Extra Lesson Program

The Developmental Support Program is based on the work of Audrey McAllen, an educator within the Steiner Waldorf tradition, who developed The Extra Lesson. This approach helps children overcome developmental challenges through movement, sensory integration, and artistic activities. Rooted in Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, the program aims to support the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—by focusing on foundational developmental skills.

Extra Lesson Program (Developmental Support Program): Supporting Your Child’s Learning Journey

Are you noticing your child facing challenges at school but aren’t quite sure what’s causing them? Perhaps they have difficulties with focus, coordination, or completing tasks. The Extra Lesson program is designed to support children who may be experiencing developmental challenges that affect their learning, without the need for formal labels or diagnoses.

What is the Extra Lesson?
The Extra Lesson is a movement-based, developmental support program designed to help children who may be struggling with their learning. The program uses specific physical exercises, sensory integration techniques, and artistic activities to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

What Does the Program Involve?

Movement & Coordination: Activities that strengthen balance, coordination, and motor skills, helping children feel more physically centered and confident.
Sensory Integration: Exercises aimed at improving how children process and respond to the world around them.
Creative Expression: Drawing, form drawing, and other artistic tasks that encourage focus and precision.The program is carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. We focus on strengthening the core developmental skills that form the foundation for learning, behavior, and emotional well-being, helping your child grow in confidence and ability.

Who is This Program For?
The Extra Lesson program is for children who:

Struggle with concentration and attention in class
Have challenges with motor skills, both large and small
Experience difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
Could benefit from additional support with coordination and focus
Are RISING Class 1 (age 6) through Class 7

This program is especially helpful for children who may or may not have an official diagnosis but are showing signs that they need extra help. The Extra Lesson offers the support your child needs to thrive.

Why is the Extra Lesson Important?
This program addresses developmental gaps that are often overlooked in a traditional school setting. It helps children build the physical, emotional, and cognitive foundations necessary for learning success. With this tailored support, many children experience better focus, greater ease in the classroom, and a boost in their overall confidence.

Not a Diagnosis, Just Support
It’s important to note that the Extra Lesson is not a diagnostic tool, nor do we label children. Instead, we focus on providing the help your child needs to succeed based on their unique strengths and challenges. Our goal is to support your child in reaching their full potential, at their own pace.

If you believe your child could benefit from additional support in their learning journey, reach out to us today for more information or to schedule an initial assessment. We’re here to help!

Class times

K - Class 2 (ages 6-8) on Mondays at 9am ET and Wednesdays at 3:30pm ET
Class 3 & Class 4 (ages 8-10) on Tuesdays at 2:30pm ET and Fridays at 10am ET
Classes 5 - 7 (ages 10-13) on Mondays at 2:30pm ET and Thursdays at 3:30pm ET

Registration Process

Step 1: Complete the Registration Form
Fill out and submit the registration form below.

Step 2: Book Your Assessment
After submitting the form, you will be redirected to purchase and book the assessment for your child. The assessment process starts with a brief meeting with the grown-up to review needed supplies and confirm that all prep work is complete. This session will provide an overview of the Extra Lesson Program and help determine the best fit for your student. *Tuition for assessment is $200.

Step 3: Assessment and Next Steps
After your assessment you can decide along with the teacher, what the next steps are including what Extra Lesson class(es) will be best for your student.

*Class tuition is $75 per month per student for attending once per week and $140 per month per student for attending twice per week.
Max of 7 students per class.

