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Showing posts from March, 2022

SEL and Teacher Self Care By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script async custom-element="amp-auto-ads"         src="https://cdn.ampproject.org/v0/amp-auto-ads-0.1.js"> </script> What does the acronym SEL stand for? Social emotional learning  (SEL) is a methodology that helps students of all ages to better comprehend their emotions, to feel those emotions fully, and demonstrate empathy for others SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring What are some examples of SEL? Corresponding SEL “self-management” skills: Possess self-efficacy. Work toward goals. Atte

Social Media and Mental Health by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> The negative aspects of social media   multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts . Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance. How does media affect autism? The media exposure linking crime and autism spectrum disorder  promoted more negative attitudes towards individuals with autism spectrum disorder , whereas the positive autism spectrum disorder–related educational message had the opposite effect <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-176

Mental Health tips for Teachers By Kelly Jean Sullivan

<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Mental Health Strategies for Teachers  Get Your Body Moving to Help Your Mental Wellness. . Model Self-compassion. . Set Reasonable Expectations (for yourself and others) . Be unapologetic. . Set Office Hours While Remote Teaching. How can teachers be mentally calm physically fit? Tips for teacher wellbeing How can teachers be mentally calm physically fit? Reconnect to your purpose. ... Adopt a growth mindset in your teaching. ... Focus on kindness and gratitude. ... Create clear boundaries between home and school. ... Set up effective debriefing and mentoring structures. ... Establish good sleeping habits. ... Build up your emotional resilience. ... Keep focused on your goals <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads>  &

Self Care Beach walk lfor Teachers By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Benefits of Walking on the Beach Barefoot You'll get stronger. Sand provides resistance that strengthens your arches, ankles and leg muscles. . The sand will exfoliate your feet. . You'll reduce your stress. Is walking in sand good for balance? You'll Improve Your Balance and Coordination It's essential for balance, stability, and coordination , and research has shown that walking on sand will strengthen your sense of proprioception. "Because sand is an uneven surface, beach walking qualifies as a proprioceptive exercise," reports The Houston Chronicle Is the beach healthy? The beach can have lasting benefits for people who have anxiety, depression, elevated stress, and other mental health conditions . Spending just 20 minutes walking along the beach can boost your mood <amp

Autism Sensory Motor Task Cards by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> playdough a sensory activity? Playdough is a great sensory and learning experience for children . Playing with playdough is good for creativity, muscle strength and fine motor skills Besides hours of countless fun for your kids, what are the benefits of playing with play dough? It develops fine motor skills. . It's calming for children. . It enhances hand-eye coordination. . It improves social skills. . It supports literacy and numeracy.  It promotes playtime How does playdough help a child's social development? Using playdough with you, a friend, or siblings supports your child's social skills such as  sharing, taking turns, and enjoying being with other people .

Need For Teacher Self Care By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Here are five ideas for practicing self-care as you teach during the coronavirus pandemic. Set and maintain boundaries.  Reflect on your feelings and needs. . Recognize what is and isn't in your control. . Acknowledge moments of gratitude or joy. . Use self-care routines throughout your day. Ten Tips for Teacher Self-Care Your worth is not measured by your productivity. ... Interrupt anxiety with a gratitude practice. ... Social distancing does not mean emotional distancing. ... It's okay to embrace and experience positive emotions. ... Unclench your jaw. ... Schedule times to do things that bring you joy <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/p

Music Pitch and Autism By Kelly Jean Sullivan

  <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> According to one parent-report study,  people with autism are about 500 times more likely than the general population to have absolute pitch  — a savant-like skill that allows an individual to classify pitch completely out of context Is perfect pitch linked to autism? Perfect pitch may be associated with certain language and behavior traits that are below the threshold for autism . Those researchers, who included Susan E. Folstein, speculated "that the gene or genes that underlie [absolute pitch] may be among the genes that contribute to autism." <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> How does autism affect music? Data from empirical studies show that many children with autism possess musical potential tha

Fidgets and Ausitm By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> How do fidgets help autism? Some people with sensory processing dysfunction, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or autism find that fidget toys  offer the tactile sensory input and repetitive motor movements  that are needed to help them with self-regulation <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Kids who fidget  may need an outlet for restless energy . Give them short breaks from what they're doing to move around. It can reduce stress and frustration, as well as improve fo Are fidget toys helpful? <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Fidgeting  helps us sharpen our focus  – and can be especially helpful for

Autism and Trains By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Some people with autism are greatly attracted to being able to organize objects and trains lend themselves to being sorted by type and model . In addition, trains run on highly intricate schedules, which appeals to individuals with autism's propensity for predictability and desire to memorize and recite information. <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

