tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70964815846323572942024-03-05T09:24:10.471-08:00 Autism, The Teen YearsUsing data based practices to meet the needs of older learners on the Autism SpectrumKristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-73818273875949574842020-11-06T17:51:00.004-08:002020-11-06T18:00:14.357-08:00It's ALL About those DIGITAL CHOICE BOARDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>Hey Hey guys! I hope you're all doing well!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>So this week I posted on Instagram (for the millionth time) how obsessed I am with using Google Slides. BUT this time it related to using Google Slides to create hyper-linked choice boards for students to complete during a designated independent/leisure time during the school day.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>I am currently using this with my students remotely, however there is no reason why this same format couldn't be used for learners in person. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>As a recap, here's what I love:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: Raleway;">It provides my students with more opportunities to make choices and work independently! This is HUGE! Right now things are hard, we are more restricted in what we can and cannot do in so many areas of our life and ANY time I can give students ownership of their own time and provide them with choices I am ALL ABOUT IT!</b></li><li><b style="font-family: Raleway;">Students can reuse the same choice board for a week or more (I actually use the same one for the month! There are enough choices and variety with what is linked and so I don't feel the need to update it more often than this, which if you know my work harder not smarter lifestyle, is basically a miracle.)</b></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>The hyperlinks make it super easy for my students to navigate to the intended activity or website AND depending on what I link, can restrict them from going to anything unintended (I'll go more into my shoutout to video.link & how it allows you to safely provide your students with links to YouTube videos without the worry of what they could accidentally stumble upon).</b></span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><a name='more'></a></b></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><u>On to the HOW:</u></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Check out<span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://youtu.be/JBNcRbuS_hg"><b>this link</b></a></span> for a tutorial I made showing what I have been doing with my students. After making this video, I updated the look of my choice boards & posted a template (and additional tutorial) in my TPT Shop as a $FREEBIE$. Here is the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Choice-Board-Templates-for-Google-Slides-FREEBIE-6207113"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">link</span></b></a> to that product.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Below you'll find a list of the websites and activities I have been including when I make these Recreation & Leisure Choice Boards for my students. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*****DISCLAIMERS: </b></span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">ALWAYS check out any video or website you intend to pass on to your students before sending them a link, especially if they will be unsupervised when using it. You will want to make sure that the content, language and everything else is appropriate and is something you want your name on as you have given it to your student.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Many (but not all) of these websites actually let you hand select the exact activity (THE wordsearch, THE puzzle, THE game, etc.) that your students will use and some may even give a link that restricts them from doing anything else using that link. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">IF you choose to send your students links to videos on YouTube <b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">seriously</span></u></b> consider converting it into a safe YouTube link using this website (it's free and SUPER easy to use): <a href="http://video.link"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">video.link</span></b></a> This way you know exactly what your students can view and can feel confident that you've done what you can to avoid them being exposed to any inappropriate content by using a link you provided them! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Some of the games on sites below are multi-player and give the option to play against a computer or against another person, you may want to avoid these types of games as you will not be able to control who your student is coming in contact with "on your watch."</span></li></ol></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Ok - Happy Planning! At the very bottom, I will show a screen shot of my December Choice Board just for your reference!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirICNvukw6_aDLZRaW7pue2MrDOgKVhtJNy7rScHUC17-acE_GgflNW7Y9GeaPCUV1t86hEkQJlwhAHmeiBIoiq_DOCiiSvbwDPpf74_AnHkn_cH8FEw9pQ_5IZ1Hf521yIDC4M4aHP-8/s1280/Websites+for+Leisure.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirICNvukw6_aDLZRaW7pue2MrDOgKVhtJNy7rScHUC17-acE_GgflNW7Y9GeaPCUV1t86hEkQJlwhAHmeiBIoiq_DOCiiSvbwDPpf74_AnHkn_cH8FEw9pQ_5IZ1Hf521yIDC4M4aHP-8/s320/Websites+for+Leisure.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCquqR8bxBv5MDXf4_JFWLb5_orWWS2H7Q4n4JMBy82Q_c4nAcHw6YxpwnTh56bQ6KOg1pqJd2jURIRk0IfbHh-ptBdH1zLqQFjL7IA6duqnVnzccZ17ombxz0-3cRxtOgBz7v6BOJks/s640/Art.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="640" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCquqR8bxBv5MDXf4_JFWLb5_orWWS2H7Q4n4JMBy82Q_c4nAcHw6YxpwnTh56bQ6KOg1pqJd2jURIRk0IfbHh-ptBdH1zLqQFjL7IA6duqnVnzccZ17ombxz0-3cRxtOgBz7v6BOJks/w165-h71/Art.png" width="165" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: Raleway;">*Online Coloring <a href="https://www.thecolor.com/">https://www.thecolor.com/</a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*</b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;">Online Coloring </b><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><a href="http://www.hellokids.com/">http://www.hellokids.com/</a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*</b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;">Online Coloring</b><b style="font-family: Raleway;"> <a href="https://www.online-coloring.com/">https://www.online-coloring.com/</a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*</b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;">Online Coloring</b><b style="font-family: Raleway;"> <a href="http://www.coloring.com/">http://www.coloring.com/</a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Color Mandala Online <a href="https://colormandala.com/">https://colormandala.com/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*</b><b>Online (or printable) Coloring <a href="http://www.supercoloring.com/">http://www.supercoloring.com/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Art Hub For Kids <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub">https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><span>*Draw So Cute </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dEvA1is6-0_yuei9iCdEw">Draw So Cute YouTube Channel</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*I have also found some AWESOME (and Free) activities on <a href="https://wow.boomlearning.com/">BOOM</a><span> </span>by searching for "leisure" "fun" etc. There are sand castle building, blocks, puzzles, cookie decorating, etc. </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLKVUSYeoPODVNHK86S9BFGzj1JjNrjDDIrF32q8OnGsEtW5BucuBkI2RkWD0clMvX-FrJ3CuIhLZgOpXmEpn4GoXpD1p9L0eyyXB7QWiyMYOmBdwSwi-56GiiStS2r3XuW0KNccFGo8/s643/Exercise.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="643" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLKVUSYeoPODVNHK86S9BFGzj1JjNrjDDIrF32q8OnGsEtW5BucuBkI2RkWD0clMvX-FrJ3CuIhLZgOpXmEpn4GoXpD1p9L0eyyXB7QWiyMYOmBdwSwi-56GiiStS2r3XuW0KNccFGo8/w157-h60/Exercise.png" width="157" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div>*Go Noodle <a href="https://www.gonoodle.com/">https://www.gonoodle.com/</a> I may allow students to select their own OR pick a video in advance and give a direct link</b></span><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*CosmicYoga <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga">https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga</a> </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Little Sports Workouts: </b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIwFB4ciFi5ZCIu-VlwaOg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIwFB4ciFi5ZCIu-VlwaOg</a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Various JustDance Videos </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Various KidsBop Videos</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsl2ftSxEczlrnysZVNMxxJgNs3zI6mgVqn2mxb31pfWRIoMET6wlJw4nYTy7QDk7i0TApPZXVDDxYbbT5z36n_85ckgj96KrAm01q75O4pr6BsJRgdIihyphenhyphenMDJ84U9_M1lUrxQE3S9oE/s584/Games.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="584" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsl2ftSxEczlrnysZVNMxxJgNs3zI6mgVqn2mxb31pfWRIoMET6wlJw4nYTy7QDk7i0TApPZXVDDxYbbT5z36n_85ckgj96KrAm01q75O4pr6BsJRgdIihyphenhyphenMDJ84U9_M1lUrxQE3S9oE/w142-h61/Games.png" width="142" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*PBSKIDS: <a href="https://pbskids.org/games/">https://pbskids.org/games/</a></b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;">I did have to take some time to look through this website to make sure I could find games which were more appropriate for older learners, however there were some good ones! </b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Cartoon Network Games: It took some time to search through and find age and school appropriate games, however there were some good ones on here too. </b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/games/">https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/games/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*mySteinbach </b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.mysteinbach.ca/game-zone/">https://www.mysteinbach.ca/game-zone/</a> There were a variety of games which were more suitable for older learners.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*CBC Games </b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/kids/games">https://www.cbc.ca/kids/games</a> Wide variety of games for kids (various ages).</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*AbcYa.com </b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.abcya.com/">https://www.abcya.com/</a> </b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;">There are a lot of great games and activities on here, however many are linked to a specific grade level, so if this will present a challenge for your learners it may not be the best option for you. </b></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><span>*Learn4Good </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.learn4good.com/games/index.htm">https://www.learn4good.com/games/index.htm</a> </b></span><b style="font-family: Raleway;"><span>Tons of games on here too!</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQFhlclObBtVPwrjZG-n7BCbOOdabg0nBreH4IOcGB-qSRc9vsX-yJjWp3nObaKFHXNtwMoUaG9OWkcLkGlodzLHqA22zYg4C4sMscIY94r-famGl_h0TOpWtrgM3X4NDjGsTilWJkzA/s614/Puzzles.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="614" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQFhlclObBtVPwrjZG-n7BCbOOdabg0nBreH4IOcGB-qSRc9vsX-yJjWp3nObaKFHXNtwMoUaG9OWkcLkGlodzLHqA22zYg4C4sMscIY94r-famGl_h0TOpWtrgM3X4NDjGsTilWJkzA/w154-h62/Puzzles.png" width="154" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><br /></b></span></div>*Online Jigsaw Puzzles: I typically either allow students to select their own OR pick a specific category or puzzle and give a direct link. Here are some of the websites I have found:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*<a href="http://www.jigzone.com/">http://www.jigzone.com/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*<a href="https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/">https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*<a href="https://thejigsawpuzzles.com/">https://thejigsawpuzzles.com/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*<a href="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/">https://www.jigsawplanet.com/</a></b></span></div><div><b style="font-family: Raleway;">*Online Word Search: </b><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://thewordsearch.com/">https://thewordsearch.com/</a> This website is great! You can allow students to choose their own, pick a specific<span> </span>word search/category and give a direct link OR you can create your own word search for them (Or maybe have students create <span>o</span>nes for each other)! </b></span></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbLuPbtvp3eQORArIiNmRpVV1OFwaB-epv4Pg4CMOKlCN2-4K7SRwo91Yjwhivta0ki9Q91cc3aBNhsY3mz5cilXAidJpWkQ7TjdTnySJdG_s19T4GfkPcxDh0McXhO_-TEyvI1N1hug/s578/Other.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="578" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbLuPbtvp3eQORArIiNmRpVV1OFwaB-epv4Pg4CMOKlCN2-4K7SRwo91Yjwhivta0ki9Q91cc3aBNhsY3mz5cilXAidJpWkQ7TjdTnySJdG_s19T4GfkPcxDh0McXhO_-TEyvI1N1hug/w147-h63/Other.png" width="147" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>*Able to Learn Cooking Videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLlqnwqvgTYAeCwIuYD-KA">Able-To-Learn YouTube Channel</a></b></span></div><div><p></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>Here's the Choice Board I set up for my students for December:</b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNiFjvBmEF5biLVswjAUufHdS5Nb7wkXtEN9xz5CfTuo0md8Le0wlHiEN0GhTFDuG7TB1A_QzcF47c84fJcSEjyE7P-T6z2qwg58YVnjYt6tTfPZUpXDr_eMh2NosYvABOXgld028fDg/s514/Dec+Choiceboard.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNiFjvBmEF5biLVswjAUufHdS5Nb7wkXtEN9xz5CfTuo0md8Le0wlHiEN0GhTFDuG7TB1A_QzcF47c84fJcSEjyE7P-T6z2qwg58YVnjYt6tTfPZUpXDr_eMh2NosYvABOXgld028fDg/s320/Dec+Choiceboard.PNG" width="320" /></a></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>Do you have any other helpful links to share? I would love to check them out!<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>Hope you're all hanging in there & I hope this helps make your planning a little easier in this crazy year! </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b>~Kristine</b></span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><b>**Credit: Tablet Mock Up from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Terrific-Teaching-Tactics">Terrific Teaching Tactics</a><br /></b></span><br /><p></p></div>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-18807375017259664402020-10-17T19:21:00.003-07:002020-10-17T19:21:54.727-07:00How Google Slides Saved Me During Distance Learning<p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"> Hey Guys!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">If you follow me on Insta or follow my TPT store for updates, you know I have been HUGE into Google Slides since the start of Distance Learning in the Spring. I am not going to pretend that I wasn't a die hard Microsoft Office fan. In fact, I STILL love using PowerPoint for fancy fonts and creating backgrounds for things (such as my Google Slides activities!)... BUT when school buildings were shut down in March I needed a way to collaborate with my colleagues and provide effective instruction without any of the thousands of visuals, schedules, behavior supports and other adapted materials that I use daily with my students. I'm going to show you my top 3 favorite ways to use Google Slides for instruction which I will absolutely continue to use once we are back in person and far beyond this very, different school year. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b>#1: LESSON TEMPLATES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">This year I am teaching Vocation/Careers and Life Skills across three of our Self Contained Programs at my High School. The students on my caseload are incredibly diverse. This is so cool and I am honestly learning so much since I stepped out of my shell of being strictly a self contained Autism Teacher two years ago BUT having such a big number of students with SUCH different skill sets and needs is a huge challenge. So I will talk a little about how I use Google Slides for creating my lessons to use across these diverse classrooms.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Group Meet Slides - I generally create templates of the lessons I'll use for each class with a Schedule, Rules, intro activities (for some classes I use a stretch/warm up, others it is a game, challenge or question of the day), class activity (I embed a theme based lesson here) and end of class activities (this may be dance videos, drawing videos, a wrap up/check in Google Form, another fun activity, points check ins, etc. depends on the class!). Check out this video for the routines and activities I have set up for one of my classes: <span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkQupXmEajY" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Individual Meet Slides - Similarly to group meets, I set up a deck of Google Slides for individual instruction meets. The slides will generally start off with the basics (rules & anything they may need to gather for class) and then there will be an intro slide & links for each of the goals I plan to work on that day. I LOVE using even MORE Google Slides activities as what I have linked so that I can work with the student in the same slide/see their real time performance. I also do include things which I simply share on the screen for them to look at or as prompts for staff. Here is a video overview of how I am doing this as well: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNec4PW4iCw" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>CLICK HERE</b></span></a></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">SIDENOTE: I also LOVE the number of prompts I can embed into slides within seconds if a student is struggling. One day I shared on Instagram that I embedded a number line for a learner on the Files by Year goal and guess what, I did that in less than a minute during the session by simply asking the student to stop and wait, adding in a text box and then typing the dates in sequence to be used as a reference. So text boxes are awesome for this as well as adding a circle (with the center transparent) or a bright colored arrow to show a student where to find information. </span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b>#2: SCHEDULES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">I LOVE being able to work on some of our same independence building skills (such as following an independent activity schedule or checklist) with students virtually. Whether it is following a digital file folder activity schedule or following a digital checklist with hyperlinks, timers and checkmarks to show tasks which have been completed, it has been amazing to see how well my students responded to these activities and truly generalized the task! This is something you will also see in the video above for an individual student meet.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b>#3: INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">THIS WAS A GAME CHANGER! I have spent so many hours trying to figure out how to replicate some sense of hands on work with my students. To be honest, 90% of what I do in the building is hands on. Seriously, this is one of my FAVORITE teaching jobs because it's all the functional skills I value so much - we cook, we clean, we practice jobs within the classroom, around the building, in the community, etc. We are constantly up and moving around and getting real experiences! So in the Spring when I was suddenly 1. Lecturing, 2. Relying on verbal responses from students, asking them to write/draw a response or (eventually after lots of practice) getting students to reply in the Chat - this was still so drastically different from what I wanted my instruction to look like AND it didn't really capture the skills and abilities of all of my kids! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Enter: Google Slides. Here's the thing guys - you can do so much with slides! The types of activities I tend to use most are sorting, assembly or direction following tasks as well as GAMES! One of my favorite ways to teach students how to 1. Find the slide with their own name, 2. Move interactive pieces around on a slide and 3. (This I only do as students are more ready) Move back and forth between the Google Meet Tab/Window and the Interactive Slide is playing BINGO! There are examples of both Games and work activities that I set up for my students in both videos above as well :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">I hope that you have found this to be helpful! I'm glad you read this far as I KNOW I can be too wordy... Shoot me an email if you have any questions or want help setting up some slides for your classes. I am happy to give suggestions or share some screenshots of some of the ways I have worked on certain goals. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">***Check out this FREEBIE Digital Checklist for Google Slides to help you implement more interactive Google Slides activities into your lessons this week! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Checklist-for-Google-Slides-FREEBIE-6143532"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Click Here</b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Now seriously, GO OPEN GOOGLE SLIDES AND GET STARTED!! (When you're ready of course) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Take care guys!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">~Kristine</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-59429912829691425352020-09-12T20:30:00.007-07:002020-09-20T11:40:09.521-07:00Distance Learning & Virtual Job Exploration<p><span style="font-family: Raleway;"> <span>Hi Guys!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I know a lot of us are struggling right now when it comes to teaching hands on job skills to our learners during this challenging period. For those who are teaching in person, there are likely many restrictions which do not allow your students to work in the community or really even around the school itself on top of limiting shared materials, teacher prompting and proximity, etc. For those like myself who are teaching remotely, it feels impossible. But it isn't. None of this is ideal, that's certainly true. However, there are LOTS of ways you can continue to work on exploring careers and learning job skills virtually!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">There are two main ways I have worked on these skills since distance learning began in the spring and I am hoping to expand on how I address these needs this fall:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">1. Career exploration videos: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I have used a TON of videos from Career One Stop in lessons with my students. I do really like this website because they have lots and lots of videos and other information related to lots and lots of jobs. My only challenge with this website is that the videos themselves generally were fast paced and covered a lot of content in a short time, making it hard for some of my students to really follow what was happening. This varied by video & I have some students who these videos worked great for. Definitely worth checking out. