Christmas Show Planning for Kids with Special Needs

O.k. it's that time of year again! If you are looking for some ideas on putting on a Christmas show with children who have special needs, or you have a mainstream school and have one or more special needs children - here's my advice for your plan this December!

1) Try to avoid creating an 'all new' series of activites and songs. Include elements of your group's routine, such as your greeting's song, circle time etc. This will help your group feel comfortable and show off the skills you practice every week.

2) Have the children make as many of the decorations as possible. Even if they don't take part in the whole show, their contribution can be made in other ways. For example, paint a huge cardboard Christmas tree together. Write the children's names at the section they painted and add decorations they made.
There are printable decorations on my Christmas colouring page: http://www.hometrain.ie/christmas/

3) Make a card or gift for children to give to each other. We are making cards with our group's photo on the front, and each child makes and decorates one. During our Christmas show, they will give their card to a friend.

4) For children who are non-verbal, make decorated cut-outs of the following shapes. Try the song below.
Get a copy of the instrumental version of 'Partridge in a Pear Tree'. Give each child a shape to hold (attaching the cut-outs to sticks helps) and get them to stand or hold up their shape at the right time.
If this is tricky, be clever with your seating arrangements!
Another bit of advice is to decorate your shapes both sides - this will save you having to remind children to turn them around!!

A STAR FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Tune: “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”

One the first day of Christmas,
My teacher gave to me –
A star for the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
My teacher gave to me –
Two strings of lights,
And a star for the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas
My teacher gave to me –
Three silver bells,
Two strings of lights,
And a star for the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas
My teacher gave to me –
Four candy canes.
Three silver bells,
Two strings of lights
And a star for the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas
My teacher gave to me –
Five Christmas bulbs.
Four candy canes,
Three silver bells,
Two strings of lights,
And a star for the Christmas tree.

4) Make a programme for parents. Write a short description of the show and the different songs. Add a note about each child and how they participated. Add a photograph of their child helping with preparations - i.e. painting the tree or making decorations.

5) Make mince pies or biscuits for the families, display the children's work. Decorate the room.

6) Don't stress if the children do not participate. If your group all have special needs, you will not be expecting them all to sit perfectly and not want to go to their parents. Arranging the group in a circle can help with this, with parents in a greater circle around them (so they can see their child).

And that's it - I'm looking forward to our show on 17th - Hope yours goes well, and any more ideas are greatly appreciated!

Our Christmas Ideas page has lots of festive printables: http://www.hometrain.ie/christmas/

Merry Christmas!

Claire x

Preparing Children for a Hospital Visit

'How do I prepare my child for hospital?' This is a question that faces most parents at some time or other.
Closely followed by 'How do I explain it?' and 'Should I prepare them at all?'

The answer to the last question is 'Yes' - preparing your child for hospital is essential - even though it might seem easier at the time to say nothing, a prepared child will cope far better. Not preparing children can also lead to problems regarding trust.

"If your child knows what to expect, they are more likely to be co-operative, cope better and gain a sense of achievement."

The CD-ROM 'Going to Hospital' is an essential guide to explaining hospital to children of all ages.

Choose your child's age category

Dodi covers babies and toddlers                            

                                           Digg is for 4-7 years
                                           Hazel covers 8-12 years
                                           Buck is for 13 - 16 years  

Each character has their own menu - so you select your child's age category. Each character's menu has a selection of topics, such as:
Preparing for a hospital visit, taking medicine, preparing for surgery and waiting areas.

This means for every age group, there are different ways of explaining and preparing - these relate to each age category and contain relevant language and descriptions.
The different characters also have games, quizzes and colouring pages that suit all age groups - such as the word search or picture quiz.
There is a section on relaxation and breathing techniques with a guided relaxation story that your child can download and listen to - or you can print and read to them. This is designed to aid relaxation and teach your child coping techniques. It's a good idea to use this before your admission.

