We have worked with SEND / Autism groups for many years. We have a number of goals:
- to provide great sensory experiences and memories.
- to develop self confidence and self esteem.
- to build knowledge and aspiration.
- to learn from the students; they each have perspectives and we wish to share them with others.
Sensory experiences:
Visiting whales and dolphins playing music, observing behaviour.
Working within a framework of developing ideas in ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and the ‘Sounds of Emotion’.
Touring diverse eco systems on this most beautiful of islands – Las Canadas (UNESCO World Heritage site ); El Teide- the volcano; Pine Forests; magical laurel forests (picnic!); giant sea cliffs of Los Gigantes; Black sand beaches; sunrise/ set.
Butterfly park; Amazing ‘Stars’ at night; Nature at its most magnificent.
Trekking- beautiful walks- fundraiser ‘giving back’ Visit the Black Madonna!
Immersed in the most glorious of nature.
Learning:
Recording lizards, birds, whales, dolphins, Great interactive museums and films.
Wine, honey, natural history, volcanology.
Interaction with locals:
- Learning to dance Salsa
- Learning to cook Canarian dishes
- Buying their own lunch (tapas) Icod, a traditional busy mountain town
- Workshops- pottery, tie dye, herbal, jewellery etc
- Markets
- Visiting schools (SEND)
Most importantly, we listen to the students, draw from them what they most want to do and record how their reflections of their experience.