Cultivating Creativity and Connection: A Collaborative Day with BCIS Students
At Auesome, we believe that the essence of education lies in fostering connections—connections between ideas, skills, and, most importantly, people. Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a group of middle and high school students from Beijing City International School (BCIS) for a collaborative experience that celebrated creativity, friendship, and inclusivity. The day was a harmonious blend of nature, art, and hands-on activities, designed to promote social integration and build lasting bonds.
Nature Walks to Artistic Expression: A Shared Journey
The day began with a simple yet profound activity: a nature walk. Students from Auesome and BCIS ventured outdoors to gather fallen leaves, an activity that turned into a powerful experience of collaboration and shared discovery. The leaves, each with its unique shape, texture, and color, mirrored the diversity within the group—showing how our differences can come together to create something beautiful.
Inside, the leaves were transformed into more than just pieces of nature; they became the foundation for collaborative art projects. Working together, students used the leaves to create colorful, imaginative designs. This exercise was not just about artistic expression; it was an opportunity for students to practice teamwork, patience, and problem-solving, all within a fun and supportive environment.
Crafting Friendships: The Joy of Working Together
In the afternoon, students shifted gears to create handmade crafts in preparation for the upcoming Christmas season. As the students worked with scissors, glue, paint, and glitter, they not only honed their fine motor skills but also their social skills. Through shared tasks, they learned to communicate, collaborate, and express their ideas. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they bonded over creativity and problem-solving.
The crafting session wasn’t just about the end products—it was about the process. It was about those small moments of connection: offering a helping hand, celebrating each other’s ideas, and discovering the joy of creating something meaningful together. Through this activity, students from both Auesome and BCIS grew more comfortable with each other, building friendships that extended beyond the project itself.
The Power of Diverse Voices Coming Together
At Auesome, we understand that education is not only about academic achievement but also about building an inclusive and supportive community where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can thrive. Our collaboration with BCIS is a perfect example of how neurodiverse and neurotypical students can work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Throughout the day, Auesome and BCIS students didn’t just create art—they built relationships. By spending time together, students had the opportunity to practice empathy, improve their social skills, and gain new perspectives. Research shows that such collaborative and inclusive activities help foster social-emotional growth, build communication skills, and develop mutual respect (Hehir et al., 2016; McGregor & Mills, 2019). In today’s world, where social skills are as important as academic knowledge, these experiences are invaluable.
Recent studies also highlight how inclusive activities impact students' overall well-being, leading to enhanced social cohesion and empathy (Jones, 2020). In such environments, students not only learn to collaborate but also begin to appreciate the value of diversity, which strengthens the community as a whole. This supports the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which advocates for inclusive educational practices that ensure all students can succeed (Basham et al., 2021).
Looking Ahead: Shaping a More Inclusive Future
As the day came to a close, it was clear that this collaboration had achieved more than just artistic creation—it had fostered connections. The students left with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. For both Auesome and BCIS students, the day was a reminder that inclusion is not merely about sharing space, but about engaging meaningfully with one another.
At Auesome, we are committed to creating a world where everyone—neurodiverse and neurotypical alike—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. Our work with BCIS is just one example of the power of coming together to celebrate our differences and embrace the value each individual brings to the table.
As we continue to build bridges with schools and communities, we remain dedicated to creating an inclusive society where creativity, empathy, and respect can thrive. After all, as Dr. Temple Grandin so eloquently said, "The world needs all kinds of minds." Together, we can create a world where every mind is valued and empowered.
References:
Basham, J. D., Hall, T. E., & Smiley, J. (2021). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.
Hehir, T., Schifter, L., & Doren, B. (2016). Finding common ground: A guide to inclusive education. Harvard Education Press.
Jones, L. (2020). Enhancing social-emotional well-being through inclusive practices. Journal of Inclusive Education, 28(3), 191-203.
McGregor, G., & Mills, C. (2019). Building community and empathy in inclusive classrooms. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 23(2), 168-183.