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I have also found LOTS of great videos on YouTube (always preview these videos before sharing with your students, and I advise using the Safe You Tube website to generate a link that will only grant access to that video rather than allow your students to click and scroll their way through questionable content on YouTube...). I found so many videos which were an actual walk through of the job or provided a clear model of specific job tasks for things like stocking supplies or merchandise, busing a table, and more! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">It takes some patience as you wade through all that is out there, but there are definitely worthwhile videos within both of these sites (and likely other websites as well!).</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">2. Simulated Job Tasks: There are plenty of ways to approach this, here are some of my ideas as well as ways I have approached this so far.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">BOOM Cards - There are TONS of free career focused activities out there! I know there are lots of high quality paid resources as well. There are lots of you out there creating your OWN BOOM decks - well you impress me! I have yet to even try, though it is on my list so maybe that will change soon. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Interactive Google Slides - I have been working very hard on this, as I always believe that our students do best with HANDS ON practice. Although these digital practice activities look different from what our students will face once they are out in the workforce, the simulated tasks still allow the student to practice skills related to the job as well as get a feel for their skill and interest in this area.</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Here are some of the resources I have created!</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Job-Skills-BUNDLE-5958236" target="_blank">Job Skills Bundle for Google Slides</a><br /></b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Job-Exploration-GROWING-BUNDLE-5905817" target="_blank"><b><span>Job Exploration Bundle for Google Slides</span></b></a><br /></span></li></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Google Forms - I typically had students reflect on the job using forms so I knew the work was completed, as well as had a record of what they did and their preference. I usually began the form by having the student recall some information about the job (e.g., job title, tasks completed at this job, etc.) then asked them to indicate if this is a job they would like to try in the future. I also at times put in questions which required the student to demonstrate that they knew how to perform the task - e.g., determining if shelves were stocked correctly, identifying the proper cleaning tools needed for a job, data entry, etc. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><span>Suggestions for Simulating Jobs at Home</span> </span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">3. Putting it all together: In the spring I generally did the following:</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ol style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Question of the Day Related to the job I planned to address *I used a combination of Vocational Questions of the Day from Adulting Made Easy as well as questions I created specifically for my own learners.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Simple written explanation and/or a video about the job (See #1 above)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Simulated, Interactive Job Tasks (See #2 above)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Reflection: Some of this was done verbally or via chat features during a live lesson, other times this was completed via a google form.</span></li></ol><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">One NEW way I plan to work on this in the fall is using Virtual Job Fairs. This will allow learners to select jobs they wish to learn about, research them, practice some skills related to the job and reflect afterwards! I am SO excited to introduce this to my students and am hoping it will be a fun way to approach this need in an unideal situation. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Although I am still working on it, here is a quick clip of what this looks like so far:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwXFjqbp41NKK-Dv_aSxagQ03gZ7NdHeFQFSGnQTrOY7jN06Fr_b8M2FSWKEVATNQpHRZ9w0zfwWsv1W_w6yohGjrI6b7F97u9Ajb0cpJDGgAzr7hym2diWYAypfLFpSQUGjMTYjlnuw/s765/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwXFjqbp41NKK-Dv_aSxagQ03gZ7NdHeFQFSGnQTrOY7jN06Fr_b8M2FSWKEVATNQpHRZ9w0zfwWsv1W_w6yohGjrI6b7F97u9Ajb0cpJDGgAzr7hym2diWYAypfLFpSQUGjMTYjlnuw/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0iR8cQ_KUi4" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: large;">Virtual Job Fair </span></b></a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">EDIT: Since this blog post was written, I have created a Virtual Job Fair Template FREEBIE. You can find it in my TPT Shop, or<b> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Virtual-Job-Fair-Templates-for-Google-Slides-FREEBIE-6045187">CLICK HERE</a></b> to check it out!</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">What are some other ways you are addressing this with your students? I know this is a challenge, but we do need to continue to provide transition services to our students, even remotely, and honestly for me it is one of my favorite parts of work - so I am very excited to still be able to work on these skills!</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Best of luck this school year, I know you're all out there giving it everything you can. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Take care of yourselves!</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">~Kristine</span></div><p></p>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-86567635139550176602020-08-11T20:38:00.001-07:002020-08-11T20:38:16.617-07:00Back to School 2020: May Your Reinforcer Game Be Strong<p><br /></p><p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; display: block; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; line-height: 8px; position: static;"><b>Published Post</b> <br /></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #969fa2; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: small;">08/11/2020, 23:31 PM</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px;" /></p><h2 style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue;">May Your Reinforcers Be Strong 💪🏻 Back to School 2020 </h2><p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px;">Look guys - we have all been saying it... this year will be unlike any other school year. For me personally, the learners I work with have been home, many with a reduced demand level, with new stressors, without a routine or with MAJOR changes to their routines for SIX MONTHS! We absolutely have to think of this every morning when we walk in that door. This is what we and more importantly what our STUDENTS are up against.</span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">With so many changes and restrictions, with so much unknown one thing we absolutely must do is make sure we are ready to reinforce the heck out of every. single. thing. our kids do 🙌🏻</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">I know that my “tentative and soon to change 1,000 times” plan for the school year looks like this:</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">1. Teach and reinforce masks, social distancing and basic hygiene</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">2. Teach and reinforce adherence to new routines (no communal supplies and not touching things which don’t belong to you... even if just to race across the room and put them “away”). This is going to be big. It’s ALSO going to take some classroom modifications, depending on the room (for those of you who don’t know, I no longer have my own classroom, I now teach Careers and Life Skills across 3-4 of our self contained special education program classes. Also - I enjoy creating my own rules surrounding the use of punctuation & making run on sentences trendy.) </div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">I think my motto this year will be “when in doubt, take it out.” If there is something your students can’t touch... get it out of the classroom. Or into a locked cabinet. We have no time for these kinds of battles (and frankly, our students have no time for the extra stress and confusion!) when returning to school in the midst of this pandemic.</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">3. Teaching our digital platforms 💻 Google Classroom was a fantastic way to set things up this spring. All in one place, 1 daily link to click and get access to EVERYTHING the students needed to do for the day (outside of live sessions). And guess what, most of the kids: 1. Didn’t know how to use it, 2. Refused to use it, 3. Didn’t “refuse” but also just didn’t get there 🤷🏼‍♀️</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;">Google Slides Schedules & Activities, navigating to a link or website and returning, etc. These were huge barriers for our kids. I’m not saying that we won’t do any hands on lessons, or we will be computer based even in person 100% of the time, but we learned a lot this spring, and a big chunk of that was that our kids weren’t ready for accessing instruction online. And we needed them to be. Think about future implications! Sending home a digital schedule or video model for a new skill/generalizing a skill learned in the school setting? This alone makes it SO important that we get it right. Not to mention the very real possibility of additional shutdowns while this pandemic continues to hang heavy around here..</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">4. Preference assessments & HEAVY reinforcement for all these things listed above and more will be an absolute priority for me as well! Individualized token boards and other reinforcement systems will of course continue to be used - some moving to digital formats when possible to reduce the number of materials which are handled by both a student and their teacher(s.) </span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">Here are links to 2 FREE Token Board Resources for you if you need them! </span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">1. Printable Token Board (laminate and use with a dry erase marker, add Velcro and use physical tokens/coins): </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Token-Boards-FREEBIE-1849994" style="font-size: 12pt;" title="Click Here to Access">Click Here to Access</a></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">2. Digital Token Board for Google Slides: </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Distance-Learning-Digital-Token-Board-for-Google-Slides-FREEBIE-5679916" style="font-size: 12pt;" title="Click Here to Access">Click Here to Access</a></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">Using class-wide systems of reinforcement can also be helpful depending on your learners! I was working on this with some of my classes last year and will certainly continue to do so moving forward. In one class, we had 2 systems running: 1. Employee of the Week - every day students earned points based on behavior, effort & teamwork, if they received a set number of points that day, they were entered into a bin to be in the running for employee of the week that week (selected by pulling a name from the bin). PLUS every day that we earned 100% of our points, we earned a piece of the puzzle for our whole class prize! We were on a roll working towards a dance party when the pandemic hit our area and we were shut down, so I’m hoping to jump right back in where we left off!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDknMQ-bwHSDmLyVGj93yzuy6INbmYT_L5s7OHuxIt19Ac4h9O-RF_T3B71350xaBycygMkPjeur9oID64q9uzhf2pclNUUszOQ37hUXiGwpyMIQ_E_AfjP1JfkFOJ6bB8F0b22oHB6VA/s1024/3839EE34-1B0E-4B3B-BA98-1FCF67D3310E.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Collage of 5 photographs showing a class wide reinforcer system. Includes Daily Employee Paycheck tallying points, Weekly Employee of the Week Certificate, Rules and Choiceboard for Whole Class Rewards and Puzzle Pieces to be Earned for Reward." border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDknMQ-bwHSDmLyVGj93yzuy6INbmYT_L5s7OHuxIt19Ac4h9O-RF_T3B71350xaBycygMkPjeur9oID64q9uzhf2pclNUUszOQ37hUXiGwpyMIQ_E_AfjP1JfkFOJ6bB8F0b22oHB6VA/w400-h200/3839EE34-1B0E-4B3B-BA98-1FCF67D3310E.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(69, 81, 84); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; position: static;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; position: static;">So that’s the rough draft of my plan. I am hoping we will ease back into routines and be able to feel confident and comfortable that we can maintain health and safety while meeting the needs of our learners. There will be adjustments and challenges, but just like during Distance Learning - there will be celebrations for how we have all risen to the challenge and exceeded the expectations!! Best of luck this year everyone! Please comment below to share your plans and experiences as you move back into your classrooms as well!</span></div>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-46081918606167116302017-06-21T17:46:00.001-07:002018-07-01T00:47:02.687-07:00New All-In-One Visual Schedule Binders<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2I_JmgcgtfWJXBLHY_ay9yn8hw_sVvjLhPr13xBTT9zx9nhNoqHpglneM8TmJomNl6fVj3NbGaxwbtjCeMDH1IOFgdODJirxRLejcKypHTXligaOxCXS_RB-QSyWJuDEIHcLB6dAbiE/s200/IMG_4326.JPG" width="174" /></div>
<br />
Hey Guys! SOOO I posted some pics of the new schedule I'm piloting with my class this fall (well... my aides & sub since I'll be out on maternity leave, but either way!) & got quite a few questions, so here it is! Below are pictures and descriptions of the schedules we follow each day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFr2ApEgnaEWruYcOzrwWsVIvnAAVvSU-QYDRfGb62iPdCerxxCfhpBEwr1ee_EGt5b9celmrmOn0jguhqpMTLkm8xNh5uU-2xQLEAT-zWP0EgoKvj4xYK-OfJH9Kj4V5h_jl7XrY0LA/s1600/IMG_2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFr2ApEgnaEWruYcOzrwWsVIvnAAVvSU-QYDRfGb62iPdCerxxCfhpBEwr1ee_EGt5b9celmrmOn0jguhqpMTLkm8xNh5uU-2xQLEAT-zWP0EgoKvj4xYK-OfJH9Kj4V5h_jl7XrY0LA/s200/IMG_2934.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our class follows a large daily schedule which is posted on the wall. It displays the start times & major activities of the day (we recently added an additional visual which a student checks off the type of schedule that day - early dismissal, regular schedule, delayed opening, etc.). This is what the students copy into their planners each day. (There are also day of the week schedules nearby which highlight major events BUT I of course don't have a picture saved in my phone & have already dismantled my classroom for the year, so that will have to wait for a future date!<span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbWwUljgeNCjpOjux0xQ63gqlHSWXkLIxOpiQfZpAjVy1JOxR3LhlPwVY-k8WpzSyjuJzsNHPMxyT3xFvsg122hTFrm_vsHQ9nb28wAMQvDY7vdEwfYBOdI31gifexw-YviijLWGD77o/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="691" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbWwUljgeNCjpOjux0xQ63gqlHSWXkLIxOpiQfZpAjVy1JOxR3LhlPwVY-k8WpzSyjuJzsNHPMxyT3xFvsg122hTFrm_vsHQ9nb28wAMQvDY7vdEwfYBOdI31gifexw-YviijLWGD77o/s200/Capture.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>
We also have a schedule on the Smart Board which gives clarification to the current day's expectations during any given activity. For example - during stations the students either see a list of possible tasks & staff assignments for the duration of stations OR see a chart which shows which staff member & activity they will perform during rotations in stations. We MOST often have the same staff for the entire 1.5-2 hour stations session & just rotate tasks with that staff member (due to our classroom logistics like job sampling which eliminates 1-2 staff members for the whole morning/afternoon, it is much less chaotic to have the same person for the entire time). Some days we will rotate staff & activities. This typically occurs on days when all staff & students are in the room AND I need to run specific groups with the students & so in order to rotate through those groups, I need to have staff jump around to support different kids with different activities.<br />
<br />
SOME of my students do a very nice job of following the Smart Board schedule, rather than simply following what they believe to be the routine for that day from memory, however most of my students need reminders to check & see if they have completed all tasks, have noted changes, etc. This is (in part) where the idea of the all in one schedules came from. I wanted to give my guys something that they could use for the entire day which would help them to be more accountable for the tasks & expectations during all scheduled activities. It also serves the purpose of keeping ALL visuals related to schedule tasks in one place. I cannot tell you how often things get put in different places or disappear & it makes me CRAZY! If we can't access the supports we need when we need them, they are totally useless (and we REALLY need them).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fFYLIjpgMtEfVJsROAYUV4iddkaUfB08s1YOMc471eamV42h-jpfD-9KsdbDfZjgRPCpdgLgugkDBuMdNuTTh3TtbjQM5ZqbOyuD2obQWrMPGZYzOIMQFGLJcwcZGNMvan7Bug73a9s/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fFYLIjpgMtEfVJsROAYUV4iddkaUfB08s1YOMc471eamV42h-jpfD-9KsdbDfZjgRPCpdgLgugkDBuMdNuTTh3TtbjQM5ZqbOyuD2obQWrMPGZYzOIMQFGLJcwcZGNMvan7Bug73a9s/s200/IMG_4349.JPG" width="157" /></a></div>
<br />
So I created these mini binders, each cover has just the student's name, with tabbed pages (for easy access) for each major scheduled activity for the day. Some activities also have additional pages behind them which are either further explanation of the tasks, prompts, visual aids, etc. Each page also notes any general expectations for the class such as cleaning up all task materials before moving on to the first step of the next activity, identifying what items are needed (if traveling), etc. Take a look below to see all of the pages & feel free to email me (or comment on the post) with any questions or to clarify any of the tasks! <br />
<br />
<br />
Happy scheduling everyone :) ***Also, check out this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mini-Binder-Tabbed-Pages-Template-FREEBIE-3214143" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a> in my TpT shop to help you create your own mini binder schedules!<br />
~Kristine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiL7MmQ_fCYl_bavw6EiRNNSnzzFtlOuoo7zkOQJzXbtETZ0QpLOpD9Ey-fXhMslpP-y2LSFeC84oI3AT2lymiJWQp0seMWrXadDlxBF8Vw7v73C8jSJooUyAtXLbpyGwSTGm52dSp3E/s1600/IMG_4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="451" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiL7MmQ_fCYl_bavw6EiRNNSnzzFtlOuoo7zkOQJzXbtETZ0QpLOpD9Ey-fXhMslpP-y2LSFeC84oI3AT2lymiJWQp0seMWrXadDlxBF8Vw7v73C8jSJooUyAtXLbpyGwSTGm52dSp3E/s200/IMG_4329.JPG" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga48Kk4swD_exf8JmsdVF3fEs4eoEngwYZOVwu3SDJjd-vE8Kzvw1KF_u4lMnFiv4PND8R5VRX1LLrswGxn0M2NKC6LXSbwP2nWiu1_CHKa3aCTc-8kweVkx83sJtrsna88kaK0D98obc/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="446" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga48Kk4swD_exf8JmsdVF3fEs4eoEngwYZOVwu3SDJjd-vE8Kzvw1KF_u4lMnFiv4PND8R5VRX1LLrswGxn0M2NKC6LXSbwP2nWiu1_CHKa3aCTc-8kweVkx83sJtrsna88kaK0D98obc/s200/IMG_4330.JPG" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89czMNvmK7sOK7SFCpLtooAZKc5v_VnadwCAJ4ivVL8OUNNjcibALId5crngHKe5umOIOxmGuXgUNo-buxAK3F7SEJNLdX_i1fClIbBVlb02MRu57oawW4S5Jb8cba7JY2wQdynqa_-A/s1600/IMG_4331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="444" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89czMNvmK7sOK7SFCpLtooAZKc5v_VnadwCAJ4ivVL8OUNNjcibALId5crngHKe5umOIOxmGuXgUNo-buxAK3F7SEJNLdX_i1fClIbBVlb02MRu57oawW4S5Jb8cba7JY2wQdynqa_-A/s200/IMG_4331.JPG" width="171" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGovuWgfU1NxXbiuX8TtuBTMKKYyjSJdYqYEDDqo_vt9Qsg4kaZLRC2gMqkTYy581QiUFCufG_LVUUK3l1Xg_uU6NXv6VtRC1k9TZnZJXgKJOhhmxFOPcBENqVOD_rddcPMP3MqfYxsM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="407" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGovuWgfU1NxXbiuX8TtuBTMKKYyjSJdYqYEDDqo_vt9Qsg4kaZLRC2gMqkTYy581QiUFCufG_LVUUK3l1Xg_uU6NXv6VtRC1k9TZnZJXgKJOhhmxFOPcBENqVOD_rddcPMP3MqfYxsM/s200/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="161" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaaXk3SwevWMc6AfTOy8MdsuifOtFX7XGhAgb79mE1zfdf5txG-Cl_JHNhUSAzRJrLw4rHuZYfpcCDgxyy9MBxNEMVHzeCiNlIqcXJxiCUBxO1J0UuMgYO9nB9LY1yLkVeCE5q9uSzAs/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="437" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaaXk3SwevWMc6AfTOy8MdsuifOtFX7XGhAgb79mE1zfdf5txG-Cl_JHNhUSAzRJrLw4rHuZYfpcCDgxyy9MBxNEMVHzeCiNlIqcXJxiCUBxO1J0UuMgYO9nB9LY1yLkVeCE5q9uSzAs/s200/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDf6TFBzbu0oDZgIhmif6asfl2s_-pggQ7zZR3hCuljhJylyaEgUNdPH_THpRiiWgwgeZZiU3FvOFTLSsewXVl0oW9utR51ZwUWbZ3muQV1I5okiRGEhIW49cZEp0wAMXP5kDnnMdf_c/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="459" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDf6TFBzbu0oDZgIhmif6asfl2s_-pggQ7zZR3hCuljhJylyaEgUNdPH_THpRiiWgwgeZZiU3FvOFTLSsewXVl0oW9utR51ZwUWbZ3muQV1I5okiRGEhIW49cZEp0wAMXP5kDnnMdf_c/s200/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpUWNDRTijhYxVZISQWyRC6zXmOh67kzzTIG6F1kw2CQfXZ9_dppqkwW53SGhezCZpEIVB0Bt74VbW4WE6nd_UjOvfTmROK8uMAklww5TC4I1wg4HAFPT59-rwZb1zoEBwJ8tkIj5LOA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="469" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpUWNDRTijhYxVZISQWyRC6zXmOh67kzzTIG6F1kw2CQfXZ9_dppqkwW53SGhezCZpEIVB0Bt74VbW4WE6nd_UjOvfTmROK8uMAklww5TC4I1wg4HAFPT59-rwZb1zoEBwJ8tkIj5LOA/s200/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANysljDZIpaT9jF-970i16exUi2IBj7RNcELds_rotXb_kuYssXkEK6-_wQosYvq1WSFCvMR5t9eM1bfNT7DLuVoz8xnC5QIiXHMPamfbbaEX18WCCxUQo9tzIPZsB04dj8OpbPYiKXo/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="435" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANysljDZIpaT9jF-970i16exUi2IBj7RNcELds_rotXb_kuYssXkEK6-_wQosYvq1WSFCvMR5t9eM1bfNT7DLuVoz8xnC5QIiXHMPamfbbaEX18WCCxUQo9tzIPZsB04dj8OpbPYiKXo/s200/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="178" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0oquNuodHK_MO822wk7EkzZgcbgn12eZnpZmmWkQX3z-giDU2BbNpVVmn1wGVu-xducfFsFhkHS8o8ChEpHfNvg1c_6svb_1ZQ0cB9k3Vf_D3H89bB-1cU3Yr5gyanUqD0ohd_RJiSQ/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="467" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0oquNuodHK_MO822wk7EkzZgcbgn12eZnpZmmWkQX3z-giDU2BbNpVVmn1wGVu-xducfFsFhkHS8o8ChEpHfNvg1c_6svb_1ZQ0cB9k3Vf_D3H89bB-1cU3Yr5gyanUqD0ohd_RJiSQ/s200/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib98eE9aQyyLYKEUcOG0AQhgJxh0KkgmAkesHMDkbSoIQapINy54DX6SVXGiFpksM03LjHzYLZZjXim061PgIVDWJrEzeBeAs1u8pygsr8cPfrI-61AFT2y6Bjt_Yfv2PhBSxNaJXg9JE/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib98eE9aQyyLYKEUcOG0AQhgJxh0KkgmAkesHMDkbSoIQapINy54DX6SVXGiFpksM03LjHzYLZZjXim061PgIVDWJrEzeBeAs1u8pygsr8cPfrI-61AFT2y6Bjt_Yfv2PhBSxNaJXg9JE/s200/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" width="175" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jj2eXpi_1kW-VSNLnApYfv7RZKHemB-88TOzFHEVn-3WxzkCWq58vE_jutF-kKeQsWPwg49U-ICXknepWNzuM2F-23g-40Nr4JkNQamnF_Rm6AbtBkkd8r3l7NZzV5_MoZY1ce4iISw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jj2eXpi_1kW-VSNLnApYfv7RZKHemB-88TOzFHEVn-3WxzkCWq58vE_jutF-kKeQsWPwg49U-ICXknepWNzuM2F-23g-40Nr4JkNQamnF_Rm6AbtBkkd8r3l7NZzV5_MoZY1ce4iISw/s200/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWGcsljqmjLp4NcgvJM1V6uOhRbsh8YcuVs7dCD26Cqsuj_5AdBhWSqPOO6XzccrqOnGhP7Hsl1YSJa09gIHJySs0vCD03BcHREv5OtEedTJYEN2eL0Jah073hOIqq4IsvQPyN_mhReA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="446" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWGcsljqmjLp4NcgvJM1V6uOhRbsh8YcuVs7dCD26Cqsuj_5AdBhWSqPOO6XzccrqOnGhP7Hsl1YSJa09gIHJySs0vCD03BcHREv5OtEedTJYEN2eL0Jah073hOIqq4IsvQPyN_mhReA/s200/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1mEMlqgitnoxrrivwbMqptDv9DLGTKg0DvMGBdZYbXNiKz1nq10VlODp7Exc1d3-G3aKaWM9sQs5hvRxnDnUg2G-_ZJKQVAsY9AAWonCZnMfA985E7Hl2Ey6SOjQWS6Be5ypYTRDG-Q/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="452" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1mEMlqgitnoxrrivwbMqptDv9DLGTKg0DvMGBdZYbXNiKz1nq10VlODp7Exc1d3-G3aKaWM9sQs5hvRxnDnUg2G-_ZJKQVAsY9AAWonCZnMfA985E7Hl2Ey6SOjQWS6Be5ypYTRDG-Q/s200/FullSizeRender+%25289%2529.jpg" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh0FvmCyDXCbrVXEwIXhFnL99yC2mrKSn1AMPC6r7Ou7SIp5PgSnblc5bfCJ2GqbrkRNt3Pl7ejyWJViOXLvSS4h0fuRtyJFH53qfQSlnWa1c1hPV67qbe8XUKBmztTrgzipg4gP-AyA/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh0FvmCyDXCbrVXEwIXhFnL99yC2mrKSn1AMPC6r7Ou7SIp5PgSnblc5bfCJ2GqbrkRNt3Pl7ejyWJViOXLvSS4h0fuRtyJFH53qfQSlnWa1c1hPV67qbe8XUKBmztTrgzipg4gP-AyA/s200/IMG_4344.