Rocky Mount Academy’s Exceptional Children’s program is one of the many things our school is proud to offer the community. We are blessed to have dedicated classes for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students with special needs. Last year, Jodie Coble ‘24 introduced everyone to the Middle School program, so I want to take this opportunity to share more about the Lower School, which is led by two amazing teachers: Mrs. Tickel and Mrs. Josey.
These loving and patient teachers lead the small class of only seven students through a daily routine designed to provide stability but also growth. When our Lower School EC kids arrive at 8 am, they immediately go to their “morning meeting,” which consists of a conversation about what their day will look like and fun, small-group activities where they practice teamwork and kind communication. After this, they eat their snack and get ready for their favorite part of the day: outside time! If the weather is good, the children get to go on a nature walk or ride in a wagon pulled by the teachers. Often they go to Tyler’s Peak and Josh’s place–two great playgrounds on campus that honor RMA grads who left us too soon. When they return to their classroom, the children participate in story time and work on their listening skills. Mrs. Tickle says they “read a lot of adaptive books,” which refers to books with simplified text, additional pictures, or parts that move. “Adaptive books provide a more engaging way for children with disabilities to experience literature.” Once they are done with all of their activities, the kids start to get hungry for lunch. If they finish their food and clean up behind themselves, they get to watch some of their favorite movies like Cars or Ratatouille. Before they know it, their parents arrive to bring them home for the day!
Although this routine may seem easy, our EC children have goals to achieve and skills to master throughout the school year, and all of their activities are geared toward helping them reach those goals. Some of the students work together in small groups, but most of them have their own workstations where they complete personalized activities that support their learning goals throughout the day. These goals can be about basic academics, social skills that help them get along with others, or physical skills that will give them more independence. One student, for instance, is currently working on saying “thank you” and “please,” while another student is learning how to scoop his food with his spoon during lunchtime so he can eat on his own. No matter what each child needs, Mrs. Tickel takes her time to work with them individually, allowing them to have one-on-one attention.
These routines will soon be put on hold–just for a few days–when the Lower School EC class visits Orlando later this month. Be sure to look for our article about the fun we know they’ll have!
