At Jordan Lake School of the Arts, building strong social skills in an organic way is a key

in our approach to developing the whole child. Through uplifting shared experiences and specially planned role assigned activities, we have our own approach to learning social skills. We first make a safe non violent, and compassionate space for learning and fill it with laughter, social coaching, counseling, and true long term friendships. We use structure and consistency throughout the day, and have a "static" morning. It is predictable and routine reducing anxiety. Our academic program is a scaffolded structured approach that leads to increased participation in classes over years of benefitting from a step by step progression to every level. Classroom discussions are guided and students use "workplace" boundaries regarding conversations in school.

Afternoons are "dynamic" learning and incorporate the arts, the running of a business as a team and other experiential learning opportunities, which are the context for fluid conversation and meaningful friendships. Students are supported in working on the lakeside campus, trails, and animal care and find when moving, working with a shared common goal, a sense of comradery is built. We purposefully use but limit electronics, promoting extended conversations and social interactions. Kids play games...limbo by the lake, croquet near the woods, and they participate in clubs where they share interests and make presentations. There are shared experiences which create a shared language...one of our own. It is the commitment to the gentle hearted, learning diverse, nature spirits and staying true to our mission to serve them, that creates a one of a kind environment for socially connected learning.

TEAMBUILDING AND GROUP LEARNING

A significant part of the start to each day is structured through mixed age group learning and team building

exercises after a morning hike. Afternoons and in some portion of academics, team and partner learning opportunities are woven in. Built into these extensively planned exercises are the development and assignment of specific roles for each child that matches and stretches their current skill level. From daily

routines to actively problem solving as a group, we value not how fast we reach the finish line,

but that we all reach it together.

PROJECTS

Our hands on learning program encourages students at Jordan Lake School of the Arts to

learn, expand, and care for their school environment through daily activities as well as learning

to produce and complete an annual group project from concept to realization. Students

maintain hiking trails, build and plant raised gardens, create outdoor classrooms and more.

Through working as a team, students develop a strong work ethic, an investment in the school

community, and a real world means of applying educational concepts and social skills in

organic situations.

YOGA

Promoting life long skills in stress reduction and health through a once weekly yoga practice benefits all students. With a skilled instructor capable of modifying for students as needed they learn anxiety reduction, increase flexibility and physical stamina, and develop body awareness and confidence. Yoga is a tool students can benefit from for life.

MORNING HIKE & SERVICE LEARNING

Students enjoy a regulating hike lakeside every morning. An engaging and inspiring way to start each day from sighting herons, eagles, and more, to balancing on fallen logs and skipping stones, students love this daily ritual. Two days per week, JLSA students partner with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to pick up litter and clean the shoreline along the lake to the Bell's Church Pier for community service hours.

ANIMAL CARE

Our hands on learning program encourages students at Jordan Lake School of the Arts to learn about, interact

with and care for an array of animals. Through the years we have provided care for our resident cats, Peaches

& Tab, our chickens Peeps and Sunny, and menagerie of visiting creatures. Being a steward of the earth also means respecting

all residents, and we care deeply for our animal friends.

LEGOFEST

Students participate in hands on learning using Legos to create Lego o design instructor led creations. Using basics in physics, engineering and imagination, students enjoy building, playing and learning.