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2rZeuYd7t6VLhm0BjvSnv5Z4K7BmlFyPnAyh92widz7JIvgcEn0nByb0Ej22IPL_hLXrcuNw9LXh_V5CkA8lxB0vB8ZAdMrnJnhegtU0eB0BY-SJttdL8a1cF-610HQje-UHENyAoqc/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="452" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2rZeuYd7t6VLhm0BjvSnv5Z4K7BmlFyPnAyh92widz7JIvgcEn0nByb0Ej22IPL_hLXrcuNw9LXh_V5CkA8lxB0vB8ZAdMrnJnhegtU0eB0BY-SJttdL8a1cF-610HQje-UHENyAoqc/s200/FullSizeRender+%252810%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yr3sAMZgC8kWNpVdf9S-HohcVxRKrBFi8sI3s1_MTYTLtUoNw9PvihRvLU4Bpf_gamSJZz6txCdZNDBZwWuHUxkMSK_Q_hcqg3lEfiK4I-MBimQ-qHkiyqXpnlwifXZx4t3VUhYK6ow/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="367" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yr3sAMZgC8kWNpVdf9S-HohcVxRKrBFi8sI3s1_MTYTLtUoNw9PvihRvLU4Bpf_gamSJZz6txCdZNDBZwWuHUxkMSK_Q_hcqg3lEfiK4I-MBimQ-qHkiyqXpnlwifXZx4t3VUhYK6ow/s200/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4ZOGdLk5Qj2jEv2lxtGP-HWQPpnLkAzcBlxb6c1uTc31strzL7K1mZ88ZxAok_juquXuE2IFuEzwIdCNYWzGuRDbLSr1yp-RliZWuTaV1PAhlMmVUKmX_HTQ2lzGh6G3IsDgQogKu60/s1600/IMG_4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4ZOGdLk5Qj2jEv2lxtGP-HWQPpnLkAzcBlxb6c1uTc31strzL7K1mZ88ZxAok_juquXuE2IFuEzwIdCNYWzGuRDbLSr1yp-RliZWuTaV1PAhlMmVUKmX_HTQ2lzGh6G3IsDgQogKu60/s200/IMG_4326.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEbgWtWPHOmZGPhDWWZ4sgW0jNrAHyfb2nY_45IqagKcrauZa9KHoVB3PQgQUWYWTohg0oRzkBWT0D1FGoBqTkqMPuF4OXW8MGD2GUmP8fZ7PqPtMGNXfm17MLo32LxQYAsTgkDgFarU/s1600/IMG_4327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="477" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEbgWtWPHOmZGPhDWWZ4sgW0jNrAHyfb2nY_45IqagKcrauZa9KHoVB3PQgQUWYWTohg0oRzkBWT0D1FGoBqTkqMPuF4OXW8MGD2GUmP8fZ7PqPtMGNXfm17MLo32LxQYAsTgkDgFarU/s200/IMG_4327.JPG" width="185" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RrSVdJhzCbAzZPeEcfXqyeCrSoA331W4i5jPq7h9Cod8LUVl3_Tv60R2v10H1KErUyqiU3LB3jMAf5aj6PVjUpY9AEdBdTWYXw2Gh8blYjG4bltSNohKAYoqUExQuoWC_23OUm4Ec18/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="479" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RrSVdJhzCbAzZPeEcfXqyeCrSoA331W4i5jPq7h9Cod8LUVl3_Tv60R2v10H1KErUyqiU3LB3jMAf5aj6PVjUpY9AEdBdTWYXw2Gh8blYjG4bltSNohKAYoqUExQuoWC_23OUm4Ec18/s200/IMG_4328.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-5166656987091228722016-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:002016-11-19T19:32:54.336-08:00"Take Homes" - A New Resource for Reaching Out to Parents!Guys...<br />
I'm pretty excited about this! I have to say, this idea stemmed from a meeting with my OT (who is amazing) on Friday afternoon. We sat down to discuss the results of an assessment which had been sent home to parents in the beginning of the year regarding daily living and self help skills. Honestly, some of the parent ratings REALLY surprised me!<br />
<br />
I know that after 12 years in the field of special education teaching students with autism, I should not be alarmed by a lack of naturally occurring generalization across settings and people, but after working with many of the students in my current class for the past 4 years and seeing how independent they have become, I was shocked to see low ratings in some of the areas where they truly excel in school.<br />
<br />
This highlighted for me the need to increase the amount of communication, collaboration & training that I do with parents regarding ways to transfer skills to home. I wanted to share two ways I will begin to address this, in addition to (as always) providing parents with the opportunity for home visits, in which I conduct observations then provide individual training (for the student and family) & support. <br />
1. This year we are introducing more regular & formal Parent Training's. I am excited to begin this and I'm now pretty certain of my first topic (implementing hygiene & self care schedules in the home)! These trainings will be for small groups of parents who have similar training needs. For this first one, I anticipate that MANY of my kids' families would benefit, so I may either invite them all in for one training or do 2 half day trainings and split parents into 2 groups depending on the type of response I get when I reach out.<br />
<br />
2. This week, I am beginning to send home "Take Homes." These documents will serve to provide parents with detailed information based upon recent observations, changes in program, changes in behavior, etc.<br />
My plan is to describe what led to sending this document home (e.g., During our recent community based instruction outing to the mall, I accompanied your student on the escalator and noticed this is a big challenge for him. (Student) was very hesitant to get on and off of the escalator and his delays nearly resulted in an injury. He was very anxious during the short trip on the escalator and was holding a staff member's hand for comfort. From my observation, his fear was related to the movement of the floor/stairs, not specifically the heights.)<br />
<br />
Next, I want to provide some information about what to do in the home environment in order to support the student. If I am informing the parent of a newly mastered skill, I would explain how, when and where the skill can be used, what it looks like when the student performs the skill (what parents should expect to see), and what types of materials & other supports are needed to help the student perform the skill at home. Any additional guidelines & actual materials will be sent home on the day that the Take Home is sent home. If I am continuing with the example above, I would instead tell the parent what steps they can take to increase the student's comfort with using an escalator. This may include having the student watch slow motion videos of how to get on and off of an escalator, reading a social story, incorporating a model (one family member goes on first, he gets to watch, then goes on with a second support person), using reinforcement (naturalistic reinforcement would be best here... using an escalator to get to the food court or a highly preferred section of the store).<br />
<br />
Once these are sent home I plan to give the families a week or so to review the material, then will reach out to discuss if they would like to come in for training or feel they need more information/support to help their child.<br />
<br />
Here is a view of what the form will look like initially... I'm sure it'll change as I begin using it!:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisiLLUYmcmBQ0u3Xx210E-isza3SazRemmHbw3AyJXHSPMNAaqjwEzsmsaD5L5GtXHcZTtL-wXyT_4dorvTdAbC0c1nhz9JuAiSdFyHRLgtYzLu6b61eZ9BGr2I5wUE-23FSsRwg-FU/s1600/Take+Homes.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOisiLLUYmcmBQ0u3Xx210E-isza3SazRemmHbw3AyJXHSPMNAaqjwEzsmsaD5L5GtXHcZTtL-wXyT_4dorvTdAbC0c1nhz9JuAiSdFyHRLgtYzLu6b61eZ9BGr2I5wUE-23FSsRwg-FU/s320/Take+Homes.PNG" width="264" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all know that life skills are the most important skills we can teach to independence. AND that the student's actual home environment is the most important place for them to demonstrate that independence! I wish I had begun to do more of this sooner but am very hopeful that I'm moving in the right direction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope some of these ideas are helpful for your students as well!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~Kristine</div>
Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-42419173772899585042016-09-12T16:24:00.001-07:002016-09-12T16:24:54.542-07:00This Week in 206: Using Weekly Themes & Goals to Provide Training & Support for Classroom Staff<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey Guys! This is my second week back to school and I am excited to share my new approach to staff training this year. I tend to fall into the "we have no training time" trap and the extravagant plans I have for staff training fall to pieces as we scramble to put out fires in the little amount of time we do have set aside for meetings. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, I am trying a new plan and I am VERY hopeful about it!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing I did was set up a Staff Information Station on a whiteboard near staff cubbies. There I have posted inspirational quotes, schedules, calendars & staff reminders for classroom expectations & strategies (download my Staff Strategies Cheat Sheets </span><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2drez6gi7f4in6d/Staff%20strategies%20cheat%20sheets.pdf?dl=0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). </span><div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FNNhGftmOQYQHNbaHJLkI0K_4_R85b81RIU4Dq6lvSkHdPP4zGSG97mxXaHFnfxL4mMv4vqSmg2v5H637NfisU89H4KsqhItGnCI0xWD__2i5iFriQkd3Y3ycm2uUmBtipq77fgUr6Y/s1600/Staff+Strategies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FNNhGftmOQYQHNbaHJLkI0K_4_R85b81RIU4Dq6lvSkHdPP4zGSG97mxXaHFnfxL4mMv4vqSmg2v5H637NfisU89H4KsqhItGnCI0xWD__2i5iFriQkd3Y3ycm2uUmBtipq77fgUr6Y/s320/Staff+Strategies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what my Staff Information Station looked like during initial set up (It is now VERY full of information!).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next step in my plan is doing weekly theme based trainings for staff. Every Monday (or preferably Friday afternoon's before leaving!) I set up our This Week in 206 board in order to let staff know in advance what our weekly goal is, the reason why it is important, a few quick tips or reminders for getting started with implementation and an inspirational quote or statement related to the theme. I will be posting our Weekly Themes each week in hopes that it is beneficial for your classes (and that it motivates me to keep at it!) </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2IFWTatVDnOUlDhsMO8bTMB5FzDnw4ZAGkL5dMM77JahB77ANWVBAjnsZy_JLNZojv2duMfdb2wjlS8T_2RkDToARn6uv5LqjmwwKEm5IVROSQPtXqPk6_XCpjo5-4w_HWRfj_mZPDA/s1600/Week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2IFWTatVDnOUlDhsMO8bTMB5FzDnw4ZAGkL5dMM77JahB77ANWVBAjnsZy_JLNZojv2duMfdb2wjlS8T_2RkDToARn6uv5LqjmwwKEm5IVROSQPtXqPk6_XCpjo5-4w_HWRfj_mZPDA/s320/Week+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our Week Two Theme (See more below)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
This week we are focusing on Fading Prompts from our classroom routines. Many of our routines are similar to last year's (and the year before!) Have we added new activities? Yes! However, overall things follow a similar format and there are visual supports in place for students to help them learn new/modified routines. Our first week back involved a LOT of prompting. Now that we are seeing some student initiation and success it is time to start systematically fading out our supports so that our students do not become dependent on them. Leaving prompts in place when they are no longer needed can create confusion for the student (Is the staff "prompt" actually a part of the task? Is it the new cue to perform the task? Can I do it on my own? Do I need permission to perform this skill?) and often leads to prompt dependence (in my experience). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many of our classroom routines are taught as chains (a series of tasks, steps or skills which are linked together to perform the larger task). One common classroom routine which is taught as a chain is the Arrival Routine. This routine may include MANY steps - think... walk to classroom, greet teachers, greet peers, unpack backpack, put lunchbox away, put communication book away, put coat and backpack in cubby (or locker), write schedule, etc. When teaching chains, I often include some type of support which will remain in place after staff prompts have been eliminated and I typically use the Graduated Guidance prompting technique to use only as much prompting as needed. Graduated guidance is a prompting strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis where staff prompting is increased and decreased immediately based upon moment to moment student performance. I often look at the data from the previous opportunity to see which steps the student seems to already understand as well as which ones he/she needs the most help with. This allows me to anticipate when I may need to move in with a prompt and when I can allow the student to attempt independence. This way I am making data based decisions to guide my prompting and ONLY PROMPTING WHEN NEEDED.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, this is our goal for the week - removing staff prompting as much as possible (only prompting when & how much the student needs) while still closely monitoring and tracking progress and, of course, providing lots of positive reinforcement for independence and student initiation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have said this so many times to my staff in the past and I think it is worthwhile to pass along to you as well: Our ultimate job is to ensure that our students do not need us to be here anymore! Independence is the most important achievement a student can make. Can we leave certain supports in place and have the student still be considered independent and successful? Yes! A visual schedule is a support the student can access without another person present. Hand over hand guidance or step by step verbal prompts (which are my biggest pet peeve and a whole other post for another day!) are socially mediated and so someone must be with the student, which does not allow for independence.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trust yourselves and your students, monitor for readiness, mentally prepare yourselves and your staff for what it feels like to take a step back & let your students shine!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week everyone :)<br /></div>
<div>
~Kristine </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-65841673415385837062016-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-01T02:51:50.029-07:00Facilitating Communication from the Start: A Back to School Guide<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{Guys... We are running an exciting Back to School Giveaway from Sept 1st to the 8th! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out the details below. But FIRST, I wanted to chat with you a bit about getting back into language facilitation while you're getting settled in back at school this fall!}</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, you know that verbal and non-verbal language, communication & social skills are at the top of the list of challenges they face (to varying degrees). Not having the skills or being able to generalize those skills in order to effectively communicate is not only frustrating and limiting to the functioning of your student out in the world, but it can also cause lots of other issues, including challenging behaviors. Needless to say, one of your biggest jobs as a teacher of students with autism is to support the language needs of your students. ALL LANGUAGE, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY is the new motto of our classroom & I hope I can persuade you to adopt a similar one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you're getting your classrooms ready & heading back to school (for those of you who are winding down your first month... I hope it's been a great one... sorry your summer was so short... it's never too late to bring in new strategies so keep reading!) it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you are teaching & eliciting from your students (with or without autism). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eliciting Language - What is it and why is it important?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eliciting language is essentially setting up situations where the student will need to communicate in order to access something desired or needed. For example, if the student is working on writing his schedule and there are no pencils in the classroom, he will need to 1 - look around for a pencil, 2 - ask to borrow one if a classmate or teacher has one in view, 3 - ask someone for help (or better yet, use a "WH" Question to find the item). If it is lunchtime and the microwave isn't working, the student will need to find another way to heat up lunch, eat lunch cold OR ask someone to help! This is a big one - remind me to put this in my Sub Binder - make sure everyone knows that you don't immediately side step out of the way when a student with special needs enters your space and needs to pass through... Lots of people are polite. Lots of people "in the real world" will likely move aside for your student in the community too. However, some people may not notice they are approaching. Some people may not know what their intentions are. Some people may be intimidated when your student becomes a larger adult. I think we know where this is going, if your student is used to people always moving aside and never using the language skill of stating "excuse me" (and the social skill of waiting until the person moves out of the way) the likelihood that they will run into someone or become very frustrated when this expectation isn't fulfilled is pretty high. Set your kids up for success. Show them what they need to do. Make them practice. Even when you're in a rush. Even when you're having an important conversation with your supervisor in the doorway and it's lunch time. Even when... you get it. All language. All day. Every day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Note:</b> This doesn't mean that every time the student needs to do a given activity you will purposefully put up a road block to elicit language, but it means that you will periodically use this instructional method to teach language skills within the context that they need to be used.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another important strategy for teaching language skills and eliciting the use of those skills when they are needed is using visual cues. From communication choice boards to written scripts and/or text cues, visual language supports can be extremely beneficial to your students. Using pictures and words helps with comprehension so that your student is selecting the word(s) he/she intends to use. If you're setting up communication choice boards (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Choice-Board-for-ABA-Autism-or-Special-Education-Classes-955893" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">check out this FREEBIE</span></a>), you are providing your student with a limited and manageable array of choices to use when communicating. This can be set up for specific activities (e.g., the different words and phrases needed during a game are very different than math) or can span the whole day and be more generic (think basic needs - bathroom, break, water, etc.). When using visuals which are activity specific, put them where the activity takes place, or have the student bring them along with their other materials for that task. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Need-to-Go-Door-Sign-Visuals-for-Autism-Special-Ed-Elementary-Ed-2696508" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">"I Need to Go" Door Sign</span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> (included in the Back to School Resource Pack) is the newest visual I have put in place in my classroom & I'm super excited about it. I have LOTS of independent students in my class guys... they know what goes where, they know their routines, they can follow complex schedules, and yet standing at the door waiting for an adult to 1. Notice them and 2. Ask them what they need was at an ALL TIME HIGH in June. My plan is to have the language supports in place AND IN THE PLACE THEY'RE NEEDED in order for my students to begin initiating language use in order to access what they need. What we don't want to do is teach our students that the behavior that gets them access to what they need is running out of the room (at which point an adult intervenes & ultimately discovers the need & prompts the correct request then grants access) or being off task in the doorway for 10 minutes waiting to be "discovered" by an adult. No, we want the student to come to the step in the chain (whether the chain is bathroom use, unpacking and going to the locker, going to the lunchroom, etc.) where they need to communicate information with an adult and to make that communication happen so they see that their words have meaning & their words are what get them what they need.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Guys, language is power. Language is essential for success. Language is essential for a high quality of life. Help your kids get there! Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with ideas, questions, etc.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Kristine</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here Are the Giveaway Details:</span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smartysymbols/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smarty Symbols</span></a> on Facebook</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Comment below about what your biggest challenge is heading back to school</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc49e6192/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Click Here to Start!</span></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. GOOD LUCK! There are some AWESOME prizes up for grabs :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, hop on over to Autism Classroom News <a href="http://www.autismclassroomresources.com/?p=5929&preview=true" target="_blank">HERE</a> for an awesome blog post about Steps to Building Classroom Teams!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8p180_9rYhBZ1QK0YESAMKWJDGuJWZW8sTDMVTmGImZ4tegeCLjXM9VNd6U_HK60G9ZfcH7oG8kRHCMuslsWm6OQA5N2_pEoGbzDsYS_BKmtjMuiNmeEngeigp4LwM0-bHuP8svNQR4/s1600/B2S+Blog+Hop+Giveaway+2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8p180_9rYhBZ1QK0YESAMKWJDGuJWZW8sTDMVTmGImZ4tegeCLjXM9VNd6U_HK60G9ZfcH7oG8kRHCMuslsWm6OQA5N2_pEoGbzDsYS_BKmtjMuiNmeEngeigp4LwM0-bHuP8svNQR4/s320/B2S+Blog+Hop+Giveaway+2016.png" width="213"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-32293921219038620452016-05-19T16:30:00.002-07:002016-05-19T16:30:46.002-07:00Staff Training: Building Student Independence and Using Non-Verbal Prompting Strategies<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever get to that point in the year where you see and hear WAYYYYY too much verbal prompting and over prompting in general? That's where I'm at right now. And with only 4 1/2 weeks left of school and a BILLION deadlines looming (and a few that passed...which I sadly did not meet) the last thing on my mind is stopping everything for some staff training. Well that attitude was clearly getting me no where and cringing is unfortunately not an effective method of delivering feedback SO I bit the bullet and wrote up some new guidelines which I have just started reviewing in my class. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our first training took place this afternoon during our built in meeting time (we get 15 minutes every day which is both never enough and a total lifesaver) and it was mostly an introduction. We started off addressing issues related to independence for our kids, especially as they are growing older and the absolute necessity to get the most out of their last few years of intensive support and instruction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some of the common issues I run into and I have seen others run into over the years:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stopping yourself from wanting to help someone with a disability. I think this is hard for everyone. Parents and other family members included. This child has limitations, how can I just let them struggle. I actually think it is often NOT a conscious decision someone is making, but either way it happens. Addressing it head on, discussing how much MORE important it is to focus on independence for someone with a disability is truly essential.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Figuring out when students are asking for help and truly need it vs times when students are trying to get you to do things for them that they are perfectly capable of doing. Guess what, you probably have at least one kid in your class who cons you into cutting his food, tying her shoes, zipping his coat, etc. who actually 100% can do that on their own. Yet, language use is so important and so not responding to a request for help is tricky for all of us! Find the balance, learn to address the request while encouraging attempts (e.g., you try first, then I can help) whenever appropriate can be a good first step here.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Learning to take a passive role in a child's education. For many of us working in specialized programs, we get very used to the high levels of support our kids need. And we really don't know what to do with ourselves when they become independent. Learning to monitor is so important, be sure to focus on this with your staff!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am the first to admit that I too struggle finding the line between trying to avoid and eliminate errors and prompting too soon, it is not easy. However, if you have seen the student demonstrate the skill in the past it is a bit easier and proving a slightly longer "attempt" window is appropriate.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I won't go through the whole training (you can download it below), but one thing I want to touch on is this: Re-frame the way you think about prompting. Don't become fearful of providing necessary assistance. Do ALWAYS think about how you will fade out and how quickly you can do so.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Consider
