Jose Takes Classroom Learning to the Durham Fair

Building Confidence Through Classroom Learning

For Jose, a second-grade student at High Road School of Hartford: Primary, this year’s trip to the Durham Fair was a chance to put classroom lessons into practice while showing just how much his confidence has grown.

Jose has attended High Road since the end of kindergarten. During that time, staff have seen significant social and behavioral growth. Jose is friendly and eager to connect with others, but unfamiliar situations can be challenging for him. In the past, he sometimes refused to participate or hid behind a trusted staff member. His team has worked consistently to help him build confidence, take small risks and become more comfortable trying new things.

At the beginning of the 2026 to 2027 school year, Jose’s speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist collaborated on a unit focused on farm animals and agriculture. Students read books about farm animals, participated in art activities and played movement games. Jose quickly became interested in learning about baby animals.

With the support of his one-to-one paraprofessional, a token board and positive reinforcement, Jose worked toward participating safely and successfully in classroom activities for up to an hour. The lessons also helped prepare him to experience some of what he had been learning about firsthand.

Classroom Lessons Come to Life at the Durham Fair

That opportunity came during the class trip to the Durham Fair. Jose watched a 4-H cow show, pet a baby calf, counted baby chickens, and learned the difference between a llama and an alpaca.

His favorite part of the day, however, had nothing to do with farm animals. When Jose spotted volunteer firefighters and their fire trucks, he was eager for a closer look but patiently waited for the appropriate time. Seeing his excitement, one of the firefighters invited Jose inside a truck.

Once inside, Jose independently asked the firefighters questions, shared how happy he was, and thanked them without prompting from staff. In an unfamiliar setting and surrounded by new people, he confidently explored the truck and engaged with members of the community.

For his team, the interaction was a clear sign of how much his confidence and independence have grown.

A Meaningful Step Toward Greater Independence

The Durham Fair gave Jose an opportunity to apply skills he has been practicing at school in a new setting. His willingness to try new activities, interact with unfamiliar people, and navigate the day with greater independence showed his team just how much progress he has made.

Experiences like this give students opportunities to connect classroom learning with the world around them while practicing important social, communication, and independence skills in real-life settings.

About High Road School of Hartford: Primary and Middle School

High Road School of Hartford: Primary and Middle School provides individualized instruction in small, structured classrooms designed to support students’ academic, social, and behavioral growth. The approved private special education program combines evidence-based instruction, specialized services, and support from experienced educators to help students build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.