*Supplies needed for the class*

· 2 beanbags (1 red, 1 blue),
· blue & red yarn—1 of each color: to make small balls and skeins
· Large paper + crayons for making charts: carmine red, ultramarine blue
· 1 copper rod or wooden dowel (measure from center of chest to center of palm with arm outstretched to the side)
· a weighted, natural object that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand (similar to size of copper ball--stone, crystal, copper ball can also be used)
· 1 red AND 1 blue bouncing ball (playground type) size 6-8 inches/15-20cm
· White paper A4
· masking tape
· crayons--stick & block full color palette
· colored pencils
· soft graphite pencils (2B or similar)
· White paper for form drawing--A3 or 11 x 17 (20# bond will work)
· 2 copper balls or similar(tennis balls or even oranges will work)
· smaller soft ball to hold between feet (5-6 inch/13-15cm)--can be a needle felted ball or made of cloth or similar--or a playground-type ball (small)
· large paper A2 (4 sheets)
· yardstick/straight-edge

PAINTING SUPPLIES: painting board, painting paper, flat brush--sz 5/8”-1” wide or similar, paint rag,
water jar, paint jars for each color, paint=carmine red, ultramarine blue, golden yellow.

Space: room to move on floor, table for painting & drawing--all where you can be seen on camera.

*Supplies needed for Assessment*

Pencil
Paper
Beanbag

Please note that this form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours before your assessment. This helps us ensure we have everything prepared to make the most of our time together.

Child’s Developmental History & Background Questionnaire Introduction: This form is designed to help understand your child’s developmental history and any challenges they may be experiencing. This information will help me plan an appropriate assessment. Please answer the questions as thoroughly as possible. Remember, this assessment is not intended to diagnose but to identify potential areas of support.

Note: This assessment aims to gain insight into your child’s development and help identify areas where additional support may be beneficial. I am not a medical professional, and it is not my role to diagnose medical or psychological conditions. If significant concerns arise during the assessment, I may recommend consulting with a qualified professional for further evaluation.

Child's Full Name

First Name

Last Name

Child's Date of Birth

Parent/Guardian's Full Name

First Name

Last Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone Number

(###)

###

####

Developmental & Medical History:

Was your child born full-term? (If not, please specify the number of weeks/months early or late.)

Were there any complications during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth?

Did your child reach significant developmental milestones (such as crawling, walking, talking) within the expected timeframes? (If not, please explain.)

Has your child experienced any significant illnesses, accidents, or surgeries?

Does your child have any known medical conditions or diagnoses? (If yes, please list and provide relevant details.)

Has your child experienced any noticeable vision, hearing, or speech issues?

Is your child taking any medication currently?

Behavioural & Social Information:

How does your child respond to social situations or new environments? (e.g., outgoing, shy, anxious, etc.)

Does your child have any sensory sensitivities? (e.g., sensitivity to loud noises, certain textures, strong smells, etc.)

How does your child handle transitions or changes in routine?

Does your child display any repetitive movements or behaviors? (e.g., hand- flapping, rocking, etc.)

What activities does your child particularly enjoy or excel at?

Does your child avoid certain activities or tasks? If so, please describe.

Physical & Motor Skills:

How would you describe your child’s balance and coordination?

Have you noticed any challenges with your child’s fine motor skills? (e.g., holding a pencil, using scissors, buttoning clothes, etc.)

Have you observed your child struggling with gross motor tasks? (e.g., running, climbing, bike riding, skipping, etc.)

Does your child often bump into things or seem uncoordinated?

Does your child appear physically restless or have diSiculty sitting still?

Emotional & Cognitive Information:

How would you describe your child’s mood or emotional state most of the time?

Does your child show signs of anxiety, worry, or frequent mood swings?

Does your child exhibit signs of diSiculty concentrating or paying attention?

How does your child manage frustration, anger, or sadness?

Have there been any significant changes in your child’s behavior recently?

Learning & School Information:

How does your child feel about school and learning?

Have teachers or caregivers expressed concerns about your child’s development or behavior?

Does your child find it challenging to follow instructions or complete tasks independently?

Is there a particular subject or activity that your child finds incredibly challenging?

Have you or your child’s teacher noticed any academic difficulties, such as trouble reading, writing, or doing math?

Family Information:

Have any significant changes in your child’s life or environment recently (e.g., moving, new sibling, divorce, etc.)?

Does your child have a consistent daily routine?

How would you describe your child’s sleep patterns?

Are there any family medical or developmental histories that you believe are relevant?

Is there anything else you would like to share about your child?