how different types of prompts impact independence – would you consider a
student who needs someone to stand in the bathroom and tell them what to do for
every step of showering themselves to be independent? What about a student who
needed a laminated visual schedule in the shower? If neither is truly
independent, which is the least intrusive?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now... Non-verbal prompts. I think this goes hand in hand with allowing for and pushing for independence. Nothing makes me cringe more than hearing a verbal play by play of every step in a chain once the initial direction is already given. I've heard myself do it before and had to bite my tongue. We know NOT to do this and yet sometimes it just seems to be the simplest route. Here's my current frame of mind on the matter. If you're in a situation with a learner who: 1 - cannot read an impromptu written schedule for a new task, 2 - cannot imitate or follow a live staff/peer model, 3 - doesn't respond well to physical guidance or other prompts are not effective at avoiding errors AND 4 - the student can understand the language you are using, by all means, in the moment use verbal prompts and then before the next opportunity take some time to develop supports which allow the student to succeed without them. If all of those things aren't true, verbal prompts are not an appropriate method of instruction. This may seem extreme, however having seen how difficult it can be to fade out those prompts, I think we really need to consider what we are doing when we use them. Is it terrible to do occasionally? No, but it shouldn't be a long term instructional technique. And it shouldn't be your go to strategy all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I include a LOT classroom specific examples in my trainings, as well as examples of times when I have done both the right and wrong thing. We really have to see value and relatable-ness (clearly not a word!) in the skills we as teachers are learning, this is the same for classroom support staff and therapists. Best of luck moving your staff in this direction and pushing for your students to be more independent. As always do not hesitate to email me with any questions: autism.theteenyears@gmail.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can download an editable version of the handout I made for my staff <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/jg3tx9cfimo73sm/Guidelines%20for%20Building%20Independence%20and%20Using%20NonVerbal%20Prompts.docx?dl=0" target="_blank">here.</a></span>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-10911971451589545352016-04-02T18:44:00.000-07:002016-04-02T18:44:22.835-07:00What is Meaningful and Successful Participation in the Community? (A Brief Overview)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A few months back I had the chance to do some in district parent training on success in the community and promised to share the slides with you all (sorry for the delay!) so here it is! I may try at a future date to do a more in depth series on community instruction and building success. If there are any specific areas you are all looking for help with please reach out on the blog or email me at autism.theteenyears@gmail.com</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The main areas covered in the training are: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Keep in mind this is a HUGE topic and I could literally talk about it for days. And days. So many areas were an overview and a lot of individual details and discussions came up during the training.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. Safety & Preparedness</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5srklQ2xuVOvnlTn7L08j4-BpkxDdAOU9PzzAh8z_ZpMpxxbokS_7tvR3hspvkBpDO8tmGPcK7pOpWTx9W-n86G5ZfEL3zLMZoTrd6aSaX4vaTJOqi1Odehyphenhyphenoi16-f_8AJIf-UHu0aYs/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5srklQ2xuVOvnlTn7L08j4-BpkxDdAOU9PzzAh8z_ZpMpxxbokS_7tvR3hspvkBpDO8tmGPcK7pOpWTx9W-n86G5ZfEL3zLMZoTrd6aSaX4vaTJOqi1Odehyphenhyphenoi16-f_8AJIf-UHu0aYs/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h7dtb-g-zVMCG2GJ_-Lk_45u_AYA1eLhAnm19hvqIvZyCLewROznyroImmm9jaoCE7Kqe22CcDCAb6wMXCtgJHVjQUrngrHMHaKGMPwuyrpA_OMi_oz4LUx71pS7tRLI1nv_sHdxxas/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h7dtb-g-zVMCG2GJ_-Lk_45u_AYA1eLhAnm19hvqIvZyCLewROznyroImmm9jaoCE7Kqe22CcDCAb6wMXCtgJHVjQUrngrHMHaKGMPwuyrpA_OMi_oz4LUx71pS7tRLI1nv_sHdxxas/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Readiness Skills</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN3Kx9vSYYheq644glqYdg-HlvDbGxSkeyoOBz162NJMSHzA5txG0T1DcBNpvdMZfPJkjXTxcNMXkEeuhFdPvEdLKr5Eemh95RiYJUOJduysu7DEw9azA26vkJ5uG7cKRG-nqokF6G4k/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN3Kx9vSYYheq644glqYdg-HlvDbGxSkeyoOBz162NJMSHzA5txG0T1DcBNpvdMZfPJkjXTxcNMXkEeuhFdPvEdLKr5Eemh95RiYJUOJduysu7DEw9azA26vkJ5uG7cKRG-nqokF6G4k/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3. Strategies for Success</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygs-sm7bW66w7qxdnGOwDn-Xp-AqpCquiOOS0T1lI859hHS7PMMgGzteYZeKl5Vr0ro9LDRTTdlTCvWY4wpxI3oBP7WaPIvv1jnpjNZaUCT4nH-CJ7dCinfCkFc63bUMGjMUKQ9rvNUM/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygs-sm7bW66w7qxdnGOwDn-Xp-AqpCquiOOS0T1lI859hHS7PMMgGzteYZeKl5Vr0ro9LDRTTdlTCvWY4wpxI3oBP7WaPIvv1jnpjNZaUCT4nH-CJ7dCinfCkFc63bUMGjMUKQ9rvNUM/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRMDoNUwdO-X6HRM4orO9h-win-LuVd8ePVpGzj9bhFd9XIf3MlPYf4YBj_ieSQVNCX_QPN-sItwE2CfJWMH62KUM3S-MuEqQWQVY2TUbBmoO_DssRBqKwI5YmE_hwr-IxC3jRP0IAHI/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRMDoNUwdO-X6HRM4orO9h-win-LuVd8ePVpGzj9bhFd9XIf3MlPYf4YBj_ieSQVNCX_QPN-sItwE2CfJWMH62KUM3S-MuEqQWQVY2TUbBmoO_DssRBqKwI5YmE_hwr-IxC3jRP0IAHI/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Defining Success</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eWo3IC90EROzMbZaWqdJsm8AiAMusC_MKJn6z2pdrs7iwdNR38gTI4h70FPrHhP5mZ7bQDbC4HYgId5bbCl_jyKrMtE-tZHfYX1PgX8s9j1M-AN0HA4WqCwbJOnZ9NtaidvZbjSw3v0/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eWo3IC90EROzMbZaWqdJsm8AiAMusC_MKJn6z2pdrs7iwdNR38gTI4h70FPrHhP5mZ7bQDbC4HYgId5bbCl_jyKrMtE-tZHfYX1PgX8s9j1M-AN0HA4WqCwbJOnZ9NtaidvZbjSw3v0/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%25289%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. Final Tips & Reminders</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiDm6IrUqyRbOg4WZrE9xHijYUBEqSS0Jd9s_5o2mM4goyUY9axQJfx6tQIGyRjAS5Lb7cWwax0zzNHq00A5IrIRe8Xtu6DRGuFKZ7R1Fdcj3BKXZV0-27hdwalTrb1Q12UWCXC8id80/s1600/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiDm6IrUqyRbOg4WZrE9xHijYUBEqSS0Jd9s_5o2mM4goyUY9axQJfx6tQIGyRjAS5Lb7cWwax0zzNHq00A5IrIRe8Xtu6DRGuFKZ7R1Fdcj3BKXZV0-27hdwalTrb1Q12UWCXC8id80/s320/Success+in+the+Community+SEPTO+2.2.16+%252810%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-53565511123575277412015-06-27T21:44:00.003-07:002015-06-27T21:44:52.140-07:00Planning for Maternity Leave!!So I possibly mentioned my upcoming maternity leave (possibly the worst time ever to be absent...I'll be missing the first 4 weeks of school!) which is giving me massive anxiety. However, that's life and I'm trying to set up my class for success in my absence.<br />
<br />
Here is Part 1 of my maternity leave plans:<br />
Week-by-week sub plans for getting back into routines, coordinating with therapists for schedule information rotation of morning group activities & special Back to School activities.<br />
The main focus of September is usually:<br />
1.Getting students used to changes to our schedules, routines & staffing.<br />
a. Schedule changes & social stories about the new year changes & my maternity leave will be reviewed on the first day (and again as needed). The new monthly calendar will be set up & discussed so students have a general idea of what's happening day to day.<br />
2. Getting student behaviors back under control (if they aren't already) by re-establishing behavioral expectations and re-pairing the environment & staff (old & new) with reinforcement (using higher than normal rates of reinforcement to show the students their good behavior and efforts in the classroom is worthwhile, then gradually moving back to their typical reinforcement schedules).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
3. Dealing with administrative Back to School needs like having forms returned, medical supplies sent in, lunch plans set up (especially for students with free & reduced lunch plans), etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApnx9m_zah0PlNm045X6doApMdeJu0deFG91iA0DzB9Xc5ZFWPIKf1krN4rB64dO_xFRS9iIWuVdmGsTLeaZNdAv1rm71BL-LhHgnlgveQ7StAShbX3cFJYrlzopHues0Y5dQa6eIVc8/s1600/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApnx9m_zah0PlNm045X6doApMdeJu0deFG91iA0DzB9Xc5ZFWPIKf1krN4rB64dO_xFRS9iIWuVdmGsTLeaZNdAv1rm71BL-LhHgnlgveQ7StAShbX3cFJYrlzopHues0Y5dQa6eIVc8/s320/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans.PNG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaLKqcrs4zZr19dRlHiCSRui3zfmjtfcJ8SsagtL_Rtkva48yMfYpD5QzCr9IGzx-xpD3uSKpVFf2SqJPyJJgZ3RUjhYYCEJc0PQKIQIKJn9LqyT275BEU6QsrrFEnL85Ab0TtlZY1zE/s1600/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaLKqcrs4zZr19dRlHiCSRui3zfmjtfcJ8SsagtL_Rtkva48yMfYpD5QzCr9IGzx-xpD3uSKpVFf2SqJPyJJgZ3RUjhYYCEJc0PQKIQIKJn9LqyT275BEU6QsrrFEnL85Ab0TtlZY1zE/s320/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+2.PNG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHCVwfs_dsI_gmzM5691SSnOtVJigSOXznFUoqw18EwBQ1OBTINDTSzQSCTh0TtzNw-Doq_JpgmRyQ34CRfpjHWy4aQj3Fa8TJ_sgln05jGXwrdRUFQhe3op2cUf4rJT1Wu6M4MAS3JA/s1600/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHCVwfs_dsI_gmzM5691SSnOtVJigSOXznFUoqw18EwBQ1OBTINDTSzQSCTh0TtzNw-Doq_JpgmRyQ34CRfpjHWy4aQj3Fa8TJ_sgln05jGXwrdRUFQhe3op2cUf4rJT1Wu6M4MAS3JA/s320/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+3.PNG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB1ENy9PgAs3O_jYZfE_QFYoPHC27KUlYbC6YmeeoAgHCYMMufcJe5oRbVIMsNL37F77jJOuc7RlacJN3It_PN1TPooXeTPd1lLTvCP9TwW5zeyUtGEGakc7t_1Bw64Fo89TYgJSzUtk/s1600/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB1ENy9PgAs3O_jYZfE_QFYoPHC27KUlYbC6YmeeoAgHCYMMufcJe5oRbVIMsNL37F77jJOuc7RlacJN3It_PN1TPooXeTPd1lLTvCP9TwW5zeyUtGEGakc7t_1Bw64Fo89TYgJSzUtk/s320/Maternity+Leave+Sub+Plans+4.PNG" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Stay tuned in for upcoming posts about our schedule & structure of our September instructional sessions. Best of luck planning for September everyone!!<br />
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, check out these resources for more clear guidelines on some of the morning group activities we will be working on.<br />
Morning Group Activities: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Group-Lessons-for-Autism-ABA-and-Special-Education-Weather-Group-1927201" target="_blank">Weather Group Plans & Materials</a> & <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Group-Lessons-for-Autism-ABA-and-Special-Education-Calendar-Group-1924170" target="_blank">Calendar Group Plans & Materials</a><br />
Back to School Forms & Activities: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Forms-Information-Sheets-FREEBIE-1394697" target="_blank">Back to School Forms (FREEBIE)</a> & <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Book-for-Autism-ABA-or-Special-Education-1921144" target="_blank">Back to School Mini Books</a>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-60045822739325889542015-03-10T18:33:00.000-07:002015-03-10T18:33:03.961-07:00Student Data Books: Getting Organized!!(So this is take two on this blog post... started it on my phone, when to look something up real fast and lost it. Oh well, Take a Deep Breath Tuesday continues!!)<br />
<br />
This year I completely revamped and reorganized my system for data collection, which brought with it new formatted programs, data sheets and a MUCH better organizational system that makes instruction SO much easier! Including myself, there are 4 staff members in my classroom running programs on any given day at any given time. That means we need a clear-cut & simple system that we can use efficiently so our main focus is student learning!<br />
<br />
Create what works for you and your classroom. I do NOT have all of my data in this book, this is primarily academics and language skills. Other skills which most/all students are working on that take place in a very specific location (such as hygiene, typing, vocational work tasks) are organized in their own binders with each students' current goals, data sheets & materials are set up inside - again, whatever is the simplest way to make everything clear and accessible is absolutely the way to go!<br />
<br />
I have to give a shout out to Miss. Meghan, a colleague of time, who used this fantastic organizer & some neat tricks to make them last longer & be completely re-usable time and time again (you'll see how below!) for her skill acquisition programs: This is what I'm talking about (also available at other stores that sell office supplies such as Walmart, possibly Target, etc.): <a href="http://www.staples.com/Avery-reg-Extra-Wide-Table-of-Contents-Tab-Dividers-Multicolor-1-10/product_379075" target="_blank">Avery Extra-Wide Table of Contents Tab Dividers 1-10</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPhoKhYaKV72NB6JgxzkJo6-l-QXi_92Wk0CCB7PvfMSOOdnaIoSrx4AaS7HgeyH38ruIOR34_80cSN6PLkbkQGjKcVwru7JasnPHHvl9PHc5FRbuo3q6uLaYFVr50UVbOjVUuP9tN6Y/s1600/IMG_0219%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPhoKhYaKV72NB6JgxzkJo6-l-QXi_92Wk0CCB7PvfMSOOdnaIoSrx4AaS7HgeyH38ruIOR34_80cSN6PLkbkQGjKcVwru7JasnPHHvl9PHc5FRbuo3q6uLaYFVr50UVbOjVUuP9tN6Y/s1600/IMG_0219%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
So first things first - cute binder covers & spine labels with student names so all staff can quickly identify and grab what they need (I even have one student who will look at the schedule, see that he is working with me, see which classmates are also working with us and will grab all the books to get ready!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZJ3tWpSAU0EUD88H7wQ-cXmVnR9_M8LpQBwkm7o1azKAPjGmgojiwS3yPB6wucacOJTukbFUUK3Rlw2QBqo9kw6pFalhyxx62FZVk13UpSKEIxq5NPI4ZJ6g7x2wUYUg8VW8VuC7gl0/s1600/IMG_0220%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZJ3tWpSAU0EUD88H7wQ-cXmVnR9_M8LpQBwkm7o1azKAPjGmgojiwS3yPB6wucacOJTukbFUUK3Rlw2QBqo9kw6pFalhyxx62FZVk13UpSKEIxq5NPI4ZJ6g7x2wUYUg8VW8VuC7gl0/s1600/IMG_0220%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
When you open the binders, the first thing you'll see is: A list of IEP goals, baseline scores, dates the programs were initiated & mastery or discontinuation dates, assessments & assessment data, my notes, etc. Just a little section all for me :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVDTnvNllIAOnX-4O0cXpKJ9VhjRxwRuPIHaP8cMZsjN1opFv4AKLNw-b0-jgNMbEbEAb7TAPbnhrc5YRkMuFQjvJKwjUHYSlkxecp16whCESF6_REoJOmj_EqPEu8V-Dzk4r_A7YJ8U/s1600/IMG_0221%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVDTnvNllIAOnX-4O0cXpKJ9VhjRxwRuPIHaP8cMZsjN1opFv4AKLNw-b0-jgNMbEbEAb7TAPbnhrc5YRkMuFQjvJKwjUHYSlkxecp16whCESF6_REoJOmj_EqPEu8V-Dzk4r_A7YJ8U/s1600/IMG_0221%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the table of contents divider set in action! I have mine laminated so I can easily write on and erase them using dry erase markers & then the table of contents is placed in a page protector so the writing doesn't get wiped off until I'm ready (again, thanks Meg, you're 100% my organizational guru!).<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Note:</b> This particular student has a lot of goals in a lot of different areas, so I have grouped them together in a way I felt made the most sense. For that reason when you flip to a certain #'d divider you will see multiple goals. Ideally, there would only be one goal per divider, however who would I be if I didn't have to be flexible & learn to adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of my kids??</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG1m9jw-284ZmZaufoBypG_qz-RnPWbvLlAgi10ZuleVsfSI9IgBO1Zzbv-a3kOCOjQT5tbEzKynuHDKJGGcpM3BjRQ6UEBEKUoP7NYYESY6e-gYHJ49IBTK0XSCluzkNz7G1i9rUeEs/s1600/IMG_0222%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG1m9jw-284ZmZaufoBypG_qz-RnPWbvLlAgi10ZuleVsfSI9IgBO1Zzbv-a3kOCOjQT5tbEzKynuHDKJGGcpM3BjRQ6UEBEKUoP7NYYESY6e-gYHJ49IBTK0XSCluzkNz7G1i9rUeEs/s1600/IMG_0222%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next: I included a binder pocket for storing bulkier materials. I only put things in here temporarily (if they are shared/communal materials) or things which only that one student is working on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Note:</b> I have a different storage place for communal materials so that we can all locate & share the materials easily.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYglQQuSYyNrdjVQeeSv6w_1q9WYuk4hBNFFKq6FBM4EWaxFfP04y1dwW2PkRoq4Tyv5kMQl_oqSzJ8l0OLOsN9FpDlk5n3eqcp6J_sTEmlWlfnx5piq5lOPGpSNLvKrp64upY0-03Las/s1600/IMG_0223%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYglQQuSYyNrdjVQeeSv6w_1q9WYuk4hBNFFKq6FBM4EWaxFfP04y1dwW2PkRoq4Tyv5kMQl_oqSzJ8l0OLOsN9FpDlk5n3eqcp6J_sTEmlWlfnx5piq5lOPGpSNLvKrp64upY0-03Las/s1600/IMG_0223%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you flip to the next page, you'll find the numbered dividers, which, again, make it super easy to find what you need and fast!<br />
Flip to the divider you're looking for here is what you will find:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhCJu6-Nq1LdbpIKW7CYDQvI8z6y9-XMD-Nm6lSMlXfGx7vHCn-k7W3tvR_NoSVgKgGFtHYugWe737RX5_ZM7Be5dZSQHHmOVP98_xfDId96QRryN5mQeRhdM3ZVRmn9_6KXsrUPa5jo/s1600/IMG_0229%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhCJu6-Nq1LdbpIKW7CYDQvI8z6y9-XMD-Nm6lSMlXfGx7vHCn-k7W3tvR_NoSVgKgGFtHYugWe737RX5_ZM7Be5dZSQHHmOVP98_xfDId96QRryN5mQeRhdM3ZVRmn9_6KXsrUPa5jo/s1600/IMG_0229%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
1. A skill acquisition program<br />
2. A data sheet<br />
3. Materials (whenever possible!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK9jkYEG0br5XDaosneRYAVHb-3b-nKK0CmQPV__XrcguYRkz24BC6eAN1db6Ytr_P_zYgbwd8pi7m1GgkhAlORdKWt6WXVD1FWLiTp61MyTz1LcSxTv4s1GMG3bXXVShRDUeDooETOc/s1600/IMG_0227%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK9jkYEG0br5XDaosneRYAVHb-3b-nKK0CmQPV__XrcguYRkz24BC6eAN1db6Ytr_P_zYgbwd8pi7m1GgkhAlORdKWt6WXVD1FWLiTp61MyTz1LcSxTv4s1GMG3bXXVShRDUeDooETOc/s1600/IMG_0227%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The data collecting continues in the next section. Here you will find all of my curriculum checklists, updated regularly for the student. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Behind the checklists I have acquired programs, still working on some of the organization in the back of these binders, but hey - we are a work in progress!)</span></div>
<br />
I hope you find this helpful & please share your tips for organization, I'm always looking for ways to improve my organization & efficiency!<br />
<br />Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-82511028236998711742015-03-09T16:07:00.001-07:002015-03-09T16:07:31.282-07:00NEW Comprehensive Typing Skills ResourceHey All!<br />
<br />
It's certainly been a while. Just wanted to show you what I've been up to!<br />
So this year my goal has been to get so completely organized that I blow my own mind. Clearly that has not yet happened, however I have been doing some helpful things for my classroom. One has been developing this comprehensive Typing Skills Resource (soon to be available on my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Autism-The-Teen-Years" target="_blank">TPT Store</a>).<br />
One of the main areas my instructional aides have been working with my students this year is on their typing goals. The great thing about this is the skills are very clear-cut. Either the student did or did not perform the skill accurately and independently which takes out all the guess work.<br />
<br />
Since my students are all performing at very different levels for this skill set (like most others!!), making materials little by little has been putting us pretty far behind. So I finally buckled down and got to work. I set up a separate Curriculum Checklist just for typing skills (which includes 44 skills!), wrote a sample program for each skill (that can be tailored to the needs of any individual student), made up custom data sheets (where needed, some skills will use a more generic form, whereas rate building and chain programs may have their own data form) and created all the materials I needed to really get these skills the intensive practice they need for mastery (which includes typing models & computer files as well as visual aids for instruction & for a quick reference for your instructional aides).<br />