Self Care by Kelly Jean Sullivan

<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script>   Inner self-care strategies are  intentional things that you can do to maintain your mental and spiritual wellbeing . Some examples might include reflective journaling, mindfulness or compassion meditation, prayer and fellowship with a faith community, relaxation or spending time in nature. <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Physical self-care Develop a regular sleep routine. Aim for a healthy diet. Take lunch breaks. Go for a walk at lunchtime. Take your dog for a walk after work. Use your sick leave. Get some exercise before/after work regular <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous">&

Autism Teacher Shortage By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Why is there a shortage of teachers in the US? The reasons for teacher shortages are complex and predate the pandemic. Largely  stagnant salaries over the past decade and a 19% weekly wage gap between teachers and other college-educated professionals, combined with a culture of teacher blame and punitive test-based evaluation , have taken a tol Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 , about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 38,600 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoo

Self Love Art journaling Activities for Students with autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> What is a visual art journal? An art diary, art journal or visual journal is a daily journal kept by artists, often containing both words and sketches, and occasionally including mixed media elements such as collages <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Try these 10 art journal ideas! Introduce yourself! . Draw some of the items you bought recently. Create a map of you favorite place, real or imagined. Draw a favorite childhood memory. Go for a nature walk and collect flowers or leaves. . Paste old photos and doodle on top of them using marker.  Mindful art journaling goes beyond the creative act of putting paint, pen, or collage to paper. This increasingly popular practice involves being  aware of and expressing y

Stigma and autism by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Stigma is considered one of the major problems experienced by parents of autistic children . Stigma may not only affect children with  high functioning autism , but can extend to their parents as well. Studies indicate that the parents of children with ASD commonly experience stigmatizing reactions from other <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> What are the stigmas associated with autism?  research to date has found considerable evidence of the stigmatisation of autistic people and their families. For example, parents of autistic children consistently report that they and their children are subject to  negative stereotyping and judgement, social isolation and rejection, and discrimination <script async src=&quo

Routine and Autism : 5 strategies By Kelly Jean Sullivan

  <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Why children with autism need routines at home Identify each step of a task you'd like your child to complete, and list the steps. ... Use the steps to create a schedule. ... Use timers or alarms to signal when the schedule will begin or to allot a certain time to a step. ... Refer to the schedule throughout the routine <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> Routines are often important to autistic children and teenagers.  They can find change and transitions difficult to cope with . They might like to eat, sleep or leave the house in the same way every time 5 strategies for supporting students with autism Communication. Create a communication environment that is “user friendly” for students. . Environment. Set

Autism and using Pecs by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <scr Why is PECS an important practice to consider for individuals with ASD? PECS is a program   to assist children to develop a communication system that allows them to meet various needs . Suitable candidates for the program include children who do not speak, who are unintelligible, or who are minimally effective communicators with their present communication system. <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> PECS is a type of Augmentative and Alternative Communication that  uses visual symbols to teach the learner to communicate with parents, carers, teachers and peers . The aim is to teach intentional, functional communication and to allow users to communicate their wants and needs PECs – The six steps and how to

Mindfulness and Sunrises for Mental Health by Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Why meditate at sunrise? Start your day by greeting the sun with  gratitude  and positive intentions for the new day. The sun itself will be your natural reminder to begin and keep a grateful attitude. With this meditation, let the sun's energy flow into you, restoring you and bringing you energy for your day. <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> What are the benefits of sunrise? Sunlight is good for the nervous system. Reduces the incidence of major diseases Watching the sunrise every day has helped me see light within myself— potential, possibility, peace, and the feeling that all will be well .     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

ASD,ADHD and OCD Art Therapy By Kelly Jean Sullivan

 <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> What benefits does art therapy have? ➡ It encourages the development of healthy coping strategies. ➡ Therapy can facilitate insight, empathy, and acceptance of other's life challenges. ➡ It is capable of promoting problem-solving skills. ➡ Art therapy is capable of exploring, managing, and providing insight into traumatic experiences <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> engaging in arts, social activities and interaction within our communities can help with major challenges such as ageing and loneliness. It can help to boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression and stress. <script async src="https://pagead2.goo

OCD and School Routines By Kelly Jean Sullivan

  <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorigin="anonymous"></script> Is OCD a learning disability? Adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have widespread learning and memory problems , according to new research. The findings have already been used to assist adolescents with OCD obtain the help they needed at school to realize their potential -- including helping one individual go on to university <amp-auto-ads type="adsense" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1763189992875486"> </amp-auto-ads> “ OCD can cause poor school performance  as children may find it difficult to concentrate on school work due to the amount of attention focused on their obsessions and compulsions,” notes Dr. Fodstad <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1763189992875486"      crossorig