Astrid gathered many different types of games and toys to help test the skill levels of the individuals supported at SRVS.
Entering the SRVS Learning Center cafeteria, you will find rows of odds and ends on tables and chairs, and essentially any place you could rest them. You also might find volunteers sorting trinkets, organizing stacks, cleaning dishes, assembling bookshelves and cutting and laminating paper. The center is preparing for the individuals supported by SRVS with people working to get everything organized for the new style of Montessori teaching in the classrooms.
Astrid French, SRVS Learning Center curriculum coordinator, has been gathering items for the classrooms and exercises for the past few weeks. She has a variety of matching games, learning exercises, hand/eye coordination tests, books and more to help individuals with disabilities learn. Astrid has had help from volunteers over the past few weeks with organizing and assembling.
The Montessori style of teaching presents students with the resources needed to learn and allows the
A group of volunteers from Fayetteville, AR, spent a day of their spring break at SRVS organizing items in the learning center.
teacher to step back and observe. Each individual at the learning center will work at their own level and make their own choices. Teachers will assist the people supported and direct them in the right direction, but allow them to learn on their own. This new teaching style allows individuals with disabilities to explore and become more independent.
SRVS is excited about Astrid coming to the agency and implementing this new style of teaching for the individuals supported by SRVS. With eleven classrooms, Astrid will have her hands full teaching techniques and assuring that staff are well trained in the Montessori style of learning, but she is thrilled about the new possibilities. A special thanks goes to all the volunteers who have assisted Astrid in making the new learning center fully equipped and ready for its participants.