<br />
Below is a quick glance at what my binder looks like set up in my class. This set-up may not work for everyone, however I like that things are all in one place so that multiple instructors can find them when needed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX9SP-ICjtf_4cktBYdkjhee4gfYC1mEZIDvDaig0KjPH_Y9aadjPKTk4qO_2LAfWp92xq0BS0ASdN0l3v5oickUnPcRhK24cVDEk7VCvzPlbxHef_HsGQyG5AbVu9YgdPshuVkxBADM/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX9SP-ICjtf_4cktBYdkjhee4gfYC1mEZIDvDaig0KjPH_Y9aadjPKTk4qO_2LAfWp92xq0BS0ASdN0l3v5oickUnPcRhK24cVDEk7VCvzPlbxHef_HsGQyG5AbVu9YgdPshuVkxBADM/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First I set up the dividers: Student Data (All data sheets for current goals are located in this section, flip to the student's initials & you can see exactly what they need to do for the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreLTfPr6BMfsIE4DZMeYnDZRHsTowBF3-LQVQ9ikv0nhiR5nDT4Cr_AfOYC0LXbjutStKsI8wc6rZBXG-B__5HJg7VqQ00Up0tbfBTbhGwiyIcQUnayk63v2QJ0qlCdA6r8I4tiNDoAA/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreLTfPr6BMfsIE4DZMeYnDZRHsTowBF3-LQVQ9ikv0nhiR5nDT4Cr_AfOYC0LXbjutStKsI8wc6rZBXG-B__5HJg7VqQ00Up0tbfBTbhGwiyIcQUnayk63v2QJ0qlCdA6r8I4tiNDoAA/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a sample data sheet for one of my guys. He is working on different punctuation marks (multiple sets are running at once for this particular student). Data is recorded for each of the punctuation marks he is working on so I can see what's happening and where the trouble areas are (as well as strengths!) to make fast & data-based decisions about what to do. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOdEZtwgHBVa7HH-hjmK1KZKpmn3qOaHcP7VmAIR7Y8D9bSGmecXTw-SKa2z3pCIeRDSxHJyTOnKYyuu-WsotvR3dINaZSrbcX8x4vs2U2ziDoQMIPNriwuu8FnK1MGsiUKhynYgBY5Q/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOdEZtwgHBVa7HH-hjmK1KZKpmn3qOaHcP7VmAIR7Y8D9bSGmecXTw-SKa2z3pCIeRDSxHJyTOnKYyuu-WsotvR3dINaZSrbcX8x4vs2U2ziDoQMIPNriwuu8FnK1MGsiUKhynYgBY5Q/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second divider holds blank copies of data sheets. For the time being I only have the two most commonly used data sheets in this section. For more specific skills, the data sheets can be found with that program. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_YVKEQsJN_5r9bxDMMOI2Q9K9RslUwgzDBZ1959IDjj5z5J1YCT2TWukVJwjcn5mx36gQJ_1Ka0CvSIDquMbPkJntgYJ-GdI75nOT1XSuv0LmQ90dSA4J5s2CyQ9KhGVE4YvlUMC58/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_YVKEQsJN_5r9bxDMMOI2Q9K9RslUwgzDBZ1959IDjj5z5J1YCT2TWukVJwjcn5mx36gQJ_1Ka0CvSIDquMbPkJntgYJ-GdI75nOT1XSuv0LmQ90dSA4J5s2CyQ9KhGVE4YvlUMC58/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rate Building Data Sheet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC4G6cFAL_FmqjgfS8q4gP2AdU9rAT2ocqBK0LdHwAvPUmOWdXkGzWIbFKAWYmux7OZfHoTjAuBlgme89VcapJuI1jppIUmZrc-f3dww2zJwcT5nlrfeLfOP6cW3UQRP2io-pew4DkAs/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC4G6cFAL_FmqjgfS8q4gP2AdU9rAT2ocqBK0LdHwAvPUmOWdXkGzWIbFKAWYmux7OZfHoTjAuBlgme89VcapJuI1jppIUmZrc-f3dww2zJwcT5nlrfeLfOP6cW3UQRP2io-pew4DkAs/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) Data Sheet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg299ug40mLdbkkcXHjjpfzXU15De1BlAUx_J9Pa9qeIvO2VfhzbBA3Se2sBhPZMDrq2zowxwXZxFeOPYe3GQ0BDnafYAL_nA2OkRHNeVqpf7FmrANerME_-XZy8C7MDL1eNoYfCalEv0/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg299ug40mLdbkkcXHjjpfzXU15De1BlAUx_J9Pa9qeIvO2VfhzbBA3Se2sBhPZMDrq2zowxwXZxFeOPYe3GQ0BDnafYAL_nA2OkRHNeVqpf7FmrANerME_-XZy8C7MDL1eNoYfCalEv0/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section 3: Programs and Materials. Each Skill area is separated by a labeled divider (see Skill Area 3 Divider Below). Following the divider, the programs are placed in the same order as listed on the divider and each skill is followed immediately by the instructional materials needed to teach it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pvoo-8uE21kJe5upPvBwGNDU4iht9-cVhBAByokRo_Z41VQ51SjvhiDqhodzdjC8fI2t4jLyC6fkGij5FiCG_g42SA9DrAkbnpxF_CqpT3cJtFZiQvE0w7R9ypMRaiEmIY90SuA3Hl4/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pvoo-8uE21kJe5upPvBwGNDU4iht9-cVhBAByokRo_Z41VQ51SjvhiDqhodzdjC8fI2t4jLyC6fkGij5FiCG_g42SA9DrAkbnpxF_CqpT3cJtFZiQvE0w7R9ypMRaiEmIY90SuA3Hl4/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6GmDvZhUFf0uHP6qBlQVzp0iy9N0yMuzr8v-pLZSQKeDoI3tdODeGZvLehPTD3ZbwkdksyItlp0WS5GH0soDYDtX8ZIRT7DYKJHExmg1ccEi1pzozXxPCLmy1P5HXj7jKKtJQrJI5sM/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6GmDvZhUFf0uHP6qBlQVzp0iy9N0yMuzr8v-pLZSQKeDoI3tdODeGZvLehPTD3ZbwkdksyItlp0WS5GH0soDYDtX8ZIRT7DYKJHExmg1ccEi1pzozXxPCLmy1P5HXj7jKKtJQrJI5sM/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3VR7c3m09ooFbi7eRJ34MspVKMnn2Glt9wu6fiuRwHzsXEqb5BqAUKz90MH_-T7lXlxZcZIrd91ST_TUeY9cGCixTKhtTHBuDQAxrB3o1By65GqaPHz5dkyIwEUO7qz2okmBGrTtvWQ/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3VR7c3m09ooFbi7eRJ34MspVKMnn2Glt9wu6fiuRwHzsXEqb5BqAUKz90MH_-T7lXlxZcZIrd91ST_TUeY9cGCixTKhtTHBuDQAxrB3o1By65GqaPHz5dkyIwEUO7qz2okmBGrTtvWQ/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEftiGAb8MK8gpiq3qDuwt7iL5MHUOaVihP-p8t45hh-urqkC3AhoUP4JmXEztBytRZWZIVyY9isUU7FAKSKIb75Johcp_cyDfSLiX_wlzDhyoJLmYDS6ZLdGG5GluS5obwSUxDBAdoY/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEftiGAb8MK8gpiq3qDuwt7iL5MHUOaVihP-p8t45hh-urqkC3AhoUP4JmXEztBytRZWZIVyY9isUU7FAKSKIb75Johcp_cyDfSLiX_wlzDhyoJLmYDS6ZLdGG5GluS5obwSUxDBAdoY/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small materials are cut out, laminated & placed into labeled baggies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of the baggies of materials for one skill are placed into a single page protector. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCKn03C1uFeCeOCmsSxon66q9oyWpWKuPk5pWksVrjNADJT6IQrIITT-cx8UvIm475-lImdlYIU6rmOYJo0Kj_FCXfq0C0hUOa1Rupjvs24eTPh8hSMxpxQAfamjx8Vz1q1YdVi2G-Ug/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCKn03C1uFeCeOCmsSxon66q9oyWpWKuPk5pWksVrjNADJT6IQrIITT-cx8UvIm475-lImdlYIU6rmOYJo0Kj_FCXfq0C0hUOa1Rupjvs24eTPh8hSMxpxQAfamjx8Vz1q1YdVi2G-Ug/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcXEuFLLp3tNtgEn6OFVO42GqprcaSKxC8xPAQm_ruZojP3yc-uIcP9J5wjnaF-iTpZ-19U0vp2csiv7Mn9sUesbjGXvyTxYX5wyXJXAzzvLDn0ymEjm3h04C7_71ux3dsLUpwaQdslg/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcXEuFLLp3tNtgEn6OFVO42GqprcaSKxC8xPAQm_ruZojP3yc-uIcP9J5wjnaF-iTpZ-19U0vp2csiv7Mn9sUesbjGXvyTxYX5wyXJXAzzvLDn0ymEjm3h04C7_71ux3dsLUpwaQdslg/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Larger materials are placed into their own page protector. So that it was easier for staff to find & less confusing for students (if a text box is on the typing page, it is pretty likely that the students will think they are supposed to type it & teaching them to ignore certain parts of a model they are supposed to follow is a tricky thing... you wouldn't want the student to start (on their own) deciding that they are not going to type certain things!) I put the label on the front of the page protector & placed the model in the back. When it comes time to work on the skill, the aide will located the page protector, take the page out, bring it to the computer and the student is all set!</div>
<br />
<br />
So keep an eye out for this resource within the next week or so as it is just being finalized with some custom clip art from my favorite artist: Brian Bolanowski, my extremely talented brother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmvd2HY2ByUA17wLLZCeu4YdqJBtfbEUb0FMz3R5ocn2FzzVHx7kc6PhXx9rrx1rSHaMhtKpLuUEkgImfuYJM-xV4hLZuUy_1EOQS0I4oImU1_An-Zmpf_ryhi7WVzIkJsi-VJ1tCWCw/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmvd2HY2ByUA17wLLZCeu4YdqJBtfbEUb0FMz3R5ocn2FzzVHx7kc6PhXx9rrx1rSHaMhtKpLuUEkgImfuYJM-xV4hLZuUy_1EOQS0I4oImU1_An-Zmpf_ryhi7WVzIkJsi-VJ1tCWCw/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE5zol0v2C4WQTgXAPxAjK-I6tMhqgKau_t7IoNlvQ5e8R55i21X7iom23g_0-eC8rBAptJttzm7_JtPiew6KdxQqGcosl-IKuMdOOPr7XNnkuQKawL9yrSlYmPy4Wa0AnFim0dYd-uA/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE5zol0v2C4WQTgXAPxAjK-I6tMhqgKau_t7IoNlvQ5e8R55i21X7iom23g_0-eC8rBAptJttzm7_JtPiew6KdxQqGcosl-IKuMdOOPr7XNnkuQKawL9yrSlYmPy4Wa0AnFim0dYd-uA/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XCfXMmbHIpfMGRgCtwZrgLgBkZ0biRlTZKNFxrKFS58zXxSjGQS8ZL8m6W2dKi6Bj1afxFNfGhKMAhVIxAeMOOY_C1mbM18c2Dn5FFeUKPM7rf2qoj2i5HImRucMbAMrdgZUnm62OB4/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XCfXMmbHIpfMGRgCtwZrgLgBkZ0biRlTZKNFxrKFS58zXxSjGQS8ZL8m6W2dKi6Bj1afxFNfGhKMAhVIxAeMOOY_C1mbM18c2Dn5FFeUKPM7rf2qoj2i5HImRucMbAMrdgZUnm62OB4/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Feel free to email me with any questions at <a href="mailto:autism.theteenyears@gmail.com" target="_blank">autism.theteenyears@gmail.com </a>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-19446925446923094822014-09-14T15:53:00.002-07:002014-09-14T15:53:57.959-07:00Back to School Night!!!This year I feel SO much more prepared for Back to School Night at my school. Last year around this time I was still super overwhelmed setting up my new program, learning my kids, trying to train and support my aides, etc. Though I had provided parents with schedules, copies of current goals and some general information about the classroom, we flew through all my planned discussions and introductions pretty fast and the rest of the night was fairly disorganized. Not to worry, we had lots of productive things to talk about like being in HS, planning for the future, getting services through the state, etc. I don't feel that I did enough to really explain what was happening on a daily basis, how that can relate to what is happening at home and how we can work together to have each student succeed in both environments.<br />
So this year I set up a powerpoint that will help keep us focused and on topic AND am planning a little surprise for the parents. My students will be planning & baking a special treat (to be determined during tomorrow's morning group!!) for their parents. I'll be taking photos and showing examples of the visuals we used to prepare the treats as well as showing parents all the skills we were able to target during this lesson!<br />
Take a look below to see what I'm including in my powerpoint! Best of luck everyone, I hope you all have a great Back to School Night this year & set the stage for a great parent-teacher partnership this year!<br />
<br />
~Kristine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiTBeVrmrVjyZnzWCLJKcxLRkCbbhHEa4ANDrfkykvnEqj4U0g3KI8YeEyENLuYcxi7lttI9XZ4xPk0I2B9czT_xdHF2R_ogCLV1zz-7noCLAyHKnbvvJ7XxwITSH2rsz7xrgxBcdRYQ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiTBeVrmrVjyZnzWCLJKcxLRkCbbhHEa4ANDrfkykvnEqj4U0g3KI8YeEyENLuYcxi7lttI9XZ4xPk0I2B9czT_xdHF2R_ogCLV1zz-7noCLAyHKnbvvJ7XxwITSH2rsz7xrgxBcdRYQ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN_wesbyVhQ-sSekltAc4EOUyCieZd5DopCaJefI9mGTDAfLPZBl4Gw1izGj9NvFKlEGv3M3-p8k6-Adrhaky1qpI8BZsu_jjYy5ddXD4UuGk04yaBGz50QFVwWzj44swR6YrZmVTEOk/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN_wesbyVhQ-sSekltAc4EOUyCieZd5DopCaJefI9mGTDAfLPZBl4Gw1izGj9NvFKlEGv3M3-p8k6-Adrhaky1qpI8BZsu_jjYy5ddXD4UuGk04yaBGz50QFVwWzj44swR6YrZmVTEOk/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhhI4YBmkJdrG_R8NK8Qf81y_HTdRvV7OBTnJUmnDS-4xlkw715YGgw-NZZMC4tqkvS4MYzGU-xs3n7SLJRyBLUCobWAC49V4irKNQ0FFQOjlgHVIB-PiZZl6XY1W64Je-fHJwnVV7ro/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhhI4YBmkJdrG_R8NK8Qf81y_HTdRvV7OBTnJUmnDS-4xlkw715YGgw-NZZMC4tqkvS4MYzGU-xs3n7SLJRyBLUCobWAC49V4irKNQ0FFQOjlgHVIB-PiZZl6XY1W64Je-fHJwnVV7ro/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTExEj-wq9y8JQKjMXazIIbZekf3pA_eQ8QoRPsoKXsAwbRqpeaEXe3jT8jlTbEvuSN-6kYQQTzS7RYi9rWy8o8EVqWMGsQ04bEc6Y3b4Je0OeY6R8-hqu88AsRWIAaaLIucxAmE8q_Bc/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTExEj-wq9y8JQKjMXazIIbZekf3pA_eQ8QoRPsoKXsAwbRqpeaEXe3jT8jlTbEvuSN-6kYQQTzS7RYi9rWy8o8EVqWMGsQ04bEc6Y3b4Je0OeY6R8-hqu88AsRWIAaaLIucxAmE8q_Bc/s1600/Slide4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zia3UsRT0kYEqILH1Ocq8z65zJFlRAJE6_iZ-zxWJOFez-Oz6tMAYrRP0seK3s6Iocx20UTrDeob8Ryp7FX_Feu-ypGH6tc501o-Q9SXcRhZH8JJzQH-i8xXz9_g97U7RMv3YVql98k/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zia3UsRT0kYEqILH1Ocq8z65zJFlRAJE6_iZ-zxWJOFez-Oz6tMAYrRP0seK3s6Iocx20UTrDeob8Ryp7FX_Feu-ypGH6tc501o-Q9SXcRhZH8JJzQH-i8xXz9_g97U7RMv3YVql98k/s1600/Slide5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6JavurQ9uuZoHaUGhKG778TFn0FmKJUdQ4EMpFOfnk_sm2CLWPLhHXQKWiY6kWE0I2gPq4DLdYF7ge7A4x2HROIUxSjMbcImRK9eHxoN3RnFo2TeTktYUUHCSrOenCoIPLpX4vI_l8k/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6JavurQ9uuZoHaUGhKG778TFn0FmKJUdQ4EMpFOfnk_sm2CLWPLhHXQKWiY6kWE0I2gPq4DLdYF7ge7A4x2HROIUxSjMbcImRK9eHxoN3RnFo2TeTktYUUHCSrOenCoIPLpX4vI_l8k/s1600/Slide6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqvImi-97An1lpX1keiwCZWj5zeuaXjlRkgQm5U_jp1NCX9Q2VnEivfIxBflaFIOb9683Jbi9BbhTKhGyNldO-g69j_eUHtNUqIlalT46dnCCoyUO7MiqSBHL5ZHeCI6nssG3Q8eTPWs/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqvImi-97An1lpX1keiwCZWj5zeuaXjlRkgQm5U_jp1NCX9Q2VnEivfIxBflaFIOb9683Jbi9BbhTKhGyNldO-g69j_eUHtNUqIlalT46dnCCoyUO7MiqSBHL5ZHeCI6nssG3Q8eTPWs/s1600/Slide7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSscQ8Yr8-dk6LnFn_sc8hfEUwRvbPPdQ_23gceKoXROvLuFyWRXRlB9GNbeT9LDCJY_QUZmz2KneUMn0Rl3SrUTcHfg-0IQRihBOsvD31xl7u2GdFljRuqvODu8p4x4QjvCusEO2PcVI/s1600/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSscQ8Yr8-dk6LnFn_sc8hfEUwRvbPPdQ_23gceKoXROvLuFyWRXRlB9GNbeT9LDCJY_QUZmz2KneUMn0Rl3SrUTcHfg-0IQRihBOsvD31xl7u2GdFljRuqvODu8p4x4QjvCusEO2PcVI/s1600/Slide8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7jfpXsua-ny8hgbjtM9isEGzZ1YKgsYMxjy_nZV1rcwyNNYeT4SdDK9zd4jbo4hqJ2PW-ob9dHBPNqLt3Xl10GkpTVVFmhOaHOya-dNwrjMdr0v921MDTF9ABtc6A3Xnt_PyxguErMc/s1600/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7jfpXsua-ny8hgbjtM9isEGzZ1YKgsYMxjy_nZV1rcwyNNYeT4SdDK9zd4jbo4hqJ2PW-ob9dHBPNqLt3Xl10GkpTVVFmhOaHOya-dNwrjMdr0v921MDTF9ABtc6A3Xnt_PyxguErMc/s1600/Slide9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr84zc5PgdTaMX3fr11vRjeUkQNmcwQlVYOUQD2RDz1eoUUdxu5ckiRtDd3HaDo9hPhF1q4ILddpiTDUvM8VI2eE6_yQ05yFli6ub1b1ONotXVqHq9dsi_pEKaEIfgJQJMQ7r3mtsSWA/s1600/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr84zc5PgdTaMX3fr11vRjeUkQNmcwQlVYOUQD2RDz1eoUUdxu5ckiRtDd3HaDo9hPhF1q4ILddpiTDUvM8VI2eE6_yQ05yFli6ub1b1ONotXVqHq9dsi_pEKaEIfgJQJMQ7r3mtsSWA/s1600/Slide10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIWeN5ZQkSd5n0HsiNmgJMj3Yn3v5EXeOMvcR8mH_zxfUiuGKPFxYrY1BuxBQWl08-Isdl3KCF4X8lze5cnyoGwyRLBQx4bILSZAQHP49FdVarrv8nVkNFGtpjEQETCXNHvd3tU_SefI/s1600/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIWeN5ZQkSd5n0HsiNmgJMj3Yn3v5EXeOMvcR8mH_zxfUiuGKPFxYrY1BuxBQWl08-Isdl3KCF4X8lze5cnyoGwyRLBQx4bILSZAQHP49FdVarrv8nVkNFGtpjEQETCXNHvd3tU_SefI/s1600/Slide11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
All fonts used from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kimberly-Geswein-Fonts" target="_blank">KG Fonts</a>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-74886855955920378512014-07-26T05:56:00.003-07:002014-07-26T06:02:35.455-07:00Lacking Motivation? The true meaning & methods behind our most powerful tool: REINFORCEMENT!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Conducting Preference
Assessments:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why conduct preference assessments?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s the
thing… if you have ever tried to make a change in your student’s behavior WITHOUT
having a powerful reinforcer, you know that is a lot harder and a lot less
effective than if you had something the student REALLY wanted! Well, the reason
it wasn’t working is that it was not actually a <b><i>reinforcer</i></b>. What if the “reinforcer” for all the work you
put in to help your students during the school day, after school, on the
weekend, etc. (let’s be real, teachers work HARD!) was a smiley face sticker (I
mean ONLY a smiley face sticker. In place of your paycheck…). Would you keep
doing it? Mayyyybe not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the field
of Applied Behavior Analysis, the term “reinforcer” is used only for items,
activities or other rewards which increase the likelihood of a behavior
happening again in the future. So if you want to know if it’s truly a
reinforcer – look for the behavioral change!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best
starting place? Find things your student really likes by conducting preference
assessments! Once you get through this first step, you can begin to observe and
assess whether or not providing this item/reward to the student for engaging in
a desired behavior (or the absence of an undesired behavior) causes an increase
in those desired behaviors (or an increase in the amount of time the undesired
behavior is absent).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ok so where do I start?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <!--[endif]-->Develop a list of
potential reinforcers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Observe
your student throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§ <!--[endif]-->Check to see what items
the student gravitates towards:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·
<!--[endif]-->Watch
to see the types of objects your student is interested in (e.g., things that
are wet vs. dry, big vs. small, colorful vs. black and white, types of
textures, smells, and other features, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">v <!--[endif]-->Now think about whether
these items/activities are appropriate as rewards, if not consider different
items or activities you could provide the student which are more appropriate
(e.g., playing with glue may not be appropriate, but applying body lotion may
serve as a replacement for this).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§ <!--[endif]-->Look at the types of
behaviors your student engages in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·
<!--[endif]-->Watch
to see how your student manipulates items (e.g., spinning, smelling, rubbing on
parts of own body, holding up to light or to own eyes, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">v <!--[endif]-->Now think about whether
these activities are appropriate as rewards, if not consider different items or
activities you could provide the student which are more appropriate (e.g., if
the student is interested in smelling materials or individuals, a sensory box
with various different scented items could work – try bottles of oils,
different spices, scented stickers, etc.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Ask
your student’s parents:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§ <!--[endif]-->Parents are always an
invaluable resource when getting to know your student. Check in with them,
perhaps sending a survey home to find out the types
of things their child spends most of his/her time doing, is interested in,
seeks out at home, in stores, etc.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§ <!--[endif]-->While you’re on the
subject, find out what kinds of restrictions the student has. Some parents may
not want edible reinforcers used (or only in smaller quantities, less
frequently, only healthier options, etc.), there may be food allergies, perhaps
your student will ingest dangerous substances when playing with specific toys,
etc.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Ask
your student!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§ <!--[endif]-->For students with higher
verbal abilities, simply asking may be effective, for students who do not express
their interests as well, having them sample things in their environment,
exposing them to items in different environments, or perhaps bringing them to a
store and looking to see what items they gravitate towards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <!--[endif]-->Conduct your preference
assessments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Create
a list of all possible items. Split the list into edible vs non-edible items,
you will want to assess these separately. If it is a very long list, you can
split them up into multiple lists, then take the top few items from each and
assess together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->There
are two types of preference assessments covered in this resource, though these
are not the only types out there. If you’re interested in finding out about
other options, feel free to reach out to me or consult some other Autism/Applied
Behavior Analysis resources! These are the two I use most often with my
students which I have found provide helpful results and are fairly simple to
administer and assess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Multiple
Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§
<!--[endif]-->In
this preference assessment, you are providing the student with various items
and allowing him/her to select an item, once it is selected the item is removed
(not replaced), then the student will select from the remaining items until all
have been chosen or the student stops selecting items altogether.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -9pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o
<!--[endif]-->Paired
Choice:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§
<!--[endif]-->In
this preference assessment, you are providing the student with two items from
your list (by the end of the assessment every item will have been paired with
all other items once) and ask the student to select one. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <!--[endif]-->Analyze your data (after
you have repeated your preference assessment for a second time, on another day,
to see if the results are consistent). Review your data and look to see which
items are selected most often and in what sequence. The items which are chosen
first in the MSWO or which are selected regardless of the pairing most often in
the Paired Choice assessment are the ones you want to use to create behavioral
change (when I refer to behavioral change I don’t just mean reducing
challenging or inappropriate behaviors, but also increasing skill performance!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <!--[endif]-->Test it out – start using
those rewards and see what happens!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Behavior-Data-Collection-for-ABA-Autism-or-Special-Education-Classrooms-1317512" target="_blank">Behavior Data Resource</a> for more on this subject. The resource includes specific instructions for setting up your MSWO or Paired Choice preference assessments, a sample parent survey, editable & PDF data sheets for each assessment, as well as resources for daily behavior data collection, ABC data collection, etc.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best of luck to you and your students!!</span><span style="font-family: Pea Carrie; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-81645917049176754912014-03-09T11:06:00.004-07:002014-03-09T11:25:42.164-07:00It's that time of year... Here's to planning for next year's class!<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly by now you get that I'm a bit obsessive and a total over planner (in my professional life only, most of my family & friends are probably having a pretty good laugh at that statement!) and planning for incoming students is pretty much that times about 1,000...<br />
<br />
Here's the thing: Working with students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is hard (absolutely amazing, but hard).<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> There is SO much to discover about each student, including finding out their mode of
communication, preferences, patterns of maladaptive behavior as well as
environmental triggers, and of course, identifying existing and missing skills
