Jenny has had a sign language goal for a little while during her time at Garth Homer. Improving her sign language skills and knowledge is something important to her and her family. Jenny has a good understanding of a few words but has been challenging herself to learn more. This year we are focusing on new words that are common in her daily vocabulary as well as others that might be less common. She is in a sign language group with two friends from the Dreams Team and their teacher Dorothy once a week as well as has her own one-on-one time with a staff to practice new signs once a week. During her time with Dorothy, they focus on signs she knows as well as new ones, so she has time to practice and get comfortable with each word. This is a great time for her and her friends to practice patience, turn taking and listening. They get options to choose the topic and answer questions from Dorothy. Jenny was noticeably more confident in her signs and memory. It used to be that I would show her the sign before she would remember how to do it but now if Dorothy asks her to do a sign Jenny can show it very easily and quickly on her own! It has been great to see her grow and be more confident in her abilities to use these signs. Once a week Jenny and her staff utilize the quiet space in Room #7 and focus on sign language for about 30 minutes. This is a chance for her to choose the signs to practice herself and have no distractions. Her staff will often help hand over hand while she learns the new signs and practices the right movement. This has been a wonderful time to see her expand her vocabulary in a quiet setting. Through her hard work it has been wonderful to witness her using and repeating her signs more in her day-to-day activities. While going through her schedule in the morning with her staff she is practicing the signs for each activity. I have also witnessed her using her signs independently through her days to communicate well with her staff and peers! Jenny is pushing herself and learning lots through these two weekly programs. As a team, we are very excited for what’s to come in her sign language journey.

The presented image provides insight into the Mozart Team's essence, emphasising the team's focus on fostering a sense of belonging through the establishment and cultivation of friendships within the community. In particular, the depicted individuals have formed a special bond, mutually contributing to each other's perception as a good friend, a helpful companion, and a kind-hearted individual. This interconnection goes beyond mere camaraderie; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the self-perception of each individual involved. By engaging in reciprocal acts of friendship and support, these interactions afford individuals the opportunity to perceive themselves beyond their behaviours. Consequently, the development of a collective sense of community within the program becomes evident. The camaraderie between these two individuals is notably characterised by their remarkable qualities as friends. Their genuine care and thoughtfulness towards each other serve as a testament to the positive impact of their relationship. Moreover, their shared appreciation for mischievousness and a robust sense of humour creates an environment where laughter and joy become integral components of their interactions.  These instances of mutual understanding and shared joy contribute significantly to the overall ethos of the Mozart Team. They underscore the program's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive community where individuals not only find companionship but also discover facets of themselves that extend beyond their observable behaviours. The showcased camaraderie exemplifies the team's dedication to building a positive and affirming environment that fosters personal growth and a genuine sense of community among its members..