FARM FRIYAYS
Overview
Farm FriYays offers a free-spirited yet working environment for those on the autism (and other developmental disabilities) to explore interests, build skills, and increase autonomy. Learning opportunities are presented through hobby farming, where individuals participate in farm and animal care, garden and landscaping, woodworking, repairwork, and the like.
Farm FriYays provides a 6-week course curriculum. Each individual participates in the Farm FriYay Introductory Course. Once completed, individuals can follow various tracks depending on their interests and skills set.
Farm FriYay is designed for ages 14+ (some age exceptions are made)
Differentiator
Success of the Farm FriYay concept is dependent on the ability to be flexible and continue to meet each individual where they are at in regard to their environmental and self-awareness. For example, focused topic courses still have socialization time and the opportunity to try other tasks, while still focusing on, and holding the individual accountable for the course topic/project completion.
A major factor in meeting the individuals where they are at is giving them the opportunity to repeat the introductory course(s) if needed. This offers opportunities to expand independence and autonomy by providing continued exposure and exploration to various novel experiences, skill building activities, and self-advocacy situations.
101 Farm FriYay Introductory Course *
*Prerequisite for all other courses
Curriculum includes introduction to continuing course work
(learning tracks) by exploring all aspects of a hobby farm,
including:
• Animal care
• General chores
• Gardening
• Landscaping
• Maintenance
• Building
• Repair
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Safety awareness
• Exposure and exploration to projects, tools, etc.
• Planning and problem-solving
• Assertiveness skills/self-advocacy
• Relationship building with peers and staff
• Skill building and exploration in these areas
101.2 Self-Regulation & Monitoring Course
Curriculum includes utilizing the hobby farm property to build
self-awareness and self-regulation management of feelings
and reactions to surroundings and elements within those
surroundings.
• Campfires
• Bug/frog collecting
• Social activities
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Self-management
• Safety awareness
• Following directions
• Expanding functional and social communication skills
• Enhance autonomy
102 Animal Focus
Curriculum includes utilizing the hobby farm property to build
self-awareness and self-regulation management of feelings
and reactions to surroundings and elements within those
surroundings.
• Campfires
• Bug/frog collecting
• Social activities
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Self-management
• Safety awareness
• Following directions
• Expanding functional and social communication skills
• Enhance autonomy
103: Woodworking Focus
Curriculum focuses on planning and completing woodworking projects, including but not limited to building park benches and wood duck houses, as well as fence mending and other wood repair projects.
Various equipment and tools safety, handling and use (with supervision)
• Cutting
• Drilling
• Nailing
• Screwing
• Measuring
104: Landscaping & Maintenance Focus
Curriculum focuses on creating and maintaining farm landscaping and the upkeep of property and equipment used to create a healthy, safe, inviting environment
• Lawn care (includes learning how to use and maintain lawn
equipment)
• Painting
• Making of firewood
• Creating walking paths
• Upkeep of the property as needs arise (buildings, pond, grass, fences, etc.)
105: Gardening Focus
Curriculum focuses on planning, creating, maintaining and harvesting a garden (both flower and vegetable).
• Planting
• Watering
• Weeding
• Harvesting
Note: Emphasis may vary each week based on interests of the group, prioritizing exposure to learning opportunities and self-
management versus planning and task completion.