Juneberry Hill Schoolhouse is modeled after Hardison Mill School, the one-room schoolhouse Rory Feek built on his farm for his daughter, Indiana, and other children from the community to attend. But it is so much more than just a schoolhouse. The playground, barnyard full of animals, gardens, greenhouse, and outdoor learning area are all part of their classroom. Each time we visit the school, I find my eyes filled with tears; it is such a special place. Hardison Mill purposefully keeps their learning environment large and attendance small; in the same way, Juneberry Hill Schoolhouse will only have twelve students in attendance. We want to ensure the needs of all the students are met, for individual enrichments and supports to be provided across all levels of academic skills, and to help keep our students engaged as one group where everyone is a valued member and a friend.
Our goal is to help each student be successful at their own unique level using a variety of curriculums, hands-on learning tools, techniques, and projects. Instruction will vary from multi-age format to small groups or individuals as needed and will remain flexible to meet the needs of our students. For example, Bennett uses a mixture of word approximations, sign language, a communication board, and a communication app on his iPad. To help Bennett communicate with others and for them to understand and communicate with him, sign language will be taught as a second language at our schoolhouse.
Signing Time has been a staple in our home ever since Adelaide and Bennett were babies. It is a wonderful tool to help kids and adults learn sign language to use within everyday routines and activities. We plan to have a communication board outside on the playground and in the classroom. A communication board will allow Bennett to quickly communicate his needs or wants to others. Below is a photo of a communication board we took at an all-inclusive playground in Winona Lake, Indiana. The park is called Limitless Park—isn’t that a wonderful name for a playground?
So even though Juneberry Hill will be a low-tech one-room schoolhouse, there may be communication apps on an iPad, an independent study using a computer program, or an episode of Signing Time to help teach some new sign language. We hope to learn and grow as we go—adding our own gardens, animals, a greenhouse, etc. because the possibilities are indeed limitless.
May you find joy in the simple things in life,
Lisa