Exceptional Actors
There is a direct correlation between improvisational theatre and basic social skills. Improv acting encourages, improves, and strengthens the following. . . Intent listening
Appropriate reactions
Controlling emotions
Creativity
Adjusting to situations
Effective communication
Spontaneity
Confidence
Ability to handle conflict
Flexibility
Improv class provides a safe and suppo
rtive environment for children and teens to explore their confidence in social situations, to utilize fun and practice to develop behaviors through role play, to identify emotions, to encourage memory, to encourage team play, and, of course, have fun! Cognitive Processes in Improv
Below is a brief explanation of three basic improv games and the corresponding cognitive processes that each games addresses and sharpens. New Kid - This involves two actors, one is the new kid at school; the other actor asks the new kid questions (Where are you from? What is your favorite color?). The new kid answers the questions while also listening to the instructor, who is changing the new kid's emotions. While answering the questions, the new kid may change his or her feeling from excited to scared to bored, etc. . .. This game focuses on listening, expression, and emotional mastery. Remote Control - This game is played by actors acting out a scene, while also listening to the instructor, who has an imaginary remote control. Throughout the scene, actors will be asked to pause, rewind, fast forward, slow motion, etc. . .. The focus of this improv game is listening, retaining information and recall, and spatial and body awareness. If an actor sits in a chair and "reverse" is called, the actor must reverse the scene and get out of the chair. When the instructor calls "forward," the actor will then "re-act" by sitting in the chair and continuing the scene. Repeat Scene With Direction - In this game, the actors perform a brief scene that is repeated, with some direction from the instructor. The actors may repeat the same basic scene with British accents, as superheroes, as if they are all sleepwalking, or whatever input the instructor gets from the other actors in the class. This game improves retention, recall, sequencing, and spatial awareness. There are numerous other improv games, these are just a few basic ones that, in my experience, are a great tool to sharpen skills that some kids with learning differences may need to improve (expressing and regulating different emotions, listening, retaining information, recall, sequencing, spatial awareness). Exceptional Advocates
The Exceptional Student Group also offers education advocate services for families who have children and teens with special needs. Exceptional Advocates are available to meet with families and representatives from the student’s school. Our staff will provide knowledge and insight in developing effective 504 plans and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), including sufficient and useful classroom modifications, appropriate academic goals and objectives, and any other supports that will benefit the student. Often, parents are unclear of exactly what school systems offer to support children and teens with special needs. You don’t have to stand alone in an arena where you have limited experience; you can allow our team to stand by you and assist in developing a plan to best support your child. Our main objective throughout this process is to educate the parents and other family members on how they can be the best advocate for their child in the future. Our advocacy program features an extensive education element specifically for parents and other family members. By thoroughly explaining all of the parts of the IEP and how all of the parts work together in order to make an appropriate and comprehensive plan, the family will become knowledgeable regarding Georgia's special education rules and regulations and will begin to assume ownership of their child's education. We are making a difference in the learning differences community. Exceptional Tutoring
Students may experience difficulties in school for a variety of reasons. Exceptional Tutoring’s approach to academic support is unique; all of our staff have earned degrees in Special Education and are experienced teachers. Our tutors possess extensive knowledge in an assortment of topics that may impact academic success. Exceptional Tutors' motto is "Every kid can learn; it's our job to figure out how." Our tutors address the following. . . Academics - Obviously, we address academic deficits. However, what sets our tutors apart from others is the recognition and understanding of different learning styles and learning disabilities. Each student learns differently; there are as many different learning styles as there are different children (visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners, etc. . . ). Social/Emotional/Behavior Factors - Exceptional Tutoring recognizes that other factors may influence academic success (for example - attention problems, test anxiety, difficulty dealing with frustration). Our tutors recognize when academics should be “put on hold” and the focus should shift to effectively dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges. These are teachable moments; our tutors can identify when to mange these difficulties, and we can deal with them productively. We specialize in working with students who face challenges related to neurological disorders, autism, PDD, learning disabilities, and other learning differences. Executive Functioning - We acknowledge the important relationship between organization and academic success. We teach children and teens effective study methods and time management techniques that will maximize independent study time.
