Personal Space Is Important!

Individuals who have difficulty showing appropriate social skills may unknowingly invade your personal space. Conversely, individuals with social-skill difficulties or sensory issues may be extremely opposed to you being in their personal space. As well, it is important to keep in mind that different cultures have different ideas about personal space.

There are several strategies to help a child learn the rules of personal space. Here are some examples………..

1. Model good body language – Stand at an appropriate distance from the child and let the child see you stand at an appropriate distance from others.

2. Teach social cues for body language – Explain and demonstrate facial expressions, eye contact, or body movements someone might make if he/she is uncomfortable with you being in his/her personal space. These can include turning your head, backing away, crossing your arms, etc. Have the child identify these cues and practice responding appropriately to them.

3.Look at pictures – View pictures of appropriate and inappropriate personal space. Compare the pictures with the child and have him/her label the body language (e.g., “He is too close,” “That kid looks uncomfortable”).

4.Practice personal space – Have the child stand up and hold out his/her arm to “see” personal space.

5.Have a discussion about personal space – Explain what personal space is, why it’s important, and how a child can respect the personal space of others.

6.Give breaks to a child who needs personal space – Allow a child who has sensory issues with others in his/her space to have breaks from groups during the day.

Why Is Recess Important?

Recess is often the only time for students to participate in physical, social, and emotional activities during a school day.

Regular physical activity can provide the following benefits:

• Reduces the risk for obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases

• Assists in improved academic performance

• Helps children feel better about themselves

• Reduces the risk for depression and the effects of stress

• Helps children prepare to be productive, healthy members of society

• Improves overall quality of life (National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2011)

Recess also provides the opportunity for students to develop and improve social and emotional skills. Playing freely with peers allows students to develop skills for seeing things through another person’s point of view. Recess also gives students a chance to gain:

• Cooperation, helping, and sharing skills

• Respect for rules

• Conflict-resolution skills

• Language skills for communicating with peers

• Turn-taking skills

• Problem-solving skills in real-life situations

Finally, many students who have recess display an improvement in both their attention and their ability to stay on task during the school day. When students release energy during recess, they tend to be less fidgety and have better behavior while focusing on learning in their classrooms.

Tips for Parents at the IEP meeting

So you are finally at the meeting. What to do?

Follow these tips to make the most of the IEP meeting.

TIPS

#1  Remember that you are an equal member of the educational team. This means you will be helping to make decisions, plan interventions, and set goals. You may want to review your child’s educational history before the meeting. Stay involved and aware of your child’s progress so that you can help support your child and/or suggest changes to the goals.

 #2 Everyone in the room has the best interest of your child in mind. There may be opposing viewpoints on how to educate, but everyone there wants to help your child do his/her best.

 #3 Ask questions?? You are the one who knows your child best. It is essential for you to understand everything said. You may hear unfamiliar jargon and acronyms like LRE, PT, SLP, OT, and so forth. Ask what the terms mean, take notes, and write down the unfamiliar terms and definitions.

#4 Also, you may hear the word “data” during the meeting. Don’t be alarmed. Data is only collected because educators are required to keep records to measure your child’s progress.

 #5 Don’t worry about time! Don’t let anyone rush you into finishing an IEP. An IEP is a legal document and you may need to take extra time to make decisions or share the program with your spouse before you sign the document. 

***You can always meet at a later time if there are unresolved issues.

Plug In to Good Communication for 2016!!

Technology is wonderful! 

But too much technology can affect the quality and quantity of communication with other..... 

So, how can you create “unplugged” time for your child? The American Speech and Hearing Association suggests these tips to manage your child’s use of technology and create meaningful alternatives to screen time:

1. Choose toys that inspire creativity. Age-appropriate craft supplies, dress-up props, and building blocks keep children busy and engage them in make-believe play.

2. Include your child in daily chores. Young children readily imitate adults. Offer your child opportunities to participate in daily tasks such as sorting laundry, dusting furniture, or watering plants.

3. Reading and sharing stories is not just for bedtime. Consider reading or telling stories to your child during the daytime too. Shared stories help children learn early sequencing, vocabulary, and grammar skills.

4. Get on the floor and play with your child. Children learn important social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and conversation from joint play activities. Playing with your child also gives you the opportunity to communicate with your child and model good language skills.

5. Let your child get dirty! Outdoor play helps young children develop gross motor skills and provides opportunities for encounters they can’t have in an indoor environment. Play in the backyard, visit a local park, or find a playgroup.

6. Turn off the TV and other tech devices. In many homes, the television is on in the background. Studies indicate that background TV noise can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate. Background TV noise and use of other technology devices also lowers the quantity and quality of family interactions. Turning off the TV and other devices limits distractions and provides opportunities for family members to talk to one another.

7. Make tech use a family activity. When you do allow your child to use technology, use the device together and talk about your shared experiences.

8. Model good tech habits for your child. Children learn from watching the adults around them.

Practice the tech habits you want your child to use. 

Little eyes are always watching!!