Preparing Children for Starting School

Taking the big step to primary school can be daunting - both for parents and children, and especially if your child has special needs. Early intervention and planning can give your child the best possible advantage for their first day at school.


This delightful book on CD ’Going to School’ is designed to help make the transition easier for children - especially useful for those who are dependent on their home environment and routines.

With your child, read about the events of Helen and Tom’s first day at school.
Discover that Tom has a special needs assistant, where they sit and how they make new friends. Learn about: Classroom routines, Teachers, Emotions, Homework and more.

‘Going to School’ also includes learning resources for parents and pre-school teachers.

You can print from the disc:
The illustrated book in colour, the B&W colouring book, your very own ‘I’m Going to School’ mini book
visual timetables and reward chart.

Things you can encourage your child to do before they start school:


Take care of and be familiar with own belongings.


Open and close lunch box, school bag and pencil case.


Recognise their own name on their school books.


Fasten own coat.


Take off and put on shoes.


Take turns.


Use the toilet unattended.

                                     'Going to School' is available to buy online:

Please feel free to contact me for any further information or ideas: claire@hometrain.ie

Thanks,
Claire.

Special needs and the Christmas School Play

It's that time of year when the classroom routine turns it's focus to the all-important Christmas play. Be it the Nativity or another, teachers everywhere are hoping that it goes well - without tears, injury or disaster!
For parents who have children with special needs, it is a time to see how their child is getting on independently and (as all us parents notice...) in comparisson to their peers.

It's not an easy time for all. There are many kids who do not enjoy school play preparation. This could be because:

• It's out of the routine
• It's too noisy and confusing
• It's not fun or interesting for them
• They don't want to do it and feel they have no option

Some kids are without the ability to interpret or voice their feelings, and will undoubtedly display problem behaviour - such as interrupting the rehearsals in whatever way they can, or showing their ususal behaviours that signal a need to escape or gain attention.

The stress that some children feel is difficult for us to comprehend. We want so much for them to take part and share the pride of their achievements - but for some kids, we must ask ourselves as parents and teachers - 'Is it really that important?'

If your child or student is having difficulty, consider offering a choice:

1. You don't have to take part in the play.
2. You can say your poem, song or line just by yourself and leave the stage.
3. You take part if you want to, but you must not disrupt the other children.

Personally, I think choice 2 is the best of both worlds - especially for a child who has ASD. They get to take part and have a chance to read their peom or line, but in their own space, and without too many distractions.

I know I'm the first to encourage kids with special needs to integrate and take part and learn new social skills, but some things just will not matter in ten years time if they did/did not take part. Life could be a lot simpler if some kids, given a choice, did not have to.

So - if they do want to, and when you go to watch the school Christmas play, please bear these
questions in mind:

How many kids (non-diagnosed kids) are crying and don't want to take part ?
How many others arn't singing all the songs or doing all the actions?
How many others don't want to wear the hat, crown or costume?
Is it you or your child who is actually bothered they weren't picked to be Joseph?

Enjoy! and Happy Christmas to you all,

Claire.

Demo of 'How Are You?' game!

You can take a look through the game here -

just click on the link below:

http://www.hometrain.ie/howareyou/#demo

Enjoy!

Claire.

'How Are You?' Game helps with bullying

A descision for many parents who have children with special needs
is letting their child out to play with their peers in the street, play area or local green. Developing relationships and playing with friends is a natural part of growing up, and a positive step forward, but a hard decision for parents to make when the time comes.

Nurturing and encouraging new friendships with your child is fine when it's comfortable, and you know the parents of the other children well.


However, it can be difficult if you notice your child is not being treated well by the other children, by ways that include: name calling, bullying, teasing and even physical violence.

Your child may not have told you this is happening, have the words to express their upset, or have a true understanding of what is happening to them.

Finding out how much your child understands about social skills and rules is by playing the game 'How Are You?' at home or in the classroom.

One of the sections of the How Are You? game is called 'Dont' Do That' - this section (like all of sections in the game) was designed with a group of schoolage children with different special needs. It explores scenarios including:

• Pushing and Kicking



• Name calling



• Being ignored



• Someone taking your toys/belongings

This part of 'How Are You?' teaches simple language skills for conflict resolution and responses to bullies. It also has a section called 'Ouch! That Hurt' - which helps children understand pain and how to tell someone where they are hurt. A whole range of printable worksheets and coloring pages are on the programme.

'How Are You?' covers basic emotions and social skills too. Other sections are called: 'How Are You?' 'Why Emotions Change?' and 'Staying Calm' - all with the eight boy and girl characters. There are three great games too.

With this game, children are playing and learning, letting you know how they feel about social highs and lows without feeling under pressure to directly discuss confusing emotions.

Take a look - it's here now: http://www.hometrain.ie/howareyou/

Best regards, Claire.