Child-friendly explanations and illustrations.

    As well as a comprehensive guide that covers a visit to hospital, there is an extensive Parent Information section which lists child-friendly decsriptions of hospital procedures and equipment, important information and guide about distraction, information about siblings, a list of 'Do's' and 'Dont's' and steps for preparing your child. 

In the printables section, there are numerous colouring pages, a handy packing checklist, pain scale, reward chart and word search. All designed to help your child become familiar with hospital images, equipment, words and procedures.

'Going to Hospital' is available worldwide - online or by post with our order form, which can be printed from our website.

To find out more:

http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/

Social Story about visiting 'The Hairy Planet' Salon

When you visit the Hairy Planet, you arrive in the playroom.
There are toys, books, blocks, a TV and a games console.
We have a soft area called the den where you can relax and play on our big hairy floor cushions. There are DVD's and computer games to choose - or you can read, build blocks, play with trains.
There are chairs for your parents too.

You will see bubbles, spinners and buzzy toys, and there are people and other children to play with.

Playing in the den area

Some of the games help you learn how to cope with getting a hair cut.
Some of these games are called:
Snipping Circles, Buzzy Bugs and The Wiggler!

We use lots of hair dresser things when we play, and some games are very silly and fun - like spraying water on our heads!

Learning to spray and comb

You learn how to spray and comb or brush your own hair in the mirror.
You learn how to use words or pictures to say when you are calm and ready.
You choose your favourite colour towel.
You choose where you want to sit.
You choose what you want to play with.
Girls can choose pretty hair slides, clips and hair ties.
You can choose scissors or clippers to get your hair cut.
You choose what to watch on the DVD player.

You can watch and talk about other children just like you getting their hair cut.

Choosing a DVD to watch can help

Hair cuts do not hurt. This is because your hair does not have any feelings.
So when Jenny's gentle scissors trim your hair, you don't not feel anything.
Sometimes the buzzy feel of the clippers can make you feel uncomfortable, but we can help you, and stop for a few minutes if you need a break.
Having a hair cut can be quick too - especially if you are playing computer games or watching a DVD. You can even hold onto the sand timer.


Sitting still really helps. If you can sit still, haircuts can be finished really quickly.
Then it's playtime again! You get a whole hour to play with whatever you like at the Hairy Planet.

The people who help you play at the Hairy Planet are called Claire, Jenny, Karen and Anna.
You can bring your own favourite toys, and your brothers or sisters can get a hair cut too.

No stress! Sometimes, you might need to come for a few visits before you will feel ready to get a hair cut.

Relax and watch a DVD

You'll be so proud of yourself when you go home looking very smart and have tidy hair!

And when it is time to go home - you can choose a lolly, bubbles or crayons to take home.










For more information, videos and booking the Hairy Planet: http://www.hometrain.ie/hairyplanet/

Giving Choice and Control to Cope with Haircuts

Well The Hairy Planet - the Hair Therapy for Kids Salon is running, and here's my thoughts so far on what's the secret to the sucess of the Hairy Planet programme:

When preparing children for any invasive proceedure, there are three important factors:
1) Preparation
2) Choice
3) Control

Making Choices for Coping

These 3 cover the basics of what is required to help cope with a stressful or fearful situation.
We have to remember at all times that fear of hair cuts 'Tonsurephobia' - be it a perceived fear of pain or not - is a very real fear. Tonsurephobia can have several influencing factors, including sensory dysfunction, imaginery perception of pain, and fear related to a stressful incident (possibly a bad home hair cut experience...)

