WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS OF PRESENTATIONS by Carolyn Payne
PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND INVOLVEMENT - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers)
Proactive strategies to organize yourself and the student in order to promote independence and involvement. Create materials to help the student stay on-task using peripheral supports e.g. visual organizational tools, dayplan assignment folders for students requiring individualized activities. Share simple solutions that will facilitate the student's active participation in the class' activity with support from his/her peers.
____________________________________
*FYI - Each participant will make two types of day schedules using file folders, a pocket mini-book schedule, a home school communication system and leave with a handout for future reference. Materials which need to be provided for each participant: photocopying as instructed, Plus two letter size file folders, also glue sticks and scissors (which will be returned)
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR CLASSROOM INCLUSION - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers)
How to involve students with developmental delays in the regular classroom curriculum is often a dilemma for many educators. Using information provided by “what everyone else is doing”; develop tools of the trade that will accommodate the students’ level of understanding. Create paper props to provide an introduction or scaffolding activity for students with processing and organizational difficulties or use it as the complete modified project for a lower functioning student. These strategies will provide a repetitive format, which can be utilized across the curriculum, for any subject area and grade level while incorporating the student’s IEP objectives. Time in the computer lab will also provide an opportunity to check out additional websites for your own toolbox.
____________________________________
* FYI – Each participant will produce Novel Study, Writing Organizer, Math Facts/PROPS, Science Experiment, Tactile Writing Primer mini-books, and an Independent Work Station along with a handout for additional creative ideas. If required please have the computer lab set-up before session – Thank you. Materials which need to be provided for each participant: photocopying as instructed, Plus two legal size file folders, also glue sticks and scissors (which will be returned)
PROPS: Providing Resources and Other materials for Paraprofessionals and Students - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers)
What “tools of the trade” do you have on-hand to match the student’s level of learning to the current class’ assignment? Use inexpensive, low-tech objects to create activities which will make the classroom curriculum accessible to students with fine motor difficulties and/or cognitive challenges. Websites from which you can download modifications and ideas for students with special needs will also be shared and discussed.
____________________________________
*FYI - Each participant will make a Styrofoam cup word/math manipulative, a generic alphabet book, a hands-on clock, a popsicle stick puzzle, a generic game board and leave with a handout for future references. Materials which need to be provided for each participant: photocopying as instructed, three styrofoam cups, and 2 legal size file folder, also gluesticks and scissors which will be returned)
PRO-ACTIVE PARAS/EA/TAs &useful for teachers too! - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers)
How do you make students feel? Are they actively involved and included? Can they participate in the class’ assignment or are they excluded? Do you help them achieve or make them dependent on you? Do you have the time/resources/expertise? Need Help?
As support staff we are often racing into a classroom then “flying by the seat of our pants” to help our students. This reactive position often results in working one-to-one with a student, leading them through the assignment. Being pro-active will set up students for success with involvement and assistance from his peers: NOT an adult. To help accomplish your tasks, produce a “toolbox” to keep organized, create generic resources/tools, learn “tips of the trade” and have fun!
____________________________________
* FYI – Each participant will create a task/resouce/organizer file which will include Novel Study, Writing Organizer, Math Facts, Science Experiment, and Research Project mini-books along with a handout for additional creative ideas. Sub books can also be implemented in this session if requested by the district. Materials which need to be provided for each participant: photocopies as instructed, ten manila (plain buff) file folders and scissors (which will be returned)
BEHAVIOUR INTERVENTION BASICS - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers) for Education Assistants working with students with special needs.
Problems are often in crises mode before it results in the development of a Behaviour Management Plan, However there are daily challenges we encounter within the classroom when including students with special needs. Review visual cues, social stories and materials to assist students whose disruptive, reactive behaviour is due to their limited communication skills, sensory issues and difficulties with transition. Share solutions that will encourage students to develop self-management skills and become motivated with the support of their peers.
____________________________________
* FYI – Along with a handout, each participant will produce Problem Solving mini-books.
Photocopies as instructed.
BEYOND BEHAVIOUR BASICS - Make & Take*
(information for conference organizers)
Often when a student is identified with having challenging behaviours, the solution is to assign him/her with one-on-one support. What skills and knowledge is required for this difficult position? What is your role when the student explodes? What are your responsibilities when a fight breaks out? What are your rights if you are kicked, bitten and/or yelled at? Also discuss how your attitude: how you react, respond and interact to the situation will have a direct impact on whether or not the problem escalates to a power struggle.
____________________________________
* FYI – Along with a handout, each participant will produce Reciprocating Cards and an Independent Work Station. Photocopies as instructed. Plus 2 legal size file folders
PROACTIVE PARAS: Looking Beyond
During my years of attendance and involvement in district, provincial, national and international conferences, I have realized that: within our classrooms paraeducators share universal difficulties in supporting students; outside the classroom are common issues and concerns. Examples, shortage of time, limited resources and the lack of recognition of the work we do. “Work Smarter: Not Harder”. Join us for a discussion on ‘best practice’ in attempting to meet the expectations of students, teachers, administrators, parents and yourself.
COMMON GOALS / DIFFERENT ROLES
(for administrators, teachers, and paraeducators)
* Conference Organizers for this workshop I request the involvement of a district teacher as co-presenter.
‘Under the directions of the teacher’ are the guidelines for teacher assistants. However, many teachers perceive a competent TA as “one who does not need to be told what to do.” This workshop will share the guidelines covered in the joint BCTF/CUPE paper on “Roles and Responsibilities of Teachers and Teacher Assistants”. This collaborative effort clarifies the specific responsibility of the teacher and the role of the teacher assistant. Most importantly it identifies the shared responsibilities necessary in their working relationship to effectively support the needs of students.
Professional Development for Educators and Parents Supporting Students with Diverse Needs
