2022-11-28T18:01:52 GMT
Let us design the best programme for your learner with Down syndrome.
Our DragonFly® Programmes are currently online and in person.
Contact Barbara Roblin
Director of Education, DragonFly®
Merrilee Hodgins A.R.A.D.
Artistic Director
DragonFly® develops critical skills needed by learners with Down syndrome. Based on international research and best practices, the DragonFly® programmes instill confidence and independence in movement, reading, math and social interactions.
We believe that young people with Down syndrome can be independent, thoughtful contributors to society, capable of setting and achieving their own goals.
Photo: The School of Dance Archives
These beautiful Canadian-made tote bags are created from artwork by students in our DragonFly programme for learners with Down syndrome. The 16” x 13” tote bags feature vegan leather straps, a magnetic closure and a cotton sateen lining with inside pockets and a zippered welt pocket.
$65 + HST
Pick-up at The School of Dance or shipping for a fee.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the DragonFly Students’ Scholarship Fund.
Email archive@theschoolofdance.ca
or call 613-238-7838 to place your order.
Additional designs featuring more DragonFly artists to come in the 2022-2023 season!
Additional designs featuring more DragonFly artists to come in the
2022-2023 season!
DragonFly® 1:1 matches each student with an experienced team member to develop key language and math skills for students of all ages. Customized to the specific needs of each student and family, our programmes ensure the acquisition, continuity and practice of academic skills, address the recognized learning style of individuals with Down syndrome, and contribute to the development of confident and resilient learners. All of our staff have been trained in the DragonFly Method, a method based on 15 years of experience, up-to-date research and international best practices.
More Information on our 2022 Winter and Spring Terms pdf
Photo: The School of Dance Archives
In this programme, children 18 months to 5 years prepare for school. Using curriculum based on international research, students focus on early reading, language and counting. Movement enhances strength, balance and flexibility.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: Laura Marrongelli
The DragonFly® Primary Programme is designed for students with Down syndrome ages 7-12 years. Based on international best practices, the DragonFly curriculum focuses on reading, math, and social skills that lead to independent learning.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: The School of Dance Archives
The DragonFly® Junior Programme is designed for students with Down syndrome ages 11-19 years. Based on international best practices, the DragonFly curriculum focuses on the reading, math, and social skills that lead to independent learning. DragonFly provides the practice, repetition and continuity essential for scholastic success.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: The School of Dance Archives
The DragonFly® Senior Programme is designed to meet the needs of young adults. We provide programming to develop language and math skills and we encourage learning through social interactions, providing our students with the framework they need to be self-reliant and independent.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: Barbara Roblin
This programme helps young adults identify what they want to do with their lives and creates a step by step plan that helps them successfully transition into the labour market. Participants continue to build employment skills in math and literacy while also working on communication, organization and social interaction. DragonFly creates a personalized approach that supports each young adult to gain the skills, abilities and experiences that lead to good quality jobs.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: The School of Dance Archives
The DragonFly® supports learners at home and school through our Binder Programme of individualized work. The binder ensures continuity of practice and provides personalized materials. The content is monitored and adapted as the learner develops their understanding of key academic skills in language, reading and mathematics.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: Barbara Roblin
DragonFly® offers consultations for parents, teachers and other professionals. Barbara Roblin, our Director of Education, works with parents to resolve educational or behavioural concerns and she supports teachers in using the DragonFly® method. Reaching out into the community as an advocate, Barbara also consults with speech and occupational therapists and physicians who work with people with Down syndrome to share DragonFly’s knowledge and expertise.
For information about programme content
please contact Barbara Roblin
Photo: Rachael Allan
March 24, 2019
The School of Dance
June 1, 2019
Gallery 200, The School of Dance
Photo: Barbara Legowski
Photo: TSOD Archives
Barbara Roblin is the Director of Education for DragonFly®, our programme for learners with Down syndrome. She is a certified Primary/Junior teacher in Ontario with diplomas in Child Study and Early Childhood Education. Ms. Roblin has over 10 years of experience working with learners with Down syndrome and has developed the Trio Foundation Program, which creates individualized learning plans in literacy and math for Down syndrome students.
Photo: TSOD Archives
Merrilee Hodgins directs the DragonFly® dance programmes. Miss Hodgins studied in Canada, England, Denmark and the United States. In 1971, she was awarded the prestigious Solo Seal of the Royal Academy of Dancing. In 1973 she became principal dancer with the Alberta Ballet Company, later working in Denmark, Germany and the U.S. as a freelance artist. Miss Hodgins, a recipient of the YM-YWCA's 1997 Women of Distinction Award, was the 1997 Chair of the City of Ottawa's Cultural Leadership Committee, was a member of the board of directors for Dance Ontario, is a Director of the Celia Franca Foundation, and has been awarded Canada Council grants to research and develop projects to introduce children to dance. Committed throughout her career to accessibility and collaboration, Miss Hodgins developed The School's portfolio of community programmes including Dance is BEST for Seniors and Dancing in the Street. Recent projects include choreographic commissions from the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, collaboration with Canadian poet Susan McMaster, and a commission to produce a concert version of Stravinsky's Firebird for the Brott Music Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. In January 2013, Senator Jim Munson nominated and then presented Merrilee with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in arts education in Canada. In 2017, Merrilee was presented with the Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal in recognition of her valuable service to the nation.
Funding provided by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council.
Photo: Laura Marrongelli
Thank you for your support of our magical programme.