From the moment we arrived at LifeTown to the moment that we left, we enjoyed every minute of the experience. Our special education elective class went on a field trip to LifeTown in Livingston, a project of Friendship Circle New Jersey. Our class was put to work at different mini shops as we were given the opportunity to serve as cashiers, bank tellers, florists, hairdressers and more! We saw firsthand what it is like to teach children with special needs about adaptive behavior skills. The children were each given $12 as they made their way through the shops. They purchased items like popcorn, ice pops, juice boxes and movie tickets.They experienced what it’s like to visit a pet shop, a bank and get their nails done in a salon. The children also visited the dentist and doctor and were given stickers and prizes at the completion of their visit. Experiencing the magic of LifeTown was really eye-opening.

Sara Shuman, a 12th grade student at Bruriah, said “After learning about different techniques and ways of teaching with Mrs. Weinraub, it was so beautiful to see each student gain and enjoy their day while still learning how to act appropriately in day to day circumstances.” Sara Bracha Miller, another 12th grader, exclaimed, “I have never had such a strong appreciation for everything I am able to do on my own because I saw what these children lacked and struggle and my appreciation rose a lot.” As Michal Lauer, Michal Mermelstein, Atara Neiss and Devorah Burg said, “It was an amazing and extremely interactive experience for both the volunteers and the students who came to visit. We’re already begging our school to go back!” Finally, our special education elective teacher, Mrs. Weinraub said: “I’ve been teaching this elective course at Bruriah for a number of years. This experience was like no other. Explaining the concepts of adaptive behaviors, activities of daily living, functional curriculum and natural setting lessons come alive at LifeTown in the most amazing way. My students learned so much from the detailed and thoughtful design of the center, from interacting with the student participants and even from watching the teachers and aides guide their charges. What an unbelievable experience!.”