Literacy: 

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The clients asked to read “real life stories” and Literacy is taking this to the next level with combining History into this Semester. At the “start” line, clients have already learned about the History of Milton, the Heritage buildings in Downtown Milton and where Milton is going in the future.

 

Reading aloud about Waldie Blacksmith Shop, they experienced
first hand the Blacksmith's home walking during DPA and then
around the corner saw where the 1st Mayor of Milton lived
(you will have to ask them who that was).

 

Lots of questions are asked during this time and words are defined as we go along. “Keep asking questions” is Literacy's motto! The next few weeks will be exciting as we read about Ottawa, Canada, North America and other interesting places in the world before the end of the semester.

 

Writing continues to be as important as reading and everyone has been journaling how they show respect to others like “holding the door” and saying “please and thank you”. Recently we explored more about ourselves with finishing the sentence “I AM......” which will be followed by what they know and admire about each other. Positive reinforcement continues to be the cornerstone for everyone. 

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Math and Technology / DPA: 
 

For our Spring Semester, we are exploring Money around the World. Starting in Canada, the Clients are reviewing and exploring our countries coins through sorting and item recognition activities, as well as working through word problems using paper money with coins.

 

Later in the Semester, we will learn about banking, debit cards, saving accounts, etc. before we begin our journey of the world's economies.

 

The Clients have already begun to use the iPads for checking on the weather. However, we will be using the iPads for researching and exploring online banking and the history of various currencies.

 

While the Clients are enjoying our varied DPA activities indoors, we are all very excited to be able to go outside again to walk, enjoy the fresh air, and participate in many outdoor adventures.

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Science and Geography:

 

We are excited to add a geography component to the science rotation as our theme evolves and expands to explore ‘the world’. As with previous semesters, we will continue to learn about the food we eat and the sources of these foods but at both local and global levels. Concepts we will be covering this semester include transportation, importing and exporting, and global agriculture.

 

After learning more about Canada’s food production, we will use our ‘passports’ to travel around the world to various countries. At each location, we will learn more about the environment, the culture, and some traditional foods.

 

The goal of the semester is to enable clients to orientate themselves within the world and appreciate the similarities and differences of people and places near and far. We have already begun working on our mapping skills with ‘Where Am I?’ and world map activities. Of course, there will be many opportunities for hands-on sensory experiments and cooking activities. We’re in for a fun ride!

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Art: 

 

We started the Spring semester creating the Client Art portfolios. The first side says ' I do my best' reinforcing the theme of self-empowerment. Clients decorated with materials of their choice, which proved the words to be true.  

 

Within our group activities, Prep to Step-Up has taken a step towards environmental awareness by stopping the use of paper towels and Disinfectant wipes. Stacey and Anne spoke about the impact plastic has in the oceans and gases in landfill sites. 

 

Mixing a solution of Vinegar, water and orange essential oil, Clients created an earth-friendly cleaning solution that they put into spray bottles. Washable cloths were made from a sheet and some pillowcases. It was a fabulous team effort met with enthusiasm and great interest. The solution is effective as well as pleasant smelling. 

 

Now, in Week Two, we have commenced the Prep to Step-Up Canadian Artists series. Our first Artist is Ian MacIntyre who is taking us through the steps of creating individual interpretations of his beautiful painting 'Midnight Glow Pansy'.  First, there is a rough drawing, which Ian broke down into ‘easy-to-follow’ steps. Then, we will begin learning how to blend different colours of acrylic paint.  The drawings will be reproduced onto canvases. 

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Skills-at-Will: 

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This semester in Skills-at-Will, we are highlighting the rights and responsibilities of individuals in other countries around “The World”. We will look at how they compare and contrast to the rights and responsibilities in Canada.

 

Skills-at-Will will further examine our own place within the world and how we can impact change. We will bring in aspects such as our twitter page that has been seen all around the world as far as Dubai!

 

We began the semester at our very own “Starting Line” as a symbol of our journey and to integrate Rhonda-Marie Parkes quote. We will also continue to reflect and work towards the Clients goals from last semester.

 

Skills-at-Will will be joining with the math and technology rotation to present “The Store” to the Clients. Skills-at-Will is excited for where this journey will take us!