The fear that many toddlers have of parents trimming their nails is a significant reference - we can relate this when we examine how young children with special needs have the ability to rationalise or distinguish pain and the fear of pain as easily as typically developing children. How children with special needs experience and express pain is an important factor. There are many children who are reported to have a high pain threshold i.e can run head first into a door and carry on about their business. But when faced with a hairbrush, will fly into a panic. Sound familiar??
As a trained Hospital Play Specialist, I used techniques to prepare children for sugery and other invasive proceedures, and the Hair Therapy programme has it's roots in the same theories and protocols.
The 'Hair Therapy' approach is both behavioural and cognitive - with a combination of preparation, choice and control learned at every step.
Here's one example: We use our 'Buzzy Bugs' game to: 1) Experience the sensation of the clippers 2) learn to control the clippers with the Stop, Wait and Go traffic lights.
Having control over the buzzy bugs is just one way how we teach the children to request verbally or using traffic light PECS how we control the clippers. Eventually, we introduce the small clippers to touch, hold and turn on and off using the same principles.

Learning Control and Desensitization

Making choices and learning about different sensation is vital - but we are also adding group dynamics into the mix.
The therapuetic value of groupwork in the Hairy Planet accounts for a great deal of its success. Whilst children attend, they are observing other children having hair cuts and learning to cope in the same way. There is no pressure, parents and children alike are relaxed, mums and dads can come and go when needed.
The children attending learn by observing others, playing out their fears and learning to cope with their difficulties in a child-friendly environment.

There is more about the Hair Therapy and videos here: The Hairy Planet

The Therapeutic Side of The Hairy Planet

To book - click here:

Here’s the serious side to the Hairy Planet.

A child who has a fear of haircuts can make haircut time a distressing experience for the whole family.

So how does The Hairy Planet aim to make a difference?

Firstly – the name. The Hairy Planet was chosen to be fun and child-friendly.

Secondly – the environment. The Hairy Planet is laid out like a ‘den’ with big, hairy scatter cushions and rugs. There’s computer consoles, DVD player, toys and music. No hairdresser smells or hairdryers. You can open or close the mirror, play with hair dressing equipment and play games.

Hair Play Therapy:
Children visiting The Hairy Planet will take part in different types of play activities that are designed to address their coping needs and help modify behaviour.

Cognitive, though:

·         Information

·         Choices and Control

·         Stress/Anxiety Management

·         Attention and Distraction

Behavioural, through:

·         Participation in activities

·         De-sensitization Training

·         Behaviour Modification

Choices and Control:

Children will be asked is there anything they can see or think of to make them feel better when they get their haircut.

Allowing children the ability to make changes so they feel more comfortable are control-related coping strategies.

Children can make choices of where they sit when their hair is cut, what they would like to hold, who they want with them, which toy, watch a DVD or Playstation game, or listen to music.

Calmness Scale:
Stress/Anxiety will be measured using a calmness scale – which is a visual representation of calm, slightly anxious, anxious, very anxious and panicky.

Attention and Distraction:
Toys, games, music, computers and DVD’s are available to the child having their hair cut. These will be selected by the child before they have their hair cut. Other distraction toys will be introduced as needed or requested.

De-sensitization Training:
For children who have sensory dysfunction, we have a selection of vibrotacile toys that imitate the sensation of hair clippers. 

There are games and activities for children to play, touch and feel.

With guided supervision and safety equipment in place, Children will have the opportunity to touch, turn clippers on and off, and feel the clippers against their skin.

Behaviour Modification:
We will use the calmness scale with each child to understand their perception of haircuts.
Highly reinforcing toys and activities are available at times throughout the play session – and are given to children freely during and after their haircuts.

Parental Involvement:
Prior to visiting, parents are asked to rate their child’s coping ability at the hairdressers on a calmness scale:

1)     Calm

2)     Slightly Anxious

3)     Anxious

4)     Very anxious

5)     Panicky

Parents will be in the seated waiting area, and will be called in as each child is preparing to have a haircut. This will be when they have chosen their activity and are ready. Parents will be invited in to discuss their child’s hair with the stylist.

It’s fine to take your child home straight after they get their haircut, but staying for the end of the session is a good idea. This way, they will have time to relax and play before going home.

