12325 State Hwy. 55
Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone: (763) 231-2700
Fax: (763) 231-2010
Specialist Programs
American Sign Language
American Sign Language engages all three learning styles, visual, auditory and kinesthetic, to help our students improve their language, spelling and reading skills. In addition, it improves students’ social skills by requiring eye contact, facial gestures and body language.
Drama
Drama is explored through collaboration with Stages Theatre Company and culminates in a year-end showcase performance. Students use dramatic play and story-building as ways to enhance their imaginations and creativity and see the world from another point of view. Through drama they learn to integrate thinking and feeling, perspective taking, enhance their analytical and reasoning skills and ultimately gain self-confidence.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is provided through a partnership with MacPhail Center for Music. Our music therapist engages students in instrument playing, song writing, movement and singing. All of these activities promote social interaction, explore sensory stimulation, develop fine and gross motor skills, improve communication skills and teach musical concepts. Music serves as a tool to enhance how students think, reason and create, opening pathways to access higher-order thinking skills.
To see an outline of this year’s music therapy program, please click the attachment.
Shorei-Ryu Karate
Martial Arts gives students the opportunity to exercise, build muscle strength and coordination, and develop self-esteem. TWLS partners with JK Martial Arts, a karate program that specializes in working with children with disabilities. Through Karate, students get more of a feel for their body, how it moves, and how to control it. Lessons are taught with a multi-sensory approach, so they see the movements performed, they hear someone explain how to do it and they perform the movement themselves. Students progress as a class, rather than testing individually for new belts. This diminishes the typical martial arts atmosphere of competitiveness and replaces it with one where the students strive together to learn.