The Bernards PEC Program runs every Saturday morning from 9–11 a.m. in January and February. It’s a special program where students help peers with special needs, offering support and friendship in a fun, welcoming environment. Before the class began, the volunteers helped with classroom setup by placing yoga mats in their assigned areas, creating an organized and welcoming environment for the students.
During the lesson, each volunteer sat with an autism student and participated in the yoga session alongside them. Under the guidance of Mr Tony, volunteers modeled yoga poses and movements, helping students better understand the instructions. When a child had difficulty following verbal directions, the volunteers gently demonstrated the movements, offered verbal encouragement, and provided hands-on guidance when appropriate to help the child complete each pose to the best of their ability.
The volunteers also engaged the students through conversation, helping them stay focused and comfortable throughout the session. Their presence provided reassurance and individualized attention, allowing the children to feel supported while exploring the yoga activities.
As the lesson progressed, Mr. Tony introduced interactive yoga games to make the class more engaging and fun. Volunteers actively joined these games, guiding the children step by step and helping them understand how to complete each task or reach the goal of the activity. Through teamwork and patience, the volunteers helped create a positive, inclusive, and encouraging experience for every child.
Beyond the games, the program creates a space where students and children can connect, build confidence, and learn from one another. Volunteers leave knowing they’ve made a real difference—whether it’s cheering a child on during a game, sharing a laugh, or helping them try something new. These small moments add up, strengthening friendships, fostering inclusion, and leaving a lasting impact on both the children and the volunteers.
Ben Zhang (2/14/26,2HR EACH)
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