Specialized Instruction Through Adjunct Programming
In addition to our strong emphasis on reading, writing and math (and the full scope of curriculum strands derived from the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum) we place considerable emphasis on adjunct programming focusing on big-picture skills that position our students to thrive as they move into post-secondary education.
Adjunct Programs are those which augment the traditional subjects, and expose students to a variety of kinds of learning opportunities asking them to extend and apply knowledge in real-world applications. Guided in best-practices in developmental theory, we supplement traditional learning with the following Adjunct Programs in all classes:
CALM Program
Our CALM Program creates opportunities to pursue mindfulness, guided meditation, self-reflection, and yoga and movement in addition to instructional periods designed to build self-awareness and acknowledgement of the mind-body connection. We pursues wellness for each of our students by teaching habits that help students reclaim their calm when emotions get big through instructional periods, hands-on opportunities to build "tool box strategies" (coping skills) and practice using them!
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Outdoor Learning Program
In addition to daily unstructured outdoor play (recess), students participate in weekly outdoor learning periods when teachers think outside-the-box, taking learning outside in order to facilitate flexibility, skill extension/application in novel settings, and opportunities to think critically (and often creatively) about the natural world! From scavenger hunts to science experiments, the world is our classroom!
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Think, Plan, Do: Executive Function Program
Our Think, Plan, Do Program focuses on helping students answer: What habits make an effective learner? The answer: It depends on the MY unique needs! In order to be an effective learner, self-awareness and self-management are essential starting points. We use a variety of curriculum resources developed by Occupational Therapists and other multi-disciplinary professionals, to focus on these skills.
Our Think, Plan, Do Program recognizes the importance of self-regulation and executive function skills by focusing on development of working memory, outside-the-box thinking, perspective taking, creative problem solving, self-awareness, self-regulation; establishment of core learning to learn habits that carry our students forward as they encounter increasingly complex academic content.
Our Community Program
Our students participate in hands-on exploration, through field trips and project-based learning, that targets understanding and appreciation of our local community, and recognizes the important role humans play in contributing to community betterment. From career-focused learning to volunteer initiatives, this program emphasizes the various ways in which we collaborate to maintain our dynamic community.
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Daily Living Skills Program
What does it take to be an independent and self-sufficient person? Self-reliance is not just the ability to independently execute daily living tasks, it's also the ability self-advocate, self-monitor, make choices (live with the outcomes), and contribute to the community in a positive way. Our Daily Living Skills program includes instruction which includes use of functional academics, and hands-on learning experiences like: cooking, baking, budgeting, building and measurement, community involvement.
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