Flexible, Interest Forward Activities
While Wildflower Academy Collaborative does not replace parent-led homeschool instruction, we aim to supplement families and their homeschool journey.
Our teacher-led groups fuse academics with executive functioning skill building and social emotional learning in a fun and social setting.
Foundational Layered Supports
1
Flexible Learning
Wildflower Academy Collaborative provides an alternative to traditional academic instruction with our flexible approach. Here are some of the ways we adapt our teacher-led groups:
- Tasks/lessons are broken down into manageable blocks both in scope and duration
- Breaks and movement are built around lessons to encourage regulation and attention to learning.
- Graphic organizers, visual guides and other tools are utilized to reinforce and reflect lesson instruction
- Small grouping allow teachers to give individualized support
- Positive Encouragement Program: Points are earned in each class period. PEP tally sheet sent home daily. Points earn rewards weekly.
We believe learning is best accessed when approached from a
"can-do" perspective. Success builds confidence and confidence is the foundation to growth.
2
Executive Functioning Support
Our unique learners often struggle with executive functioning skills. This might look like:
- Difficulty with following multi-step instructions
- Difficulty understanding time management needed to complete a project
- Difficulty organizing papers or losing work and materials needed for class
- Getting confused about assignment directions or difficulty initiating the work
- Overwhelmed by transitions
Executive Functioning support is integrated into all activities of the school day. Building these skills takes patient, clear and repetitive instruction. From arrival to dismissal, staff are focused on teaching and strengthening areas such as:
- Developing Routines
- Organization and Preparation
- Task Planning and Initiation
- Time Management
- Flexibility
- Working Memory
- Impulse Control
- Stress tolerance and regulating emotions.
We merge executive functioning skills into daily routines and activities that students incorporate and learn by repetition.
3
Social and Emotional Support
Unique learners can feel out of place in a traditional academic setting. They may have difficulty connecting or fitting in socially. Our students are often more sensitive to their surroundings and may have difficulty regulating emotions when overstimulated.
Social and Emotional skill building at Wildflower Academy starts with our core focus on each student's unique strengths to develop rapport. This partnership, coupled with respectful, kind, flexible and fun teaching strategies, allow staff to foster:
- Comfort in school setting
- Autonomy
- Flexibility and Patience
- Self awareness
- Self management
- Self confidence
- Social awareness
- Peer relationship skills
For sensitive learners, we offer calming strategies including noise cancelling headphones, advance notice for drills, and calming spaces when needed.
Social-emotional skill building and teaching strategies are integrated into academic learning and the school curriculum as a whole.
In our school, students can find connections with peers, form meaningful relationships, and learn together.
Unique Learning Projects
Our interest driven curriculum is further enhanced by our Unique Learning Projects. These projects allow us to partner with each student individually - acknowledging their creative ideas - giving them purpose to learn.
Unique Learning Projects
Student driven and teacher supported
Tie in to academics to continue learning
Showcase for talents, interests, and strengths
Project time is integrated daily
Finished projects are presented to peers
Choice to work individually or collaboratively on projects