and effective teaching strategies! Given that</span></span></span> your student is likely to have communication challenges, it also takes quite a bit of work to get all that information. It could either take you a year of trial and error or you could do some leg work before the student is in your classroom and get ahead of the game! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I probably also don't need to remind you how challenging it can be for our students to adapt to changes to their routines and adapting to new environments... Again, preparation really is the key here. If the student knows about the change (and I mean repeated exposure to detailed information, timelines, pictures/videos, etc.) and has been exposed to the new environment, classmates, and teachers (try to set up some really positive experiences with these environments and individuals) then you have really covered all your bases.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I go into a lot more detail on some of the strategies for obtaining necessary information and preparing students as well as staff for success in one of my new TPT products (<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Student-Profile-for-Autism-or-Special-Education-Classrooms-1151837" target="_blank">New Student Profile</a>). Click the following link for a free preview of the product: <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/9xf0pme7ga37qin/Transition%20Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">Transition Guidelines Freebie</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
One final tip:<br />
Speaking with previous teachers, therapists, behaviorists, etc. is a great way to get some initial information about a student. However, nothing is a replacement for seeing and working with that student yourself. Every teacher has their own approach, and (lets face it) their own biases and opinions. When possible, ask for graphs or evidence to support what others are saying. For example, if a teacher/therapist reports serious behavioral challenges with your student, ask for not only details and examples, but numbers and facts (e.g., Can I see the behavior graphs?, Are there injury logs & reports?, What did the functional assessment show?, Can I review the behavior plan?, How long has this plan been in place, any modifications?, etc.) Look: you don't want this to turn into an interrogation, and you want to maintain a positive relationship with this service provider, so try to keep any judgement or opinions about the information you are given. Remember, the student will be in your program soon enough where you can do your own assessments and make any changes you feel the student will benefit from (not just one's that don't reflect your own style), so don't stress over the past, just use it to benefit your future instruction with this student.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
Good luck and happy planning everyone :)<br />
~Kristine <br />
<br />
<br />
Below are some transition related resources up on my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Autism-The-Teen-Years" target="_blank">My TPT Page</a>: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5-F2Y9kE5R3yraotHVjmN17D2ViIPI6Ll8v-6t7nrDCOjZuxICk9zWAmMMLUTBa8KbjRudqyL5OgYp9W4OmGo6Io9H6QvD72f4-DxR1ehFbDZLs3UvvkuHSfmjMRp0WuxaUWCEw6v80/s1600/Transition+Guide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5-F2Y9kE5R3yraotHVjmN17D2ViIPI6Ll8v-6t7nrDCOjZuxICk9zWAmMMLUTBa8KbjRudqyL5OgYp9W4OmGo6Io9H6QvD72f4-DxR1ehFbDZLs3UvvkuHSfmjMRp0WuxaUWCEw6v80/s1600/Transition+Guide.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Student-Profile-for-Autism-or-Special-Education-Classrooms-1151837" target="_blank">New Student Profile</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdj-t6ESk2WHHxuECZrI3RWRgWBuXH2BwWMga4oefS3gXmIEyQevhhj1dAg4EmxBK27ez9k4ZHUj4IMtLQVUjweIS-dBV4klp0rsM8Fc9n4IzthNTnjf3RQDwkGX3BFN_1MH8d3li0vs/s1600/TPT+Image+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdj-t6ESk2WHHxuECZrI3RWRgWBuXH2BwWMga4oefS3gXmIEyQevhhj1dAg4EmxBK27ez9k4ZHUj4IMtLQVUjweIS-dBV4klp0rsM8Fc9n4IzthNTnjf3RQDwkGX3BFN_1MH8d3li0vs/s1600/TPT+Image+3.JPG" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-New-Class-BINGO-A-Transition-Activity-for-Autism-and-Special-Education-1139769" target="_blank">Transition Activity - FREEBIE!</a></div>
<br />Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-34004047843650790072014-03-01T08:17:00.001-08:002014-03-01T08:54:17.802-08:00What's so funny? Here's my blog on teaching humor and joke telling to literal learners.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Knock knock."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Who's there?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Horse."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Horse who?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"A horse who is looking for someone to feed him."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sound familiar? I have a student with a lot of language skills who seeks out attention through basically everything he does. He recently discovered joke telling (which I was attempting to teach a different student) and LOVES that he can make the communication partner laugh. He also laughs hysterically with them even if he can't explain/doesn't understand why/how the joke is funny (which as a teacher I want to fix, but as a person I think is absolutely adorable). Anyway, after a few days of reading scripted jokes which he had some trouble memorizing, my student started making up his own jokes (amazing)! The joke above is a regular one in his rotation. So we have some work to do but the good news is he is HIGHLY motivated!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are many challenges in teaching learners with cognitive, communication, and social delays about humor and how to deliver a joke. Let's break it down: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Joke Delivery:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Taking conversational turns - this is a BIG one. It is also especially hard when your student is using any type of textual cue for a joke script. Your student asks and answers the questions in the joke (no participation opportunity for the communicative partner) example: Student says "Why do bicycles fall over? I don't know. Because they are two-tired" while communication partner stands and waits for an opportunity to talk (or more likely while a teacher or instructional aide desperately try to stop him from speaking and to give the other person a turn!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Initial thoughts: Check for prerequisite skills. Does your student know how to have any type of </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> reciprocal conversation? Or is it the general back and forth that is challenging? If this is the case,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> you should start to target taking conversational turns in general (which could take on a similar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> approach to what is described below). Note - This doesn't mean that your student should not still</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> work on joke telling at this point, but recognize what the challenge is and make sure that your</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> initial focus is on conversational turn taking and that joke telling may be just one of many ways</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> you target the skill. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> One idea for tackling this challenge:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> If using text cues for teaching the joke phrases while also teaching joke delivery skills, use index cards (or some other small cards) so each part of the joke conversation can be placed on one card. *It may also help to add in turn taking cards or turn taking labels onto the joke cards as well as to teach the student to pass the cards back and forth when it says a certain person's name. This can be very effective since the student is learning not just to pause, but is getting repeated practice of waiting until the communication partner makes a guess or says he doesn't know before delivering the answer. Otherwise your student may have trouble determining how long to wait before saying something. (A more complex delivery skill would be to teach your student to ask again or say something like "Do you know?", "Do you have a guess?", "Do you give up?" etc. if the other person is taking too long. We are NOT there yet, give your student some time to get the basics down first!)</span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Example: </i>Card #1: John's turn, Card #2: "Why do bicycles fall over?", Card #3: Mr. Smith's turn (John should hand the set of cards to Mr. Smith), Card #4: Make a guess or say "I don't know.", Card #5: John's turn (Mr. Smith passes the cards back to John, pairing a vocal response from the communication partner with the opportunity to give the answer), Card #6: "Because they are two tired." </span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just an aside: Adding in the turn taking cards may really benefit your student. It may also bring up some fun new challenges, like teaching your student NOT to read them. You really want to curb this immediately if he/she begins to do so. As you know with repeated practice these types of errors can quickly become an embedded part of their response forever and what was cute/funny in your classroom will not be as socially acceptable in other settings. You may even want to use pictures or put the John's/whoever's turn cards in a different font, color, or put them in parenthesis while the other cards are all in quotation marks just to show the student that they are NOT read aloud. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Responding to unscripted responses from the communication partner. In the example above I noted that on Card #6 there is no varied response based on the response from his partner on Card #4. Here's the thing.. If the person guesses incorrectly or says "I don't know," your student should deliver the answer either way. The tricky part? What if they are correct?! If you are teaching joke telling in a systematic way, then build this into your skill acquisition program:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #1 could be to teach the student how to deliver the joke when the communication partner says "I don't know." </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #2 could be to teach the student how to deliver the joke when the communication partner makes an incorrect guess.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #3 could be a combination of steps 1 & 2, teaching the student to respond to varied responses in the same manner.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #4 could be to teach the student how to deliver the joke when the communication partner makes a correct guess.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #5 could be a combination of steps 1, 2 & 4: Teaching the student to discriminate between and respond appropriately to varied responses.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #6 could be to teach the student how to deliver the joke when the communication partner makes a guess which is close but not exactly correct. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step #7 could be a combination of steps 1, 2, 4 & 6: Teaching the
student to discriminate between and respond appropriately to varied
responses.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Note: You may not need to break this skill down so far for some learners, even further for others, etc. You also may decide that only certain steps are necessary or appropriate for your learner. Is it the end of the world for the student to still deliver the punchline even if the communication partner already guessed it correctly? Not at all. Decide what works and is appropriate for your learner and deliver your instruction based upon those needs. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 3. Vocal pacing and intonation. *This is much more complex and general skill deficit in the area of expressive language. Use of pacing boards, speaking fluency drills, etc. could be helpful for pacing while visual cues (such as making some words physically bigger or smaller) could help with teaching the student which words receive emphasis or enlarged punctuation and specific instruction on how your word should sound in coordination with that punctuation mark may be appropriate. These are just some very basic and general thoughts on a broad area of instruction so I would suggest breaking down these skill deficits (perhaps speak with your speech and language pathologist for ideas) and teaching them explicitly. Note: Again, this activity of joke telling could be an appropriate practice opportunity for your student to work on those skills, but it should be just one of many. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Joke Comprehension:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This can be very tricky. While it isn't totally essential that your student understand the joke for the interaction to take place, if you want the interaction to be more meaningful and for your student to make more connections, it really should be a focus as well. I've struggled here. Throwing more language at my students after their joke delivery (when they're mid-way poised to turn and walk away since the joke is finished for them!) of "Oh get it, 2 tires and too tired haha!" really isn't cutting it. Well I, like many teachers, spend quite a bit of time browsing around on Teachers Pay Teachers and recently found a very cute joke-telling product by <a href="http://speech2u.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Speech2U</a>. (For anyone who is interested, the product is <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flip-Flap-Knock-Knock-Jokes-Humor-Social-skills-954502" target="_blank">Flip Flap Knock Knock Jokes: Humor and Social skills</a>) It's a visual knock-knock joke set up which can help with the pacing and turn taking component skills I discussed above, but what I LOVE is the visual explanation card she created. You could sit down and go through various jokes with your student reviewing what "The joke said" vs what it "Sounds like" to determine why/how it is funny. I am excited to try this out with my students and see how it goes! I'm planning to do this in a group setting, put it up on the SmartBoard provide visuals for the whole joke (or have my boys display their fantastic artistic skills) and break it down that way. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Has anyone else had success teaching joke telling and comprehension? If so PLEASE share!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend everyone!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~Kristine</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">P.S. Just a little side note/tangent: When first working on new communication and social skills, at least ONE of the partners needs to be proficient in the skill. I always cringe when two of my students who struggle with the same social skills try to navigate a conversation together. I am NOT suggesting that the students should not be interacting, but that the conversations should be more structured and clear. Have them talk with a third party who can help to translate and lead the conversation. Why is this such a hot topic for me? I have a lot of concerns about embedding errors and the long term impact of poor practice opportunities on the student's communicative and social skills... With the expansive and lasting impact that poor communication and social skills has on your student's whole life, give them the best chance of making significant gains by providing quality instruction and successful practice opportunities whenever possible. </span></span>Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-80590904232852207482014-02-26T19:19:00.001-08:002014-02-26T19:43:12.408-08:00Providing Support While Building Independence!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCcuHusQiscChlu-gKFEEGaQioc4XEpZpzC2fMQXPsb2YFHppU0v6K99YpFtYSyiYay2NYhUfDMIU45y98q6h8xzRLtbk0RpZaIQ0JLQCvnCJne52yHOv3J1OjcOxg2MKNBFtj-0IuVs/s1600/Act+Choice+List.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCcuHusQiscChlu-gKFEEGaQioc4XEpZpzC2fMQXPsb2YFHppU0v6K99YpFtYSyiYay2NYhUfDMIU45y98q6h8xzRLtbk0RpZaIQ0JLQCvnCJne52yHOv3J1OjcOxg2MKNBFtj-0IuVs/s1600/Act+Choice+List.JPG" height="320" width="171" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am so fortunate to have so much support and so many resources for my classroom of students with autism! I love my aides and truly could not be providing the same quality of instruction to my students without their help... However some days I worry about the level of support we are embedding especially for my boys who are in High School now. How can we expect these students to go home and occupy their time appropriately and have a level of autonomy if we do not give them an opportunity to learn the skills to do so in a structured setting? Better (or more worrisome??) question: how can we expect these students to leave a highly structured instructional setting in 6 short years ready for work and an independent lifestyle if we are not preparing them for it???<br />
<br />
Relax everyone, transitioning to adulthood is an extremely overwhelming topic for educators and families alike, let's remember to take it one step at a time! All I'm talking about now is having students learn to spend a bit of time without as much supervision and having them still engage in productive and meaningful activities. <br />
<br />
Over the past few months I have been working on different types of independent work skills and schedules with my students based upon their readiness levels and prerequisite skills. Some students are learning to read and follow written directions to perform independent skills, others are learning how to use a digital timer to perform open-ended activities in a more structured manner (who else has a few kids who could either play with the same toy for an hour OR who get off task during an open-ended activity and resort to inappropriate behaviors for various reasons?), and some students have recently learned to read and follow checklists of up to 10 activities without staff assistance! A few of the students who acquired this more complex skill are now also working on structuring their own time by creating the checklist. <i>Side note:</i> I have some students who actually do not need the checklist and still appropriately allocate their time to different activities during a leisure period, which I have to say is pretty incredible :) <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One example of a Task Analysis I have been using to teach this skill of creating and following an independent schedule is: <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td colspan="6" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 539.5pt;" valign="top" width="719"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Program Name:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Creates and Follows
Independent Activity Schedule<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>90% Independence over 2 consecutive days</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Set Up:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
Present <b><i>Student</i></b> with activity choice board. Present him with a
blank checklist of 5-10 tasks (or have him retrieve a lined paper and create
his own).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">SD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> “Make your checklist” ***Once <b><i>Student</i></b>’s
checklist is made he should independently begin following the checklist<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> without </b>any additional
directions.***</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Response:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <b><i>Student</i></b>
will perform the chain below to complete each task on his checklist and cross
them off as they are finished. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Reinforcement:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <b><i>Student</i></b>
will receive 1 token at the end of the checklist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Error:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Non-verbally redirect <b><i>Student</i></b>
back to the current step in the sequence. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Current
Target:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5
- 10 Task Checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5
- 10 Task Checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5
- 10 Task Checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5
- 10 Task Checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5
- 10 Task Checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" valign="top" width="210"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Task
Analysis:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date:__________</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date:__________</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date:__________</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date:__________</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date:__________</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1. Selects task and writes on
checklist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2. Adds # of minutes </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(if
necessary)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3. Crosses task off activity choice
board</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td colspan="6" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 539.5pt;" valign="top" width="719"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Create
whole checklist before beginning to perform activities (repeat 1-3 for each
task before moving on to 4 for the first task)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4. Points to/identifies first/next
task</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">5. Retrieves task materials </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">6. Retrieves timer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(if necessary)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">7. Sets and starts timer for
designated duration </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(if necessary)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">8. Performs task for duration (open-ended activity) or until completed </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(closed-ended activity)</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Performs task = stays in instructional
area, manipulates materials in appropriate manner as the skill was learned
for duration with no more than 10 consecutive seconds off task behavior.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">9. Stops timer when it sounds within
3 seconds </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(if appropriate)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">10. Cleans up and returns materials</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">11. Checks off task</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 157.25pt;" width="210"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="layout-grid-mode: char; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Daily
Average %:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.25pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Note: Actual procedures and steps should be modified and
