“Teaching is not about answering questions but about raising questions – opening doors for them in places that they could not imagine." – Yawar Baig.

Our Teacher is Nikki

The other adults who help us are Chloe, Gemma, Lauren and Marian. 

In Dove class we have learners on the informal, pre-semi formal and semi-formal pathways. We love to learn through play based, multi-sensory and other meaningful opportunities such as adult led activities, child led play and experiences outside the classroom. These cross curricular learning experiences develop our functional skills, independence and increased access to our curriculum.

Throughout our learning journey our pre-semi formal and semi-formal learners focus on the following key areas:

Cognition & Learning

Communication & Language

Social, Emotional & Mental Health

Physical & Sensory

Independence & Self-help

Our informal learners focus on the following key areas:

Communication

Conceptual and Cognitive

Personal and Social

Tactile and Motor

Physical and Mobility

Our progress and achievements are recorded in our work files, outdoor learning and creative journals, alongside our class learning journey display and floor book. Individual learning goals are set and also recorded through Evidence for Learning. We also share our exciting adventures and experiences on Class Dojo and on webpage. 

Reading and phonics

In Dove Class, we encourage a love of reading by exploring a wide range of texts across the curriculum. We read daily to build language and comprehension skills, using drama, small world play, and sensory experiences to bring stories to life. Children have access to reading books and Bug Club resources matched to their individual reading levels.

To support language development, we use Colourful Semantics and In Print visuals. Colourful Semantics uses colour-coded sentence parts with images and printed words to help children understand sentence structure and build their own sentences. These tools provide visual support, encourage independent communication, and promote literacy skills.

Reading books are sent home and changed every Thursday to ensure regular reading practice.

Phonics is taught at each child’s individual level, using their preferred method of communication. Phonics activities are embedded into morning tasks, lesson starters, and dedicated weekly sessions.

Our text this half term: 

Communication & Interaction 

In Falcon we have a huge focus on developing our communication skills. We do this through communication lessons and also through snack, play and outdoor learning. This is a lovely time when we all share exciting news from home, practice asking and answering questions and show an interest in each other. This helps us to build and maintain relationships with familiar people and build friends. 

Throughout the school day we use a total communication approach to develop and consolidate language.  PECs, Makaton and Widgit visuals are in all areas and used across all subjects. Colourful Semantics is used to support the understanding and application of new and topics words. Some children in class access a talk first communication session with songs and singing. Other communication based interventions take place such as, songs & rhymes sessions at the local library and local church. Jabadeo (intensive interaction), attention autism, talk first, equine therapy etc. 

Sensory

Some children in our class have personalised sensory diets but we all have opportunities throughout the school day to take a movement break and have a sensory snack!

We also take full advantage of sessions such as;

Sensory processing

Rebound

Deep Pressure

Attention Autism

M.O.V.E

Light room time

Our 5 Healthy Aims 

Dove Local Learning Map