The foundation of this program will help Grade 8 participants identified with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD to develop life skills to succeed academically and vocationally. The SOAR Program equips students with the knowledge they need to succeed in high school and beyond.

Session Topics:

Session 1: Empowering Personal and Academic Development: Exploring Career and Life Goals, Learning Preferences, and Introduction to Self-Advocacy

This session encompasses in-depth discourse and reflection aimed at empowering the student(s) to explore their personal identities, aspirations, and objectives, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their life ambitions. Through dialogue, a sense of self-awareness and forward-thinking perspective is cultivated. The session delves into the concept of learning preferences, affording the student(s) the opportunity to discern their individual learning styles and identify supportive resources tailored to their needs. Lastly, the session introduces the vital skill of self-advocacy. The participant(s) are guided in recognizing potential advocates within their support networks and accessing necessary assistance.

Session 2: Equipping Students: Navigating Self-Advocacy, Understanding IEPs, and Accessing High School Accommodations and Supports

This session offers an in-depth exploration of self-advocacy, empowering the student(s) to develop a personalized self-advocacy toolkit. Through the creation of a self-advocacy card, participants gain insights into their individual accommodations and support systems, fostering a deeper comprehension of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and navigation thereof. Additionally, the session provides a comprehensive overview of available accommodations, high school support structures, and the significance of the IEP process, equipping the student(s) with essential knowledge pertinent to their diagnosis and educational journey.

Session 3: Fostering Positive Habits and Navigating High School: Expectations and Preparation

This session provides the student(s) with the opportunity to engage in reflection regarding their current habits and areas for personal development. By comparing and examining their past behaviors with their present ones, the student(s) can discern effective practices and areas for improvement. Additionally, the session facilitates a comprehensive exploration of the transition from elementary to high school, offering insights into various aspects such as course selection, academic expectations, extracurricular involvement including volunteer hours, and other topics.

Session 4: Optimizing Success: Organizational and Study Skills, High School Transitions, and Effective Strategies

This session offers an array of strategies, templates, tips, and insights covering a broad selection of topics pertinent to high school transitions and success. Topics include navigating high school dynamics, exam preparation, fostering productive teacher connections, organizational techniques, effective study methodologies, stress management strategies, and more. The session concludes with a comprehensive review of key themes and time for questions and reflective discourse. The student(s) takes home the workbook that they used during the duration of the program to serve as a reference guide as they embark on their journey into grade 9.

*Please note that session plans and topics are subject to change or rearrangement at the discretion of the SOAR facilitator(s) depending on the needs of the student(s)*

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding LDs/ADHD and learning preferences (i.e. review psycho-educational assessment).
• Develop self-advocacy strategies for success (i.e. review (I.E.P.) Individual Education Plan, self-advocacy card).
• Build executive function skills (i.e. organization, time management, etc.)
• Preparation for school assessments (i.e. test, exam, assignment).
• Successful transitions into secondary school easing anxiety or stress.

How Group Sessions at Schools Work:

• Designed for participants in Grade 8, identified with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.
• Customized 4 sessions at your school during the daytime.
• Varying time frame 45-60 minutes per session.
• Minimum 6 participants to facilitator. (Max 8)
• Parents can request schools to bring the SOAR program in to their schools, it is ultimately up to the school to invite us to deliver the program
• Fee: $200 per group - 4 sessions

How One-to-One Sessions Work:

• Designed for participants in Grade 8, identified with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.
• Customized 4 sessions at LDAYS office or virtual (1:1 Participant to Facilitator).
• Varying time frame 45-60 minutes per session.
• Evening sessions may be available by appointment only.
• Fee: $50 per session for non members and $35 per session for members - minimum 4 sessions

Look at What Our Grade 8 SOAR Students Have to Say…

"I learned what accommodations, modifications, and an IEP mean to me"

"I learned how to deal (with) and learn about my disability and how to help myself"

"I learned to never give up"

 

For more Information or to Register contact Rachel at:

905-884-7933 x 6 or email rachel.liscio@ldays.org or complete the form by clicking the button below.