individualized for each student's skills and needs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See the sample Activity Choice List included in this blog which students can use to select their independent activities for their checklists. As always, each students' list should be a bit different since the students do not have the same preferences, mastered skills, etc. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just a reminder, the students who are working on these skills and utilizing these checklists have the prerequisite skills to do so! They are all readers with a number of independent skills, however accommodations can be made for non-readers or students with lower reading abilities. Use a picture choice list instead of a written choice list, use a digital representation of the time instead of a time written out or a picture of the timer itself, set to the correct duration.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Best day through this process? The first day I ran this program with a student who is a real rule follower (a boy after my own heart!) selected 10 tasks in order from the top of the list. On the next opportunity I stopped him from writing and gestured for him to look up and down the list first and that was it! He found out that going in order meant missing out on video games, UNO, and lots of other fun activities. So when you are creating your activity choice lists be sure to mix up the activities so students are really making thoughtful decisions about how they want to spend their time.<br />
Tip # 2: I have the students cross off their selections from the checklist so that they do not pick the same activity twice in the same checklist. However, for some students I have them wait until ALL the activities have been selected (throughout multiple checklist opportunities during the course of the day) so they include more of a variety of tasks.<br />
<br />
Regardless of what step they're at or how many tasks they can perform on their own, just remember that each step is one towards independence and given the level of structure and supervision most students in specialized settings are used to, each step is a huge deal so remember to celebrate it :)<br />
<br />
~KristineKristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-49534679795356268842014-02-22T20:46:00.001-08:002014-02-22T20:46:12.228-08:00Isn't it all social??<br />
It's an interesting world we live in as special educators. We spend so much time looking at skills in different ways, breaking them down into the smallest units possible, finding new approaches, applications and tie ins, etc.and in doing so we often find new and surprising insights into the challenges our students face. I've been doing a lot of curriculum work recently and in doing so I just came to this realization that rock's my autism-teacher world: <br />
<i>There really are not any skills or activities that don't at least involve some type of social skill, interaction or consequence!</i><br />
Seriously. Think about it! There are many private and personal activities which you would really never consider to be "social." But if you really look at them carefully, you'll see that there really is always something social...<br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
Let's take a look at bathroom skills for example:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Using the restroom is very private and often an activity which does not involve any direct social interaction. However, there are many social rules for how to approach bathroom use (e.g., Which stall or urinal to use if one is already occupied, where to stand if waiting for a stall/urinal, when it is and is not okay to talk or make eye contact, when it is and is not appropriate to remove your clothing, how thoroughly you should wash and dry your hands, what to do when you're waiting for the hand dryer, and so many more!)</li>
<li>Ok so most of that related to public restrooms. But the same goes for using the restroom in your own home! When can you leave the door open? When is it okay to unbutton/unzipper your pants before reaching the bathroom? What if your Mom is around, or your Dad, or your neighbor? If it's 7:30 and your schedule says to shower at 7:30 but someone else has to use the toilet, who should go first?</li>
<li>And the biggest challenge? Understanding why there is a difference between using a public restroom and your own private restroom at home!</li>
</ul>
There are social rules, norms and consequences for essentially everything we do. No wonder why our students with autism spectrum disorders struggle so much in so many areas! I'm not suggesting that this is the only reason or that there are not other factors at play. However, I do think it's important to consider the social skills relevant to every activity a student is exposed to or expected to perform and to be sure to explicitly teach them in context as you would any other skill! I also think it's important to identify whether there is a social barrier, rather than a motivation barrier or skill deficit at play when a student struggles to perform a particular skill.<br />
<br />
Perfect example of a skill which would be primarily considered self help, hygiene, even health related but not social: Brushing your teeth. Yet having poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay over the course of time and most immediately, bad breath. There are social consequences for BOTH of these outcomes. However, if you have trouble identifying social cues, you may miss (or misinterpret) someone covering their mouth/nose, turning their head away slightly, standing further away when you're speaking, or even avoiding speaking to you all together. If a student is not maintaining good oral hygiene, some reasons could include: not recognizing or valuing this social contract of having good hygiene (especially in public when interacting with others), lack of motivation, sensory discomfort, skill deficits, etc. In order to determine how to respond and "fix" this issue as an educator, you need to first identify the cause. If it is, in fact, a social deficit, then it needs to be addressed specifically. Having a social skills lesson on the importance of hygiene when making friends, getting a job, etc. is great. So is providing reinforcement or feedback regarding hygiene during actual social interactions.<br />
<br />
As I'm sure you have noticed, I could talk about this for the rest of the night... But I won't! I'll just leave it at this:<br />
<br />
It's ALL social. So let's teach it that way!<br />
<br />
Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)<br />
~KristineKristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-76681326551527022152014-01-03T22:24:00.000-08:002014-01-03T22:40:03.921-08:00Need something to believe in? How about science...Clearly we are all seeing these articles surfacing regarding Jenny McCarthy and questioning whether or not her son truly had autism or some other neurological disorder instead. While there is a great deal of fault in her past actions, believing in a doctor's diagnosis, hoping for a way to "fix" her child and happily accepting a "cure" once her son's symptoms disappeared are certainly not the actions to fault her for. So I am not joining those faulting her for believing that her son once had autism and now has reduced or eliminated his symptoms (Don't worry, I will later go into what I do fault her for).<br />
<br />
I once had the privilege of attending a course where a panel of parents and family members of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities spoke with us about their every day challenges and realities. I have worked in the field for over 8 years. I have built many wonderful relationships with the parents of my students and have always felt that I could connect with families, doing my best to understand what they were going through. But this panel showed me how little I truly did understand. While every family member opened my eyes in one way or another, one father's words really stuck with me. He said you need to get to a place where you understand and accept that things don't always have to be "OK"... We always think we have to fight and search and work towards fixing things, but there are some things we can't fix and we have to become OK with things not being OK. He was by no means giving up on his child. His point was that the constant searching, fighting, and waiting for things to "get better" was putting such a strain on the family and on their relationships with their son that at some point they had to stop focusing on trying to fix everything and start focusing on their family learning to be OK with things not being OK.<br />
<br />
He was right. So was Jenny McCarthy... Every parent wants to fight for their child. Even your typically developing child who may be facing more run of the mill challenges, parents will do everything they can to help their children and solve all their problems for them. So for a child with a disability, one which will likely affect them throughout their lives, that desire to protect, to fix, to cure is surely unwavering. What is scary and unfortunate is how far this desire will take you. What are you willing to do? What are you willing to look past? And what are you willing to believe? These topics, not surprisingly, also came up at the panel. Parents spoke out on trying or wanting to try various unfounded treatments. When there are spokespeople out there claiming a cure but science tells you it is a long journey with projected improvements but no cure, what/who are you likely to believe?<br />
<br />
Here's the thing: Scientific and medical research are fairly important (clearly an understatement). While their claims and treatment outcomes may not be as fast acting or as flashy as many "alternative treatments" out there claim to be, the results of scientific and medical research help to keep us safe, to weigh the costs and benefits of various treatments, and to prove or disprove the actual efficacy of any given treatment.<br />
<br />
Here's the other thing: There are many very scary "alternative treatments" out there in the autism world. Their being called "alternative" doesn't mean that they are good alternatives, it means simply that they are the alternative to or opposite of research based treatments. So really, they are without evidence. They DON'T work or the results are infrequent, inconsistent, or otherwise unreliable... or they are simply too dangerous to try. Some of these treatments are not harmful: A gluten-casein free diet is not likely to cause any damage (though nutritional balance should still be maintained when foods any are eliminated). Other alternative methods include Chelation therapy, using hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and other unproven medical procedures could have very dangerous outcomes (even death) for your children. What isn't true about alternative treatments? That they never work for anyone. There are so many factors that could lead to results from alternative treatments.<br />
<ol>
<li>The treatment actually worked.</li>
<li>The treatment in combination with other (research based) treatments produced the results.</li>
<li>The other (research based) treatments produced the results and this alternative treatment had no impact.</li>
<li>Something else entirely caused the change.</li>
</ol>
<br />
The problem? It is much easier to access and understand many of these unfounded claims. Listening to a celebrity on the news or a talk show speaking without using jargon or confusing numbers and explaining what they saw in their child is easier than a researcher showing graphs and giving numbers without anecdotes parents can easily relate to. Ever notice how much of a difference a doctor's bedside manner makes? Well that's pretty much the premise here too. Often researchers, even behavior analysts who work with you and your child on a regular basis are hard to relate to since they may only focus on science, numbers, data, and do not account for other information you may provide about your child. This should not be the case, but regardless, a well known public figure sharing personal and heartfelt stories you can relate to really goes a long way. This is where I fault Jenny McCarthy (along with many others). Making public claims about the efficacy of unproven treatments, providing anecdotes instead of evidence and discrediting science to an audience who is out there looking for answers, looking for ways to make everything OK is incredibly unethical and dangerous. Of course I acknowledge that in many cases people are not intending the harm they cause, but for the same reason it would be unethical for me (as a special education teacher with a background in Applied Behavior Analysis) to begin making public claims about better ways to fix congestive heart failure even if I saw it "work" for someone else (always remember the difference between correlation and causation, just because two things happened does not mean that one caused the other...)<br />
<br />
One last thing: Basically all of this is very understandable. There is so much more research needed in the field. For all the research that has been done, there is still so little known. The biggest question? What causes autism? The answers to this question will undoubtedly lead to greater advancements in autism treatment. In the meantime, providing accessible, clear cut/understandable, and relatable information to families is truly essential. There are already some great resources out there including state by state organizations (e.g., Autism New Jersey), the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, the Organization for Autism Research, etc. which are both "parent and professional friendly." This article from the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, for example, <a href="http://www.asatonline.org/treatment/makingsense" target="_blank">http://www.asatonline.org/treatment/makingsense</a> provides helpful information regarding evidence based vs discredited treatments and can help parents wade through all the conflicting information and sources out there.<br />
<br />
Let's try to have a good outcome from all of this. Lesson learned? Trust science, not stories. If something without an evidence base works for your child? Fantastic. Be thankful and provide as much information about it as possible to a teacher, therapist, researcher, etc. and hope that it may lead to a breakthrough, but don't claim there has been one before the proof is there...Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-24423813375647466472013-12-29T21:12:00.001-08:002013-12-29T21:12:47.401-08:00Teaching in the Least Restrictive Environment... What does that mean for services??There is a very careful balance to be struck in education, as in all aspects of life...<br />
When we talk about providing special education services, we know the law, and we know that means these services should be provided in the Least Restrictive Environment. But what is that really?<br />
<br />
Well, it means that if a student is able to function (make meaningful educational progress) in a general education classroom with some supports and modifications from the teacher, then that is where they belong. If the student requires an aide, then for them that is the learning environment with the least amount of restrictions where they will succeed. For some students the least restrictive environment may be a self contained classroom or even a specialized school. These decisions, like many others, are to be made based on the needs of the individual student. As educators we are saying that it is very important that students who receive special services have access to the general education curriculum and general education students whenever possible and appropriate. But with each step toward the general education end of the educational curriculum, how many supports and services are lost?<br />
<br />
Does the least restrictive environment necessitate that a child has access to fewer services? Maybe... Don't provide more than is necessary or you're holding the person back,
but provide enough for him to make a reasonable amount of progress. Again these decisions need to be made for each student, in a manner which is appropriate and for him/her but also feasible for the classroom and the types of accommodations they are able to provide. Surely we cannot expect that 1:1 instruction can be feasible at all times for a student in a general education classroom with 1 teacher and 20-30 other students, but if that is what that student requires, perhaps it is not their LRE. It all goes back to the individual, finding out what services are essential for a student, aligning those with the possible supports available in each setting, and determining from there what their placement should look like. <br />
<br />
This all sounds very straight forward. Services needed = appropriate placement. Your child is struggling with reading and it is impacting his learning in all of his classes, perhaps a smaller class for language arts with specialized instruction or access to a resource room teacher would suffice. But for just a moment, let's think about a student whose needs are less cut and dry.<br />
<br />
Let's look at a child with autism. Perhaps academically your child can hold his own, whether it be in a general education classroom or an inclusive setting where some degree of specialized services are provided. Is that classroom also able to provide for the the social, communication/language, and behavioral needs of your child? Should it be? What is the least restrictive setting for someone who can do the work but cannot express himself? Well we need a whole new scale to balance this one... because academic progress is simply not enough for this child.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There really is no perfect answer here. Of course it seems easy enough, that educators at every level should be able to provide social skills instruction or at least guidance, should be able to evoke language and should be able to provide reinforcement based behavioral supports for any student. And yet it isn't that easy. Without the proper supports, knowledge base and training, providing adequate supports to a child with autism in any setting is a challenge. Does this mean that because your child has autism he should only be instructed in a specialized setting regardless of his academic, social, language, and behavioral needs and abilities? Of course not. This simply means that schools will need to start bringing in the supports for their educators, setting up social skills training groups, providing access to highly trained specialists who can work individually with students as well as teachers. There is a wealth of knowledge, and a large research base which tells us
exactly how to teach a child with autism, and there are many people
with the training required to help these students succeed. The least restrictive environment for a student with autism may just be a general education classroom where the teacher has access to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who can provide support, training, answer questions, etc. Maybe it's not. Perhaps the behavioral challenges or communication deficits are so great that they require more intensive services. It is all about the individual. And it is all about needs versus feasibility. There is no reason to say that a child with autism cannot find an educational balance just like any other student.<br />
<br />
We just need a different scale.<br />
<br />Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-44002825422642378652013-11-28T11:36:00.002-08:002013-11-28T11:36:45.102-08:00Be Thankful (And Prepared!)Holidays can be hard for families of individuals on the autism spectrum. The change in routine and lack of structure/predictability for starters is enough to cause some serious difficulties. Add in less familiar foods, locations, and people... not to mention potential crowding and noise? You could really have a disaster on your hands! <i>This is coming a bit too late for Thanksgiving (since your celebrations are likely already under way!), but you can take advantage of the gathering to capture photos, videos, and even begin to solicit help from your family and friends in preparing for your next holiday.</i><br />
<br />
Holidays may not have to be quite as difficult if you take some precautionary steps <i>(Disclaimer: some of these may take a bit of time and effort to complete/achieve but remember 1. There are likely MANY people who would love to help you with this, just ask family members, friends, and your child's teachers or other service providers to take part in this! 2. You can re-use the same materials each year, and some of the materials can be used for multiple holidays with a few tweaks!)</i>.<br />
<br />
Some ideas to help everyone get through the holidays with a few smiles (or at least a few less tears):<br />
<br />
1. Using Schedules: You know your son/daughter relies on following a structured routine and the holidays are difficult since they interrupt the regular routine. Solution? Create a holiday routine! You would be amazed what a simple written or picture schedule can do for some children. Break down the day into clear activities, but allow yourself some wiggle room (avoid having a start time if it cannot be guaranteed). <br />
<br />
2. Going Beyond Social Stories: Social stories are used for many things, though they are not fully supported by research when they stand alone, they can still be a useful tool for showing our loved ones on the spectrum what to expect during out of the ordinary events like holiday celebrations!<br />
How to personalize your holiday story:<br />
<ul>
<li>Use photo books: Create a book your child can look at which will tell them exactly what to expect and remind them of what fun things will happen. The book can start off with a calendar which counts down the days until the event, then a picture schedule which shows what will occur on the day. Break down the steps of the schedule and include photos of your child whenever possible (try to catch them when they're happy, if you can't take pictures of familiar and preferred people who are!) Each schedule item can have it's own page(s) with photos and a brief explanation of the task and any expectations on the part of the student (e.g., We will drive to Nana's house. Nana's house is far and I will be in the car for a long time. I can bring my favorite books, movies, and snacks for the car ride. I will keep on my seat belt the whole time and everyone will be so proud of me! etc.) Whenever you can try to involve your child in creating the book, they can help write the text, decorate, etc. Making this process a fun one and associating the book and the holiday with something fun and rewarding will be a step in the right direction!</li>
<li>Use videos: Some children with autism prefer watching videos to looking at books/pictures and creating a home video for them to watch could be another great tool (or you could do both!) Some ideas for this include: Having a "mock party" and video taping you and your child walking through all the steps of the day. OR having a favorite family member tape brief clips of themselves (and your child during times when he/she is happy - let's try to capture smiles rather than tears for the purposes of this video) going through each step of the "schedule."</li>
</ul>
<br />
3. Building in Choices: If there is something you are dreading or unsure about, don't you remind yourself of ways you can make it better if necessary (e.g., bring your favorite dessert, sneak off to make a phone call, go out with friends afterwards)? Well same goes for our kids of course! Allow your child to help choose the music, the seating order, etc. The types of choices which will be meaningful to your child will vary of course, but don't forget this is their holiday too :)<br />
<br />
