De-escalation Strategies

We all know the importance of being able to de-escalate or diffuse situations when working with students.  To avoid power struggles, try some of the strategies suggested by pathways2success.  

www.pathways2success.com 

What Boys Need...The Difficult Child

What Boys Need   A newsletter from Michael Reist www.michaelreist.ca

Difficult Child. Interesting Adult. When you’re feeling frustrated about your child’s behaviour, just remember, your difficult child is going to grow up to be an interesting adult. Wayne Dyer said, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Qualities that are difficult in a child might serve him well as an adult.  Stubborn = strong willed, sets goals and works toward them Defiant = is confident enough to speak honestly to authority figures Disorganized = is more interested in the big picture, not a details person Doesn’t listen = focuses well on his own projects, is able to ignore distractions Argumentative = intelligent, passionate, excellent verbal skills “Difficult” is in the eyes of the beholder. A difficult child is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be understood. All behaviour is logical. What is the deeper meaning behind the difficult behaviour? I want more freedom and control in my life. This doesn’t mean letting them have everything they want. It means giving them more freedom and control – within boundaries. I feel that no one “gets” me. What does it mean to “get” a child? It means to feel empathy for them. It means to really listen to what they’re saying. I have energy I need to burn off. Get outside. Move. Exercise. I’m bored. I don’t feel challenged. This is especially the case with highly intelligent children. I need more attention from Mom and Dad. Some children need more attention than others – within the same family. If they can’t get it in positive ways, they will get it in negative ways. Give to each according to their needs. You cannot spoil a child with love. We think of children as difficult when they do not behave in ways we like. We need to provide them with two things: freedom within structure. The 4 F’s of discipline: Few: Your list of rules should be short. These are your non-negotiables, your battles worth fighting. Put them up on the fridge door. Review them periodically. Fair: Talk about these rules as a family. What are the logical reasons behind them? Let your kids participate in this discussion rather than decreeing from above. Decide in advance what the consequences will be – ideally with buy-in from your kids. Fast: When a rule is violated, follow the “Act, don’t yak!” rule. Simply impose the consequence. No need for long sermons or lectures. Make sure the consequences have a reasonable time limit (for example, one day without the iPad), so that you can start fresh again. Firm: Listen to the push back then let it go. It’s my job to set boundaries. It’s your job to push back against them. We’re both doing our job. The daily struggle to meet the needs of a “difficult” child will be just that, a daily struggle. Take one day at a time. At the end of a bad day, rebuild the interpersonal bridge by making nurturing contact with the child. The next day, push the reset button – no grudges or references to the past. Most of all, have a sense of humour. Maybe you don’t even have a difficult child – maybe you’re a “difficult parent.” lol

How Educators and Schools can make the most out of Google Hang Out

Mary Beth Herz, in her article How Educators and Schools can make the most out of Google Hang Out, explains what a Google Hangout is, how to start one and some of the uses for Primary, Junior and Secondary Classrooms.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/educators-schools-google-hangouts-mary-beth-hertz

Video: Inspiration for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Some great reminders:



YouTube

"Your Child Does Not Belong in my Classroom"

We want all children to have a sense of belonging!  What parents feel when told:  Your Child Does Not Belong in my Classroom, by Doug Goldberg.

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/your-child-doesnt-belong-in-my-classroom/

Teacher's Gateway to Special Education

Google Images

The Ontario Teacher's Federation has composed this website to offer strategies and resources for students with learning needs. The Teacher's Gateway to Special Education provides charts that are quick and easy to use.

Identification of Gifted and Talented

I Am Gifted

YouTube

Learning for All

Learning For All is our Ministry Resource for assessment and instruction for students K-12.
Classroom Use:  "Educators from Kindergarten through Grade 12 can use this process to help plan and deliver instruction that benefits all students, from high achievers to those who need additional support." (Learning For All) 

Assessment of Lagging Skills

As part of the Collaborative Problem Solving Model it is important that we conduct an Assessment of Lagging Skills.  This assessment can be completed by the IST and brought to CST if there are unresolved concerns.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Classroom Applications:

• students are creating using digital tools
• makes learning fun and meaningful, increases motivation and engagement
• a way for students to express learning
• students takes ownership of learning
• students can connect to a global audience
• students have an authentic audience
• potential for everyone to learn at their own pace
• teachers can readily see that the students that require additional support
• roll of teacher is facilitator
• it's about the processes

 
YouTube

Doing More with YouTube

I continue to be amazed at the variety of tools that YouTube offers! YouTube-Editor, Quiet Tube, Tube Chop, Drag on Tape and Watch2gether

See Blogging About the Web 2.0 Connected Classroom:  Doing More with YouTube

2 Wonderful Visuals Lists of iPad Apps for Teachers and Students

Look for these apps in your iTunes Store:

See Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Assessments

Please see the infographic that highlights the 6 different types of assessment and their attributes.

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/07/the-6-types-of-assessments-and-how-theyre-changing/

Disability Services Ontario

Developmental supports and services for adults

30 Ways to use Chromebooks in Education

...from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning.
Classroom Use: Chromebooks in Education.

Gifted Canada

Gifted Canada provides Canadian information regarding bright and gifted children.

• links
• information on education
• researchers
• resources

Access Information and Referral (AIR)

Access Information & Referral (AIR) Developmental Services is the centralized intake and referral point for all developmental disability services for infants, children and youth in Guelph and Wellington County.
The brochure for AIR may be offered to parents.

Kerry's Place Autism Services

Kerry's Place Autism Services is committed to assisting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

You may wish to share the Brochure for Kerry's Place Autism with Parents.

Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (ldao) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities.