Creating a Language Filled Summer!

 Here are a few suggestions to help on days when 

you just can't think of what to do this summer..... 

Some Helpful Strategies for Successful Inclusion

Tips for Successful Inclusion in Your Classroom

It may be difficult to meet the needs of everyone in the classroom; especially students with a wide variety of abilities and challenges.

Try these strategies to see if it will help.......

1. Reduce Sensory Overload

(watch your sound, smell, sights, remove distractions)

2. Provide a Structured Routine. Use a Schedule

(visual or written schedules)

3. Warn Your Students of any Changes in the Schedule

4. Use Visual Teaching Strategies

(provide pictures, write instructions on the board)

5. Talk Less, Show More

(instructions should be short and to the point)

6. Use Concrete, Simple wording

(avoid idioms, sarcasm, innuendo)

7. Give Choices; Not Open-Ended Questions

(stick to only 2-3 choices)

8. Have Direct, Explicit Rules and Expectations

(write them, post them, show them)

9.Provide Breaks

(5 minutes can recharge students)

10. Teach Social Skills Directly

(teach specific skills and all the steps involved)

11. Use Special Interest To Motivate Your Student

(if the students loves dogs, the try adding/subtracting with dogs)

12.Finally!!!!... DON"T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

Break the work into chunks.... and CELEBRATE each success!!!!!

Set your child up for success!

It's Summer! 

Things to remember this summer to help your child's language development.....

• When arranging a playdate, carefully consider the characteristics of a potential playmate, ensuring that the playmate is around the same age as your child and has similar interests. As children become older, they can select classmates or peers that they wish to play with. Additionally, it is beneficial to schedule playdates around your child’s sleeping and eating routines.

 • Practice difficult skills. Review expectations of behavior and practice skills that may be difficult for your child. For example, if your child struggles with sharing, roleplay how to share prior to the playdate.

• Provide structure. Be sure to set a time limit for the playdate that is appropriate for your child. Make a list of activities, and allow children to take turns choosing ones they will enjoy. Choose activities or toys that promote social interaction and cognitive development, such as board games, puppets or blocks. You may also include toys that encourage pretend play, such as dolls, racecars, action figures, etc.

• Review the rules. Children succeed when they know what is expected of them. Review the rules with all children prior to playtime: behavioral expectations (e.g., no running in the house) and social expectations (e.g., take turns when playing with blocks).

• Plan a snack break. Try to include a snack or cooking activity. This is a great way to practice following directions, sequencing, asking/answering questions, turn taking, and social skills.

• Get moving. Incorporate physical activities during playdates. Go to a playground or park, or allow children to play in the yard under adult supervision.

 • Let children play. At first, children may need a bit of adult support for a playdate. However, as they become more confident and comfortable, slowly fade adult support and allow them the opportunity to lead their playdate.

MAY is Better Speech and Hearing Month

Each May, 

Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders! 
Educate yourself about what Communication Disorders are, the signs of communication deficits, the affects of these deficits, and what you can do to stay proactive! 

For 2016, our theme is 
"Communication Takes Care." 
Check out http://www.asha.org/bhsm/ for more info.