For your child’s comfort, bring a clean T-shirt to wear after their haircut.

You can bring a favoured DVD from home if your child prefers.

Please remember:
Children may or may not get their hair cut. No child will be forced to avail of a haircut, and we understand that it may take time.
Some children need a number of sessions before they attempt to have their hair cut and we offer a special rate for children who need regular visits.

The Hairy Planet is open Saturdays, to book – please contact Claire at Hometrain.

Phone: 046 9091163 or 087 6907663

Email: info@hometrain.ie

The Hairy Planet - Coming Soon!! Yay

O.k I can't wait any longer....are you ready for the Hairy Planet to open? After months of planning....oh - just read on!

Having a good experience in the hairdressers is something we take for granted. For children with sensory dysfunction and those who develop fears about visiting the hairdressers, hair cut time is a stressful and difficult experience – and has a huge impact on family life.

Did you know that a fear of haircuts is called Tonsurephobia?

Regular hair cuts are essential, and Tonsurephobia is a serious problem for many families.

So how can children learn how to cope with their difficulties and fears?

Children can now visit Ireland’s only Kids Hair Therapy salon.

Join the 100’s families that are ready to welcome to launch of The Hairy Planet!

It’s a hairdressers – but not as they know it!

Devised and run by established Play Specialist Claire Whyte, The Hairy Planet is a multi-sensory play experience in a fun environment that helps children learn how to cope with hair cuts – or to just have their hair cut in a cool hairdressers!

Children visiting The Hairy Planet will:

·         Play with other kids in a small group

·         Experience sensory play including vibrotactile toys

·         Explore hairdressing equipment in a safe, fun environment

·         Play computer games, watch DVD’s

·         Choose to have a hair cut with quiet clippers

There are: No strong smells from shampoos or hair dyes, No hair dryers and No loud clippers.

How does it work?

Each session includes no more than 5 kids: sensory play, hair therapy play, having a hair cut by our own hairdresser, watching DVD’s and playing computer games.

Customers can book a single visit or a regular session to de-sensitize (special offer rates for regular visitors)

Any child can attend, including siblings, schools and charity groups.

Price per child is €18 per session.

We know children.

Children may or may not get their hair cut. No child will be forced or held to avail of a haircut, and we understand that some children need a number of sessions before they attempt to have their hair cut.

Private 1-1 sessions are available if needed.

We open on Saturday, 15^th October! Book Now!

Where is The Hairy Planet?

We’ll be open every Saturday at The Bangla Therapy Centre, Balrath,

Co. Meath (near Navan on the N2) Thursday sessions coming in November.

About Claire (if you don't know me already...)

Claire Whyte is the Co-Director of Hometrain Ltd and the leader of the established Hometrain Social Skills Group and Social Skills Summer Camps in Co. Meath.

Claire worked for many years as a Hospital Play Specialist in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin - preparing children for cardiac surgery and painful procedures.

Her experience also as a Home Tutor with special needs children, and her work with many families have lead to the research, development and launch of The Hairy Planet.
Claire is also the author of Hometrain’s educational resources and software.

Please contact for more details and booking by phone or e-mail at Hometrain:

Office: 046 9091163     Mobile: 087 6907663

E-mail: claire@hometrain.ie or info@hometrain.ie

Website: http://www.hometrain.ie

Advice on Staying Quiet in Class

O.k. I usually write about something I have encountered whilst working, and this week's challenge is with my very own 8 year old who has a difficulty. She talks constantly. I mean, all the time. Forever.
Not for attention, not to disrupt the class, but she just talks compulsively.
So it's her fourth year in school, and each September I pray for a stern, 'no nonsense' teacher who will challenge my daughter's habit. Alas but no. Yet again I am emplored by teacher to do something about my daughter's talking.
So another year, another chart? What's going to work?
Here's my latest approach:
1) A Visual image to have on her desk:

2) A weekly chart to record how she is doing - we did use one before, but the consequences got lost.

