him open up to others.

“I’m not afraid to ask the teacher for help,” he said. “I never used to ask questions. This helps me get my thoughts and ideas across. And it helps with my grades.”

Juan, a seventh-grader in his first year with Project Eye To Eye, said: “Everyone is special. Anyone can do anything. And with the projects that we do, it’s another way of learning.”

Among his creative endeavors were a paper speedboat, because he “likes to do things fast,” and a prototype of a learning tool belt.

“My tool belt has things that help in class,” he said. “It’s what you need, like a (function where one can) pause and rewind what the teacher said.”

Golf School District 67 will hold a workshop Sept. 24 to introduce parents to the Eye To Eye program.

“We want to open it up to reach more parents and students,” Levin said, “We embrace the difference.

“And one of our missions is have a parent identify one strength in the child, embrace it and work with it.”

Eye To Eye meets once a week after school.

For more information email Levin at blevin@golf67.net.

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