Cherry Class - 

We have been using our newly refurbished flat to practise our life skills. Last week we washed, dried and folded laundry and made some delicious Cornish pasties in the flat kitchen. We are also planning to create a shop area to practise our work related skills and independent living, so watch this space! We’ve been planting seeds for the Spring Show's  'School-Grown' vegetable category. We are also planning and asking questions to others, to rehearse our interviewing skills.

What Are Independent Living Skills?

As we continue to focus on student development, one area that holds significant value for all of our learners is Independent Living Skills (ILS). These skills are fundamental for personal growth and success, both during school years and beyond, as they help our learners become self-sufficient and confident in managing their day-to-day lives.

Independent living skills are the practical abilities required for managing personal affairs, maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and making informed decisions. These skills cover a wide range of areas, including:

• Personal Care & Hygiene: Taking care of the body, understanding nutrition, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Time Management: Organising tasks, following a schedule, and using time efficiently to balance academic, social, and personal activities.
• Money Management: Learning how to budget, save, and make responsible financial decisions.
• Cooking & Meal Preparation: Gaining the ability to plan, prepare, and cook simple and healthy meals.
• Laundry & Household Maintenance: Understanding how to wash clothes, clean, and take care of home responsibilities.

 

Elm Class - 

In Elm class, we have been practising our artistic skills in the kitchen ahead of Shrove Tuesday when decorating pancakes. Whisking cream, cutting fruit and choosing chocolate toppings. We use core boards with relevant vocabulary to increase communication opportunities and symbol instructions to increase our independence.

What are Core Communication Boards?

Core communication boards are tools used primarily by learners who have difficulty with verbal communication or expression, such as those with autism, speech disorders, or other communication needs. These boards feature a set of core vocabulary words and symbols that represent common needs, feelings, or concepts.

They are designed to help individuals communicate basic ideas and emotions by pointing to or selecting pictures, words, or symbols. The "core" in the term refers to a set of high-frequency words (like "want," "more," "help," etc.) that can be combined in various ways to create meaningful communication.

Here is a core board you might like to try at home for pancake day.