3) Lines. I know it's old-fashioned, but I think it will work. It's not enough to say 'o.k you're not going out to play, or no t.v.' She will end up happily doing something else! So lines it is, and here's how the scores go.

If she scores a terrible 1 (rank - poor) for listening and a 1 for staying quiet, that equals 4 exercise book pages of lines 'I must stay quiet in class'.

For a score of 2 (rank - not good), it's 1 page of lines and so on.

It is also clear that a full week of 3's may also result in a page or two.

Call me strict, but my daughter does not have a learning difficulty, we try everything to encourage her to keep quiet when it is appropriate to do so - such as in Mass, at School and when she should be listening. I feel that this could be the thing that (hopefully) works.

On the whole, she's very clever, and understands how this system is going to work. I am determind that I can help her with this - no point being cross, but I'll try to help her to change her verbal behaviour in the classroom.

Here's the text of the chart - copy and paste if you can use it yourself:

 Classroom Chart

1=Poor     5=Very Good                                         Date: ___/___/2011

Day	Listening	Staying Quiet
MONDAY	1  2  3  4  5	1  2  3  4  5
TUESDAY	1  2  3  4  5	1  2  3  4  5
WEDNESDAY	1  2  3  4  5	1  2  3  4  5
THURSDAY	1  2  3  4  5	1  2  3  4  5
FRIDAY	1  2  3  4  5	1  2  3  4  5

Teacher Notes:

Parent Notes:

Also - I think it's good to have a chart like this. I do not want to draw too much attention to her talking, so it's a nice way of keeping track and communicating with her teacher.

Next stop - chewing gum.

I will see how she gets on this week - and I'll keep you posted!

Claire.

I must remember to keep you posted, I must remember to keep you posted, I must remember to keep you posted......

How to Introduce PECS

The success of introducing PECS to a child requires persistance, willpower, determination and a good introduction!
When you have a child who does not use functional communication - you will undoubtedly meet resistance as you begin to make demands for items your child desires.
Simple as it may seem, exchanging a picture for an item will not come naturally. Your child will resist the change in your behaviour to begin with - below are some tips for starting PECS, use these to start the process.
So where to begin?
What has to be realised by your child is that communicating is useful.
Learning to come to you and communicating functionally to get things is a whole new behaviour - so how can you start this relationship?

1) Start by organising play things, favoured items and food/drink in such a way that you child has to come to you to get them. For example:

•  Place favourite snacks in a bowl - you hold the bowl and give one piece at a time to your child. This way, they have to come to you to get good things.
• Put toys in a small bag or box i.e. cars for the play garage, or toy animals - give your child one at a time.
• Give lots of praise every time they come back to you.
• Try to do this for everything they like/need and tell close family members and teachers to do the same.

What do you do when your child wants the bowl or box just to themselves?? They don't get the bowl or bag to themselves - tough love needed for this! Your child will soon learn that the only way to get things is to come directly to you.

Next, introduce PECS. Either by photo or image, make up your pictures by laminating them if possible and introduce them 2 or 3 at a time.

2) Pair the item or toy with each picture by placing them on top - say the name of the item when you match them.

• Hold the item and picture together in your open hand - ask your child 'What do you want?'
• When you child reaches for the item - offer it to them and say the name i.e. 'Ball'
• Give lots of praise 
• Hold out two pictures with two items in you hands - ask 'What do you want?'
• When your child reaches for an item give it to them, saying the name of the item.

3) Introduce picture exchange with individual items:

• Hold out a picture and the matching item close to you in your other hand
• Teach your child to 'Touch' the picture to get the item - do this 'hand-on-hand' to begin with.
• When your child touches the picture - give the item immediatly, naming the item and giving them lots of praise.

