Redwood Class - 

In Redwood Class, we participate in weekly Mobility Training Programme (MATP) sessions that focus on developing essential physical and cognitive skills. This week, our main focus was on mobility and core strength. Learners engaged in various activities designed to promote independence, coordination, and self-help skills, all while strengthening their gross motor movements.

The activities included striking large soft block towers, walking along balance beams, stepping on half-ball steps, bowling, and exploring tunnels. Each activity required different skills, encouraging learners to problem-solve and adapt to new challenges.

These sessions not only help in improving physical strength and movement but also foster a sense of independence as learners gain confidence in their abilities to complete tasks on their own. Through these engaging and varied activities, learners strengthen their overall motor skills while developing critical problem-solving and self-help skills that are valuable in daily life.

Rowan Class -

Learners in Rowan class have enjoyed coming back to school after half term and revisiting some prior learning in order to embed our skills and develop our anticipation and awareness of what's happening next.

Developing Anticipation and Awareness Skills: A Key to Success in School and Beyond

In both school and daily life, the ability to anticipate outcomes and stay aware of our surroundings can make a huge difference in how we approach challenges and opportunities. Developing anticipation and awareness skills is essential for learners looking to boost their academic performance, improve their decision-making, and build a foundation for success in the future.

What Are Anticipation and Awareness Skills?

Anticipation refers to the ability to predict or expect something before it happens. In a classroom, this might mean predicting what the teacher will ask next, recognising patterns in a subject, or preparing for upcoming topics. Awareness, on the other hand, is about being present and attuned to what's happening around you — whether it's understanding the tone of a conversation, noticing changes in your environment, or recognising when a task needs more attention.

Why Are These Skills Important?

1. Improved Problem-Solving: Anticipating challenges ahead of time allows learners in Rowan to prepare more effectively and approach problems with a clear mindset.

2. Better Focus and Attention: Awareness helps our learners to stay on track, pay attention to details, and avoid distractions. This is especially important during lessons.

3. Stronger Relationships: Awareness isn't just academic—it’s also emotional. Being aware of how others feel and respond helps learners at Doubletrees to build empathy and communicate more effectively with their peers and teachers.

 

Apple Class - 

Apple Class have enjoyed exploring the ingredients to make the Fish Pie from our'  Mousehole Cat' Sensory Story. Everyone loved exploring the mashed potato, but no one liked the smell of the fish! 

Sensory cooking is not only a great way to encourage creativity in the kitchen, but it also provides a unique opportunity to engage all five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

What is Sensory Cooking? Sensory cooking involves activities that stimulate the senses and encourage our learners to explore food through different textures, colours, flavours, and smells. It’s all about experiencing food in a fun, hands-on way that connects the mind and body to the process of cooking.

From mixing ingredients and feeling dough between your fingers, to listening to the sizzle of a stir-fry, sensory cooking taps into a wide range of experiences that make the cooking process more enjoyable and educational.

Benefits of Sensory Cooking:

• Enhances Learning: Our learners develop an understanding of ingredients and cooking techniques while engaging in a fun and practical learning experience.
• Promotes Healthy Eating Habits: By exploring the colours, textures, and flavours of various ingredients, learners are more likely to be excited about trying new foods and communicating their likes and dislikes - (fish!)
• Builds Fine Motor Skills: Measuring, stirring, and chopping all require fine motor control, which enhances coordination and dexterity.
• Encourages Mindfulness: Sensory cooking helps learners to focus on the present moment, encouraging a mindfulness approach to cooking and eating.
• Fosters Teamwork and Communication: Whether working individually or in groups, cooking promotes collaboration, sharing ideas, and communicating effectively.