Special Features
SädeTERA's Special Features
Our school’s focus is on providing evidence-based education aligned with students’ interests and abilities, fostering gifted behaviors and independent learning skills. SädeTERA integrates gifted education methodologies with animal-assisted learning.
Strength-based learning
At SädeTERA, we embrace the principles of gifted education emphasizing the recognition and development of students’ strengths. Strength-based education boosts students’ confidence and self-efficacy, maintains their joy of learning, and supports effective learning behaviors. SädeTERA’s differentiated curriculum provides students with more choices, allowing them to take responsibility for their own learning. Greater freedom of choice enables students to express their strengths, which are further developed through the intentional use of learning strategies. Differentiation also supports gifted and advanced students in acquiring and refining their learning skills.
Based on students’ readiness, SädeTERA’s learning activities are divided into three levels:
- Activities that support the interests and strengths of all students
- Learning activities targeted at gifted students
- Individualized support for the development of highly gifted students
The system for identifying and developing students’ strengths at SädeTERA is based on Renzulli and Reis’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and Estonian guidelines for gifted education.
Self-directed learner
At SädeTERA, we deliberately focus on developing learning skills and acquiring effective learning strategies. Setting, analyzing, and evaluating one’s own learning goals is a routine part of our education.
Becoming a self-directed learner is a gradual process supported by SädeTERA’s weekly self-study days. The school week consists of four teacher-led learning days and one independent study day. The self-study day allows students to practice independent learning during school hours, reducing the need for evening homework. Students can choose their learning location, pace, and time within the school day. Additionally, self-study days enable individualized learning, cater to students’ interests and strengths, and provide an appropriate level of challenge. SädeTERA creates an environment where students are motivated to take charge of their learning and acquire new skills and knowledge.
Animal-assisted learning
Animal-assisted learning is a purposeful intervention conducted by a qualified teacher in collaboration with a certified animal. Animals are included to enrich the school environment, stimulate learning, and motivate students.
At SädeTERA, each classroom has animals cared for by both teachers and students. Various animals are integrated into the learning process. The teacher/animal handler ensures the safety of all participants. Currently, SädeTERA has stick insects, African giant snails, and dogs. The terrarium animals live at school, while dogs are regularly involved in learning activities.
The goals of animal-assisted learning include achieving academic competencies, developing social skills, and enhancing cognitive functions. Animals are non-judgmental class members who help students become more observant of others and cope with differences.
Learning with animals fosters responsibility, respect, and empathy, builds self-confidence, and teaches accountability for actions. Before animals are involved in learning activities, students learn to understand their body language and consider their needs and characteristics.