4) Introduce picture exchange for choices:

• Offer a choice of two items using the pictures only
• Have the items in a box or small bag - let your child see you have them
• Ask 'What do you want?' and prompt your child to touch the picture
• Give and name the chosen item and give lots of praise

Practise this with added items once the favoured items are mastered.
Adding the name of the item each time will encourage language development. When your child begins to use the label of the items, keep using pictures until the word is clear, then fade the prompts and PECS.
Remember to place yourself between your child and the item they want.


Read more about Comunication and PECS here: http://www.hometrain.ie/child-communication.php
There are PECS images at Hometrain, go to: http://www.hometrain.ie/resources/ and you can print or save from there.
Repetition is the most useful advice, persist with PECS and don't give up - the first weeks are tough, but stick it out and you'll get there!

If you need any more advice on PECS, you can contact me: info@hometrain.ie

Claire.

Home Tuition help without a Grant

Here's some answers to FAQ's about 'Learning Together':

Why was Learning Together written, and who is it for?
Right now, there are many people who are waiting for their child's assessment, diagnosis and are in the process of applying for a home tuition grant.
It was written for parents, tutors, SNA's and preschool teachers to use individually, or together.

You can use Learning Together at home to not waste valuable early intervention time.
You can use Learning Together at home if you don't get a grant or SNA hours.

Is Learning Together easy for parents to use?
It's straight forward. 'Learning Together' is a home tuition guide that has 48 weekly lesson plans and associated resources. It tells you where to start, has step-by-step teaching advice and learning objectives that help you teach at home at your child's pace.
The course has a welcome pack with glossary of terms, explaining how to use reinforcers, and which resources are needed every week.
It starts simple - with a selection of language cards added each week.

What resources are included?
The other resources include: games, opposites, associations, days of the week, weather, social skills, 'All About Me' communication book, colouring, tracing, writing, numeracy, people, places, and much more. For details of resources for each section, go here: http://www.hometrain.ie/lessons/ and click on the 'course content' headings, where you will find full lists of contents for each section.

What if I don't understand what I have to do?
No problem. The Learning Together course is fully supported by us at Hometrain. You get free anytime support over the phone or online. We will reply with your advice within 24 hours.

If you have any questions about Learning Together for your family, please contact me directly and I will be happy to discuss any aspect of the course with you: info@hometrain.ie

Claire Whyte.

You can view the course, sample lessons and resources here: http://www.hometrain.ie/lessons/

Free-activity-a-week! Number 5 - Ready for School Game and Reward Chart!

Well here's number 5 of the Free-Activity-A-Weeks, you can look back through the blog for other weeks you may have missed. Some activites you can take straight from here, and some are in our free printables (links are attached)

1. Nature Hunt
2. Door Hangers
3. Dress-up Dolls
4. Visual Timetables for school

This week's offering is a game and reward chart aimed at helping you get the kids up and ready for school.
It is a known fact that a mum's most stressful time of day is 8:30 a.m. - and I'm sure all over the country (and my house) there are cries of 'Well where did you put your shoes?' 'and 'Please put your DS away and get dressed!'

So here's a game and reward chart you can play to see if school mornings can be a little easier:
Make the game: You need a printer, paper and markers. Laminate the pictures if you can.

1) Print 2 copies of the reward chart first. The link to this is: http://www.hometrain.ie/rewards-print.php

2) Copy, paste and print 4 (or more if you have more kids) copies of the 3 images below.

To play the card game:
Use the cards to play the game. Mix up the cards and turn face down on the table. Take turns to turn over 2 cards. If they match, you child has to pretend that action. Give them a time limit of ten seconds. The winner is the one who does this the quickest.
When each action is done, put those cards to one side (or in a box) and move to the next.
You can also play SNAP with them.

Use one copy of the reward chart for the game - add a sticker or stamp for every action they get right, or every time they win a SNAP. The first to 20 stars is the winner.

Playing every day:
Make a chart on your kitchen wall with the cards. See can your child add which goes first, second and third.
Each time they eat breakfast, brush teeth or get dressed, that picture goes up on the wall and they get a stamp or star on their reward chart.