4. Build in Breaks: Some children may need time away from the crowd/stressful event and that is OK! Perhaps they can go for a walk with a favorite relative, have a short movie break in an isolated room, etc. You know your child, help make this day successful for them by giving them what they need (or they may just find a way to make it known and get it anyway and their way may be less preferred for you...). <br />
<br />
7. Have Your Child Actively Participate In The Day! Making the day special for everyone is so important which goes hand in hand with building in choice making opportunities! This can include having them help prepare meal or dessert items, having them create special gifts or cards for family members they can pass out (and receive lots of social attention for!), give your child jobs throughout the day (some which tie in social opportunities and others which allow for breaks from social interactions), etc. There is so much to do, why not show your child how important he/she is?<br />
<br />
8. Preparing Your Family: Your families are undoubtedly always looking for ways to help, but may not know exactly what to do. This often looks like: a well intentioned family member who does EVERYTHING for your child even if he/she can do it independently, guessing what your child wants rather than expecting language, reinforcing behaviors you are looking to extinguish, etc. While it can be incredibly frustrating to have others "sabotage" your efforts with your child, just remember they have the best intentions any may simply need your help discovering what to do. Send out a mass email to all your friends and family who will be attending the party which includes information about what they can expect to see from your child, what to do/not to do, and let them know what you need from them. They are in your lives because they care about you and your family, help show them how to put their good intentions to good use! (Don't forget to tell them something your child loves that they can do to make them feel special and pair that person with reinforcement ... it could be as simple as a preferred greeting or handshake, a topic they like to discuss, etc.)<br />
<br />
9. Preparing Your Child: You've done all this leg work for this specific day, what else do you need to do?<br />
<ul>
<li>Work with your school or other service providers to develop social skills for interacting with family members. Some important ones: having a conversation, taking turns, waiting, playing a game with others ... there are SO many social skills we each use during any gathering, but try to give your child a head start with some pre-celebration training if it hasn't already taken place. </li>
<li>Build in opportunities throughout the year to show your child that schedules can change, that sometimes the answer is no, and that they will be OK! Help them develop adaptive skills for communicating their wants, needs, frustrations, fears, as well as coping skills for self soothing and calming then assist them in applying those skills when things change or do not go their way. Bring your concerns to your teacher/service provider to help them ready your child for "real life."</li>
</ul>
10. OK, it's the day of... Now what?!<br />
<ul>
<li>Bring comfort items, your holiday video/ social story/ schedule.</li>
<li>Run through the expectations with your child.</li>
<li>Bring your camera and get more evidence that holidays are fun so you can convince your child next time if needed! </li>
<li>Keep calm and remain positive to show your child this is not a stressful day! </li>
<li>Hope for the best and try to enjoy your day! Accept the little victories and use the challenges as learning opportunities for yourself, your child, and your family.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I'm sure I've said this too many times already in my other posts, but since every person with autism is so different, just remember that these are simply suggestions and that they may help some of your children more than others, and some of these suggestions may not work at all for your child! The important thing to do is to look at how your child is currently participating in holidays/celebrations, identify the challenges and start there. Find out how to make those challenges easier, how to avoid them altogether, or how to teach your child to cope with them. Remember, you are not alone so don't forget to ask for help!!<br />
<br />
I hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving and best wishes to you all!Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-46744494088606297462013-11-08T14:01:00.000-08:002013-11-09T05:37:45.074-08:00Curriculum? Benchmarks? How do you plan ahead when every student and every day is different?There is a saying; if you know someone with Autism... you know one person with Autism. Plain and simple. Are there common characteristics which can be observed? Of course, otherwise there would be no way to determine the diagnosis. However making any generalized statements about what individuals with Autism need (unless they are extremely broad and/or basic such as: individualized instruction, social skills training, speech and language therapy and/or instruction, etc.) is generally inaccurate and at times could even be called inappropriate. <br />
<br />
Here's the thing: if I make a statement such as "students with Autism are great at math because it is very logical, concrete, and the rules are constant," some people would say "Yes, that is my child/student," while lots of other parents and/or teachers would find that to be the opposite for their child/student. We simply cannot make these types of claims as educators and professionals in the field because no two individuals on the spectrum present with the same needs. <br />
<br />
Now, to get off my soapbox and back to the topic at hand...<br />
<br />
The fact that our students with Autism have more differences than similarities, leaves us as educators with a predicament. How can we establish a curriculum to be used for our classroom, school, or program in general if all of our learners have different skill sets and needs? <br />
<br />
Could we create a very basic functional curriculum which would allow us to teach students the skills they absolutely need (e.g., basic functional math, reading, and writing skills, a range of basic to advanced language, communication, and social skills, self help and daily living skills, job readiness skills, etc.)? Well we could try, and yet we would need to find a way to account for how different even those "basic skills" would look for each child, and determine how much or little each skill would be broken down within our set curriculum.<br />
<br />
Let's take the skill of brushing your teeth for example. Well, first we need our baseline, determining where we are starting. Some students may refuse to allow a toothbrush or toothpaste in or around their mouth. Some students may consume large quantities of toothpaste. Some students may perform the sequence but do so without applying adequate pressure needed to effectively clean their teeth. Other students may only thoroughly brush some areas within their mouth or brush all areas but for too short a time. Others still may perform the whole sequence, but forget to clean up the materials afterwards and leave toothpaste residue on their mouths. In considering this comprehensive curriculum you are writing, let's select just one of these above listed skills to target and see how it can be broken down.<br />
<br />
Tolerates and complies with an adult brushing their teeth.<br />
Within this "skill" here are some of the considerations and possible variations and sub-skills:<br />
<ul>
<li>Remaining seated for 2 minutes (or standing appropriately at the sink/in the bathroom for the same amount of time)</li>
<li>Following verbal directions related to brushing teeth (e.g., "Open your mouth," "Spit," "Turn your head,"etc.)</li>
<li>Tolerating toothbrush without toothpaste near face/mouth</li>
<li>Tolerating toothbrush without toothpaste in mouth</li>
<li>Tolerating toothbrush without toothpaste on tooth surface</li>
<li>Tolerating brush in mouth with flavored toothpaste (use a shaping procedure for beginning with a small amount and gradually building up to whole length of bristles)</li>
<li>Tolerating toothbrush in mouth with any toothpaste </li>
<ul>
<li>Note: This is not an essential skill, as flavored toothpastes still provide the benefits of oral hygiene. If this skill is worked on, it may be better to do so once the individual is further along and is already brushing his/her own teeth.</li>
</ul>
<li>Tolerating brushing one surface x amount of times or for x seconds</li>
<li>Tolerating brushing all surfaces x amount of times or for x seconds</li>
<li>Note: these next two sub-skills are optional, the same benefits could be acquired using a mouthwash.</li>
<ul>
<li>Tolerating toothbrush on tongue</li>
<li>Tolerating brushing tongue x amount of times </li>
</ul>
</ul>
So, there we have it, that is how one skill could be written into your curriculum in a comprehensive manner so it can meet the needs of most of your learners. The problem? It is still only addressing the needs of <i>most</i> but not <i><b>all</b></i> learners. It seems an impossible task to develop a truly comprehensive curriculum for individuals with this spectrum disorder, why? Because there is a wide spectrum of needs as well.<br />
<br />
So where does this leave us? There are plenty of options and here are a few; you could instruct without a set curriculum and just make individualized educational decisions every step of the way, you could use assessments for each basic skill as a way to develop an individualized curriculum, or you could choose to create a set of curriculum as your guideline allowing for goals to be added or skipped over for each learner as appropriate. <br />
<br />
Beginning my own Autism Spectrum Disorders high school program this year, I have been faced with this dilemma, and to be honest, over the last 3 months I've tried each of these options. Ultimately I've decided that writing up a curriculum checklist with as much detail as I can have and creating blank "extension" charts where I can add on additional skills to each instructional area is the best way for me to ensure that I'm taking systematic and logical steps toward long terms goals. It's also the best way for me to stay organized and keep a running record of skill acquisition for each of my learners. <br />
<br />
Below are a few samples of the curriculum checklist I have been developing:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh-_3ATVvZhmbyEufXDhSI7Kg8HdxxK9BihSuRNmTYv3FVtwFnqx7umoELa50mwC_13oF-g6Lt7ymiteV546qB3uquUfnn7Zrh58YtKmoXXlbqBE4lBvjB3g_0skT9uXNKspLdUkGIK4/s1600/Math+Curriculum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh-_3ATVvZhmbyEufXDhSI7Kg8HdxxK9BihSuRNmTYv3FVtwFnqx7umoELa50mwC_13oF-g6Lt7ymiteV546qB3uquUfnn7Zrh58YtKmoXXlbqBE4lBvjB3g_0skT9uXNKspLdUkGIK4/s1600/Math+Curriculum.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample page from Functional Math Curriculum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhXgpxSEdnqgYgcwXutsi3WKFR8d3Z_RSA_tujttDr7ORbD8YOMvr0yldHISsV5-qXXwWGr1v-JKCLYL9TLWkE3dozS8NY0JySLfEPGkv4uFTiYVmp7J0N8obMEvDuNlyaoHC-E0zq64/s1600/Math+Curriculum+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhXgpxSEdnqgYgcwXutsi3WKFR8d3Z_RSA_tujttDr7ORbD8YOMvr0yldHISsV5-qXXwWGr1v-JKCLYL9TLWkE3dozS8NY0JySLfEPGkv4uFTiYVmp7J0N8obMEvDuNlyaoHC-E0zq64/s1600/Math+Curriculum+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample skills from Money Skills section of Functional Math Curriculum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Considerations:<br />
<ol>
<li>Don't reinvent the wheel. There are lots of wonderful resources, programs, and sets of curriculum out there which you can reference in creating your own!</li>
<li>Try to avoid establishing "levels" of learners and grouping skills based on those levels. Each student progresses in a different manner and with the likely reality of splinter skills, you will still be unable to compare your learners as they may have high/moderate/low level skills in each area. It is often best to just sequence the skills based upon which is a prerequisite for the next skill.</li>
<li>Don't ever be "finished." Like anything else in the field, this should be an ever growing-changing document which you improve as your knowledge base grows.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Have any of you had success writing their own curriculum for teens or adults with Autism? Please share your tips :)<br />
<br />
Happy curriculum writing everyone!Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-86844929463219616112013-10-19T11:26:00.002-07:002013-11-08T14:05:48.392-08:00Changes, Why WOULN'T this be hard??<h2>
Do our students need to be more flexible? Or do we?</h2>
Very often when we discuss challenges faced by individuals with Autism, we note rigidity and the need to adhere to a strict schedule or routine. Is this the truth? Yes, this is an ENORMOUS challenge for so many children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. But really... how many typically developing people do you know who react favorably when they have a sudden disruption to their plans?<br />
<br />
Perfect example:<br />
Yesterday morning I arrive to work slightly later than anticipated (Hint: setting event... I'm already stressed), as I walk up the steps to the high school I scroll through my email and BOOM. Our principal has emailed the entire high school announcing a training for the afternoon. Hold on...I didn't know about this training... I thought we had parent conferences again today!? Wait, did I get the dates wrong and schedule parent appointments for the wrong day?? This parent had a very specific schedule and we struggled to fit her in, I can't believe I did this!<br />
<br />
Ok, so here we have it. Clearly not a calm, rational, flexible response to a sudden change to my perceived schedule for the day. Opposite really - full on panic, frantic, disorganized thoughts about everything I had to do to fix this. I mean no, I didn't throw a chair, hit my head on the front door, or even run screaming into my principal's office, but I was not responding well to this disruption, even though it was the way most people I know would... and the way many of my student's would. (In the event that you are interested, everything worked out, the email was not intended for the entire high school faculty, phew!)<br />
So we have established that accepting changes to our schedules, routines, and plans are generally not preferred for most people. Still the question remains, are we being too rigid and holding our students with Autism to a higher standard than we hold ourselves?<br />
<br />
Here are two things to consider:<br />
<ol>
<li>Above I mentioned some of the behaviors I did not display, property
disruption... aggression... self injury ... throwing a tantrum in the
main office... that's where the problem really lies. Yes, many of our
students with Autism may be reacting in a very typical manner to a major
change by becoming upset or stressed, but what happens next, engaging
in maladaptive behaviors as a response to these changes or emotions,
that is why it is a "big deal" that our students are rigid and that is
where our efforts need to be focused. Generally people learn different
strategies to manage their emotions, stress level, and are able to
regulate their emotional responding as a result. However, someone who
lacks the communication skills I had when I asked my principal for
clarification about the training email, or who is unable to develop or
research coping strategies and put them into practice in times of
distress really won't fare as well. These are the kinds of skills we
need to assess and teach early on. Don't wait for a problem to arise
before teaching students to request help or clarification, to express
their frustration or other emotions appropriately, or relaxation
strategies for times of need! Some of our learners may need support in
identifying when to use these new skills (though ideally you are
teaching them within the correct context) so be prepared to give that
support through visual cues and reminders!</li>
<li>The change I described above, was kind of a big deal for me. It would
have entailed quite a bit of work for me including contacting parents,
rescheduling meetings, etc. not to mention that phone calls at 6:30 am
to reschedule a meeting for later that day would probably not be well
received and let's be honest, no one likes getting yelled at... If I had
described an example where someone else took my unofficial,
self-assigned parking spot, or where someone switched all of my pens
from black to blue (Note: I have a very serious distaste for blue pens
so I would NOT be happy about this), then a panicky reaction would be
much less typical or appropriate. Or if I said my principal emailed us
in the morning and said there was a special surprise breakfast for staff
or we did not have to arrive until 12pm, most of us would be pretty
excited, there would be no panic, no frantic thoughts. For our students,
starting work at 8:07 instead of 8:00 or having a different
breakfast...these minor changes or even in some cases favorable changes,
they are met with the same degree of rigidity, the same level of
agitation, and often the same display of maladaptive behaviors.</li>
</ol>
As you can probably tell this is a topic I could seriously write a book about... There are so many types of challenges, warning signs, approaches to interventions, etc. and it really can't all fit into one blog post!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0_ZNYy3K7OSpA0DpPty-dyfb7C06G628DJRNRphI2xFAshlCwO2ZG3MNgddUHCoUebTnJL4P9mkYjC49NtzzvZB4rPxpJS7Hk3YnDDaw4FrTu1KvYLQdJ7ka150NryBgWgibOujYX9k/s1600/Tolerates+Changes.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0_ZNYy3K7OSpA0DpPty-dyfb7C06G628DJRNRphI2xFAshlCwO2ZG3MNgddUHCoUebTnJL4P9mkYjC49NtzzvZB4rPxpJS7Hk3YnDDaw4FrTu1KvYLQdJ7ka150NryBgWgibOujYX9k/s1600/Tolerates+Changes.JPEG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample page from my upcoming curriculum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, the key points are:<br />
<ol>
<li>GET SOME DATA!!! I'm working on creating an assessment tool for
Accepting Changes, Delays, etc. It's still a work in progress but look
for it in my TpT store soon! But seriously, write down what the change
was, other possible setting events or environmental factors, the method
of communicating the change, how much warning was given, and exactly
what the student's response was (not to mention what your response was
afterward). This will all be very useful to you in determining your next
steps.</li>
<li>Remember that like any other time you are assessing or treating an
individual with Autism, any approach you take should be one geared
towards that specific learner's needs and with their safety, and
well-being in mind!</li>
<li>Let's not call it sabotage... but really you should plan for changes and
disruptions to your routine! By incorporating these changes naturally,
preparing your learners for truly unplanned disruptions, and providing
yourself with opportunities for observation and evaluation, you will be
on your way to helping students become more flexible, as well as finding
out sooner (and within a controlled, safe setting) rather than later if
deviating from the routine is problematic for your learner.</li>
<li>(Seriously do this one!) Before you move forward with any type of
intervention or even more systematic assessment, just think: Would I or
another person without a disability respond that way? How would it be
the same/different? What is it about this learner's response that needs
to be addressed? And finally: Who is being too rigid, Is it the
student.. or is it me?</li>
</ol>
<br />
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and I hope there are no traffic jams, unexpected storms, or other undesirable changes to your plans!Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096481584632357294.post-50924368889484609812013-10-12T10:01:00.002-07:002013-10-16T15:31:27.435-07:00Happy Friday (The Saturday Morning Edition)Whew, what a Friday! Our first Community Based Instruction outing, first High School Pep Rally, best day ever :)<br /><br />If you have ever taught, raised, met someone with Autism, you know how many challenges you face entering an unstructured setting filled with the unknown. The "unknown" is pretty terrifying for us educators, service providers, family members... We are the best planners really, always making lists, schedules, visual aids, social stories and videos, making sure we know the best ways to get in and out, going to the setting in advance to prepare ourselves and our children/students for possible challenges and triggers. But we can never fully prepare for an outing, for a stop somewhere outside of our controlled environments. There are many unknowns...<br /><br />"Will it be noisy?", "Will there be a crowd?", "Will there be small children or infants nearby?", "Will someone approach my child/student?", "Will my child/student wander off?", "Will we have to wait long?", "Will there be a traffic jam?", "Will we have to drive a different route?", "Will everything we planned for be available, or will something be missing/broken/out of stock?"... <br /><br />"What will I do if something doesn't go according to my plan?"<br /><br />Despite the stress and challenges we face as the planners, we need to remember to pack that up silently and be our most enthusiastic and positive selves for our kids. Never underestimate how your own worries and stresses can impact them. If we create a fearful, stressful environment that can increase anxiety for our perceptive learners. Parents know this better than anyone, it's truly amazing to watch a parent put on their brave face when walking into a challenging situation, knowing well the emotions happening inside of them.<br /><br />One of our biggest fears as planners, is that we will miss something, something will go wrong and there will be a meltdown, and people will not understand. Over the years I have run into this often, but for every 9-11 call, judgmental onlooker, unsympathetic comment, threatened lawsuit over an exploding container of cottage cheese, there are those few understanding strangers who offer their help, move others out of the way, or even just pretend nothing is happening as you carry a crying child/adult through their checkout aisle, not to go unmentioned are the store managers who order a clean up of the crashed olive oil display case and refuse any reimbursement for their damaged products.<br /><br />Through it all we know how essential these experiences are, for our learners and children to become members of their communities, to open up their worlds..<br /><br />Yesterday? One of those great days where all the planning paid off, all the unknowns turned into positive experiences, a success over all :) Not only did we have a wonderful outing and make a few new friends and connections in our local shops and library, but later we conquered my greatest fear - a pep rally with 1,800 students attending! Our boys cheered on all their classmates, one student even gasped and cheered through the suspense of the egg race! We even had our first PBSIS winner with a CiCis Pizza gift card :)<br /><br />Fantastic Friday, and looking forward to a restful weekend (full of course of developing programs, data sheets, materials, and plans for the upcoming week)!<br /><br />Never forget the days that go well, when we are pleasantly surprised. Never let the days that don't go so well deter you from making some changes and trying again. <br /><br />Best wishes all, and as always if you need any suggestions please feel free to comment or email me directly!Kristine Noonanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02730212220726783881noreply@blogger.com2