done. Students each have their own
individualized educational plan, and
learning activities are flexible. One boy
got stuck when doing a worksheet.
"Okay," Sharon said, "let's go outside
and swing." The boy got in the swing,
and Sharon called out the questions to
him, which he easily answered.
math is all about teaching real-life
skills. For one 2-week project, "the
kids have to plan a family vacation.
Figure out the budget and how to get
to the destination with GPS."
To learn about the five senses,
students take a nature walk. For
sound, they listen to birds singing or
squirrels scrounging for nuts. They
collect items like sticks and pebbles, to
be made later into musical instruments
such as a drum or rain stick. music
and poetry are also woven into their
lessons.
as Sharon said, "We do pretty much
amazing stuff all the time."
Kimberly and Sharon have seen how
their place-based, hands-on school is
making a difference in children's lives.
annalynn, 14, had
always gone to public
school and for the past two years,
never spoke a word. "She was
'selectively mute,'" Kimberly said.
"She came to us very quiet and
shy. Now her parents can't get
her to stop talking! One day she
came into yoga class and sat next
to Sharon. 'Today I will lead,' she
announced. She stopped to look
at every student and led them
through their poses like a master."
clover community School is a
private, independent nonprofit
that will be adding another grade
in the next school year. come visit to
learn more. Skittles will be there to
welcome you.
Clover Community school
5101 rocky ridge Trail
Bentonville, ar 27212
contact@clovercommunityschool.org
(479) 282-2571
Off icialKidsMag.com • march 2019 • 39