After the first week you could give the stars when they have all three done and are ready for school.

Make your rewards simple, like a friend to play over, or a trip to the park.

Have fun!
Claire.

Breakfast

Get dressed

Brush teeth



For help with children who have to visit hospital, you can prepare them with the 'Going to Hospital'

iPhone app: http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/

 

http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/

Interview with Sally Lomax - Author of Times Table Town

What better way to find out more about our latest addition to Hometrain's online products 'Times Table Town'! Here's an interview with Sally - so you can meet the author - any questions? Leave as comments below:

1) Where are you from?

I live in a small rural village in Norfolk, England quite close to the city of Norwich.

2) Tell us your latest news?

Today I put my youngest daughter (age 15) on a train to Paris, unaccompanied, for the first time. I'm feeling a little emotional! She's going to see her French penfriend and will be staying with them for a week

3) When and why did you begin writing Times Table Town?

The idea for writing the Times Table Town Stories was in response to one of my daughters having difficulty reciting her 7 Times Table . It was her homework and I was helping her. She understood how the 7 Times Table was worked out, but struggled when asked to recall them out loud. What she was missing was a 'clue' a 'trigger' to help her remember the answers.  Suddenly the idea of a story to assist recall came to me. So together we started to make one up about a man who looked like a number 7. We called him Angle Man. The story took him to see all his friends who also looked like a numbers. We had so much fun creating the story and when we had finished, she could recite the 7 Times Table with ease! This was because she had something to help her remember the answers. This was back in 2005. Having a story to help remember a Times Table was so successful with my daughter, I decided to write a complete set. To make the learning experience even better I had the stories illustrated which brought the characters to life and added a visual dimension to the learning process.

4) When did you first consider writing?

This is the first time I have written for children. I have written short articles for adults, however.

5) What inspired you to write Times Table Town?

I'm one of the many people who like to see something (a picture , an object) to fully understand what is being discussed. Once I realised how useful these stories could be, particularly if they were illustrated, I became passionate about getting them published. I knew they could help many many children learn their Times Tables, who were perhaps struggling with the traditional way of learning them

6) How did you come up with the title?

The stories are all based around a group of friends who live near to each other in the same town. Times Table Town seemed the perfect name.

7) What books have most influenced your life most?

These are probably the personal development books I have read over the years. They inspire me and rekindle my self belief and my desire to be the best 'me' I can be.

8) What book are you reading now?

The Guide by Dr William Holden. Its a personal development book which reveals why we don't achieve many of the things we would like to in life and the how to change your habits that stop us achieving them.

9) What are your current projects?

I am currently promoting the Times Table Series to schools and the media making sure that everyone knows about them.

10) Is there anything you found particularly challenging when you were
writing?

Yes! The biggest challenge was to make the stories interlink. For example the illustration and story for 7 x 5 is the same as 5 x 7 but, from the other characters point of view. This also had to happen for all the other multiplications so you can imagine this took some thinking about!

11) Who is your favorite children's author and what is it that really
strikes you about their work?

My favourite children's author is probably Michael Morpurgo. My daughters have read a lot of his books and they are always around the house. I like his style , it's easy to read and I find the subject/theme of his books to my taste.

12) Who designed the covers?

The cover to the Times Table Town books were designed by me. In fact I have been responsible for every aspect of what the books design and what they look like. The orginal illustrations were sketched and painted by Paola Cumiskey though.

13) Do you have any advice for other children's writers?

Gosh ! I'm not sure I'm the right one to ask, but as you've asked - I like pictures in books,  they help me visualise the text and aid understanding. I  always like to see illustrations or pictures in childrens books.

14) Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes, make learning these Times Table fun! I would love to see the stories acted out by children in costumes or as numbers. If anyone does this I would love hear from you.

For more information about Times Table Town... available now at www.hometrain.ie with free P&P!