03 Dec A Day in the Life at Woodbury
Preparing for Independence
As a transition school for our student population, each day is a carefully structured blend of learning, growth, and social interaction designed to support students as they prepare for less supportive settings in the future. Our students receive specialized support to develop key life skills, emotional regulation, and social understanding, setting them up for success in their future school placements.
Calm and Consistent Start
The day begins with a calm, consistent routine to help students feel settled and secure. Teachers greet each student with a welcoming routine that includes familiar visuals, calming music, and sensory activities as we build up their morning routines. These strategies help ease students into the day, providing them with the predictability they need to thrive.
Structured Learning: Focus on Skills for Independence
Throughout the day, the students engage in a variety of activities designed to build core academic and functional skills that align with relevant content from the national curriculum. The focus is on functional communication, self-regulation, social skills, and independent work habits within our content areas. The curriculum often includes a blend of academic subjects—like math and reading—along with practical life skills like managing personal items, completing tasks independently, and learning appropriate social behaviours.
Teachers use a range of tailored strategies within the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, including visual aids and schedules, social stories, and sensory breaks, to ensure that the students are learning in a way that matches their needs within a group setting. Instruction is scaffolded and tailored as needed, ensuring that each student’s individual challenges and strengths are addressed.
Social Skills Development: A Safe Place to Practice
Social skills are another critical component of the school day. Students are given structured opportunities to practice social interactions in a safe and supportive environment. They may work on skills like attending to others, understanding personal space, initiating and responding to conversations, and managing conflicts. Teachers guide students through social situations, helping them navigate challenging social dynamics before they encounter them in larger, more common settings.
Peer interactions are also an important part of the day. By creating opportunities for students to engage with one another in both structured and free-play settings, the school builds a sense of community. These interactions help students develop friendships, practice sharing, and learn important social cues that will serve them well as they move toward more independent environments.
Prepare for Transitions
As the day progresses, students practice transitioning between activities, which can often be a challenge for those on the spectrum. Clear, visual schedules help students understand when and what transitions are coming next, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of control. Activities might include group exercises that build teamwork, independent activities to encourage self-sufficiency, or sensory breaks to recharge.
The Goal: Building Confidence and Independence
Ultimately, the goal of a transition school is to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in a less-supportive setting, whether that’s a mainstream classroom or an environment with fewer resources. By focusing on structured routines, social skill development, and independence, Woodbury aims to lay the foundation for our students to succeed in more independent settings. The combination of individualized support and a focus on life skills ensures that each child is prepared to take the next step in their educational journey with confidence and readiness.
For the students of Woodbury, each day is a small but significant step toward a brighter, more independent future.