The Academics class is aimed at providing tutorial help and practice in all academic subject areas. Mondays and Tuesdays are spent working in several areas of reading comprehension. Higher-level classes can do their work independently, reading and answering questions on paper or computers, while other level classes read and answer questions aloud. Wednesdays and Thursdays focus on math skills. On Fridays, students complete work that is unfinished and correct their writing portfolios.

Computer Skills

Given adequate time and encouragement, most special needs students excel with computer skills. In fact, students with Fragile X syndrome (to name but one) make greater strides in all subject areas when using computer programs. Word processing, email, research and educational games are just a few of the areas that are covered in the Academic Computer lab. Students begin at their current level of proficiency, and through projects centered on each student’s individual interests or other classrooms’ activities, increase their skill level on the computer.

Grammar Skills

In Grammar Skills, our students do much more than merely focus on the parts of speech and how sentences are constructed. They formulate creative stories and work on reading and comprehension strategies; they read articles related to their interests, and then analyze the material. Students enjoy writing their own creative stories, reading and role playing their characters. (Pssst…Grammar CAN be fun!)

Health & Wellness

For intellectually disabled students, physical and emotional wellness are important parts of the curriculum. Fitness, nutrition, hygiene and prevention of illness and health maintenance along with communication and listening skills, conflict resolution, and the importance of friendship are all covered in our Health & Wellness classes. All units are taught in cooperative learning settings and are geared toward the special needs of the students. Group discussion, team assignments, role playing, art projects, puppetry, music, poetry and dance are incorporated in daily classes. Hands-on methods are used as frequently as applicable and possible.

Independent Living Skills

Independent Living Skills covers a plethora of everyday tasks. The skills covered are taught in the classroom using worksheets and oral instruction, physically demonstrated and then performed by the student. The skills covered are everything from clothing care, housekeeping, personal hygiene, budgeting, shopping and safety.

We also have monthly character education classes, including conflict resolution and interpersonal relationship skills.

The skill sets provided can be adjusted depending on each student’s specific need.

Journalism

Journalism classes cover a variety of subjects including journaling, scripting and photography. Our website, newsletter, calendar and yearbook are all included in class projects. Whether it is creative writing or describing events that are happening both on and off campus, our writing skills are always in use! Students are strongly encouraged to write about what interests them and to do “investigative” reporting to discover new interests.

Math

Math is a very important part of the special education curriculum. Students are shown the correlation between math and everyday living, and encouraged to strengthen their problem solving and logical reasoning skills. They soon gain confidence in their skills, and move on to using a calculator and computer for mathematical computation. The focus of this program is to equip students with confidence and provide practical application for money management and other math-related life skills.

Reading

Reading classes at Stewart Home School build reading competence and comprehension. Lessons begin with sight words and word blends, and progress to maximizing and maintaining comprehension through incorporating high-interest reading material. Through the use of multiple reading resources, we work at generating enthusiasm to increase reading fluency and reading comprehension. Students also have access to the school library, which allows them to choose their favorite reading material, and to discover new interests.

Science

In Science, our students study a wide variety of curricula, which includes: biology, human anatomy, the solar system, animals, life science, earth science and much more!

Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and activities as well as to complete the written assignments. For those who enjoy a hands-on approach to learning, we have a variety of laboratory animals that the students can care for, study and love!

Social Studies

Our Social Studies class covers many topics, including history, maps, economics, famous people, current events and government. It all has one thing in common: It’s learning for real life. In Social Studies we focus on things you should know to better help you enjoy movies, understand the news, plan your family vacation and get more out of life. We even take requests! If there’s something our students have seen on TV or read about and they want to learn more, they just have to ask! With reading, written class work, virtual tours, DVDs, field trips and hands-on projects, there’s something for everyone!