Spelling, Snacks, and Superpowers: Inside a Day with The Sisu Insiders
For the past few years, one question kept bouncing around in my head like a ping pong ball: What then? What happens after our spellers complete the Grade 12 curriculum? One thing was clear … We weren’t about to wave them off at the school gates and say, “Thanks for playing, goodbye!” No, we needed a next chapter, and spoiler alert: it’s been one heck of an adventure.
I had been teaching these young men for a few years already, but last year I stepped in as their register class teacher when they were technically still in the Grade 12 class. This was scary because my previous class had been my comfort zone, and suddenly I had to earn their trust in a new way.
But if that was a challenge, the idea of leading the adult group this year was downright terrifying. It felt like being shoved on stage without a script. We weren’t just continuing a curriculum anymore; we were creating something brand new, developing the adult group from scratch, and figuring it out together as we went. Cue dramatic drumroll!
Taking on this role has been equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. Yes, I have a teaching degree in Senior and FET, but leading an adult group is a whole different ball game. Still, I knew in my heart it was the right step. With the input of our brilliant open spellers, we’ve shaped a daily program that works for them, and we’re still learning, adapting, and tweaking as we go. It’s like building a plane while flying it, with lots of laughter along the way.
Slow Mornings and Fresh Starts
We ease into the day (because let’s be real, no one springs out of bed like a Disney princess). First up is a verse of the day, followed by a word of the day, and then an article for our “news of the day.” It keeps us in the loop with what’s happening in the big, wide world.
Then we get our eyes moving with an eye tracking exercise, which is essential for building spelling fluency. Think of it as the warm-up lap before the marathon of communication. After that comes stretching and a mindfulness exercise to shake off anxiety and set the tone for the day.
The Most Important Ritual: Coffee (or Not)
Let’s be honest, are you even an adult if you don’t drink coffee? Well…our spellers don’t. I tried introducing coffee once, and the caffeine turned them into “energised bunnies,” and total chaos broke out! Now, we stick to tea and hot chocolate at our beverage station. The process itself is still a skill-builder – pouring, stirring, timing, and, most importantly, not spilling. Once cups are in hand, we sip, take a breath, and mentally gear up for the day ahead. Sip happens!
Life Skills in Action
Next comes ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), which are the everyday things that build independence. The group actually asked for this! They want life skills, and I couldn’t agree more. Who wants to go through life having someone else tie their shoelaces? Not these guys!
We break down motor steps, offer prompts, and adapt where needed, but no hand-over-hand. That might look like helping, but it actually takes independence away. Instead, we set up success step by step. Skills we’ve tackled so far include:
- Pouring liquids (and knowing when to stop—no fountains allowed!)
- Making toast and adding spreads
- Washing and drying dishes
- Making scrambled eggs or instant noodles
- Tying shoelaces
- Shaving
- Making a bed
- Brushing teeth (our current project)
Snack time doubles as more practice, whether it’s fetching lunchboxes, heating food, or working on cutlery skills. Then it’s time for a well-earned break outside. Fresh air = brain fuel!
Feeding the Brain
After the body gets moving, it’s time to feed the mind. We use short Udemy and Khan Academy courses, projecting videos on the TV, and pairing them with S2C questions. We’ve explored gaming careers, social media literacy, and right now we’re knee-deep in The Complete AI Guide.
But of course, my teacher instincts sneak in too! I can’t resist throwing in at least one “classic” lesson each week, complete with S2C questions. Some of our favourites so far have been:
- What Does a Game Designer Do?
- The History of Video Games
- History with Sprinkles on Top (a sweet dive into donuts)
- Turtley Awesome: Secrets of the Sea Turtle
- Technological Inventions That Changed the World
- Birds-of-Paradise That Give Off Light
- Easter Traditions Around the World
- The History of Pancakes
- Hey Siri … What’s the Scoop on AI?
Moving and Grooving
Later in the day, it’s time for gross motor work. Think balance, core strength, and big body movements. These skills aren’t just about fitness; they directly support communication. A strong body means a steady hand, better posture, and clearer spelling. Simply put, motor skills = spelling superpowers. Flex those muscles, folks!
Adventures, Big and Small
No two days look exactly the same. Sometimes we fly through the program; other days we linger on just a few activities, and that’s perfectly okay. Flexibility is part of the design.
We sprinkle in plenty of fun, too. There are collaborative paintings each term, board games, group crosswords, and special celebration days. National Donut Day? We learned about the history of donuts and made some. National Pancake Day? Lesson plus homemade pancakes, hot off the pan. Learning has never tasted so good. And yes, calories don’t count in Sisu class.
Why It Matters
I always thought the saying “every day is an adventure” was cheesy. But honestly, it fits. Sure, there are tough days when dysregulation is high and my brain feels scrambled (funnily enough, like the eggs we learned to cook). But the good days far outweigh the hard ones.
The Sisu Insiders Adult Group is not just a program – it’s a journey. It’s independence, growth, learning, laughter, and yes, lots of tea and hot chocolate. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. After all, adventure is spelled S-I-S-U!
And to save the best for last; words from our spellers.
