Supplementary and Transitional Activities Students may contribute narratives, stories or poetry to Footprints , Midland s newspaper. Those approaching graduation experience language arts in more pragmatic situations which emphasize taking messages, writing letters, making cards and labels, using telephone books, menus, employment applications or forms, shopping circulars, etc. Advanced students apply dictionary, research and reference skills and prepare book reports, often related to themes in science or social studies. The mathematics curriculum focuses upon basic readiness concepts, basic operations, problem solving, time, money, and measurement. Skills are kept as practical as possible and closely related to the student's environment.
Teachers employ concrete, visual, hands-on methodology, practice and repetition.
Use of currency is also practiced in role plays, in bankbooks at the school store, and on simulated and actual shopping excursions. At all levels, functional skills are emphasized and the number line, calculator, and computer software are essential tools. Supplementary and Transitional Activities Functional math concepts are reinforced in Independent Living classes. These include measurement, recipes, fractions, menus, etc. For all students, particularly students approaching graduation, compensatory strategies such as estimating are regularly practiced.