Forget checklists, get a luggage tag!

Do you have a visual schedule or a visual checklist hanging by the door to help your child get ready for school? Despite the checklist, do you still have to remind your child to get everything on the list before heading out the door? I have a simple solution for you: replace the list with a luggage tag.

Just pick up a basic luggage tag and then one morning when your child is getting ready to go out the door, stop and take a quick photo. Make sure it's a day when your child has remembered everything and looks "ready for school."

Then you'll print your picture, which will look something like this:

Image credit: MLekas via Flickr

Simply place the photo in the luggage tag. Next, attach the luggage tag to the child's backpack. Now your child has a visual to refer to for how "ready for school" should look. The student can look at the photo to see that she should have her clothes and shoes on, as well as have her jacket, backpack, and lunchbox.

This can also be used for a bag for sports practice or going to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

*Today's tip is another great tip I picked up at a presentation by Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, co-founder with Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP, of Cognitive Connections.
For more information, check out their website Cognitive Connections or follow them on Twitter! 
Follow Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP on Twitter: @swardtherapy
Follow Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP on Twitter @KJSLP

Tips for controlling internet distractions

Photo Credit Tulane Publications via Flickr

Yesterday I talked about creating a distraction-free workspace, but what about the biggest distraction of all? The internet! We all succumb to the easy distraction of the internet, and students are no different.

Here are a few websites to help control internet distractions. I know. You're thinking, "a website to decrease distraction by the web?" Give it a try. It might help rein in your Pinterest addiction. Or your child's time spent on Facebook.

• iFocus (www.ifocusonwork.com) is a free application for PC users and allows you to track how much you use your computer each day, including how much time you spend on various applications, such as email, web browsing, social networking, and word processing. You can also set limits on weekly and daily usage for each application.
• SelfControl (www.selfcontrolapp.com) is a free Mac application to help you avoid distracting websites. It allows you to block your own access to distracting websites, mail servers, or anything else on the internet that distracts you. All you do is set a period of time and the sites you would like blocked and click start. You will not be able to access those sites until the time runs out.
• Anti-Social (www.anti-social.cc), $15, is a Mac application that allows you to block only the social parts of the internet, such as Facebook and Twitter. You must reboot your computer if you want to access the sites before the time runs out.
• MacFreedom (www.macfreedom.com), $10, is compatible with both Mac and PC. This application locks you from the internet for a set period of time. You must reboot your computer if you want to access the internet before the time runs out.

Create a study space

 

Photo Credit: Canadian Veggie via Flickr

On Friday I showed you how to help your child set up a Get Ready-Do-Done workspace. Today I'd like to share some easy tips on how to set up an enclosed, distraction-free workspace.

The easiest way is to create a portable study carrel using an old box or by cutting a tri-fold display board to your desired size. I personally really like this one from Martha Stewart, although I probably wouldn't have that much stuff hanging on it, because it could be a visual distraction.

Another way to create a distraction-free workspace is to turn a closet into a desk. I know this is not an option for all people, but if you do have some closet space to spare, this post by a super-organized mom, shows you how to do it from start to finish. Here's another closet turned desk. If you're looking for even more inspiration, just search "closet desk for kids" on Pinterest and I'm sure you'll come up with lots of options.

Now that you've got an enclosed study space to help limit distractions, you can have your child set up their Get Ready-Do-Done workspace in it and they'll be all set!

March, currently...

+ sad to learn that Google Reader is being discontinued, but thankful that Cheryl shared this link with me. Any other suggestions for a new Reader to keep up with my favorite blogs?

+ finishing up a mini-series on executive function skills. Check it out!

+ still optimistic that I will pull off some OT-related posts for OT Month in April. Be sure to check back in the next few weeks to learn more about OT!

+ so excited about the arrival of Dana's new bundle of joy! Eagerly anticipating Cheryl's announcement next!

+ curious about Flummox and Friends. Has anyone watched this new show designed to help kids navigate the social and emotional world? It definitely looks promising.

+ inspired by Cheryl's quick advocacy tips.

+ shocked that it's time to write progress reports. Again. Didn't I just do this? Oh, how time flies...

Get Ready-Do-Done Workspace

Students benefit from having a place in the home that they can designate as their homework space. Today I'm going to share a tip on how to organize the homework space.

The Get Ready-Do-Done Workspace is another fantastic tip I picked up at presentation by Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP. The concept is quite simple and it allows for students to plan and organize what they need in order to complete their homework.

All you need are three small pieces of colored paper: yellow labeled "Get Ready", green labeled "Do", and red labeled "Done."

 

Here's how it works:

• Place the labels on the table or workspace as shown in the picture above.
• Under the yellow "Get Ready" label, the student will place all supplies needed to complete the day's homework. This might include textbooks, workbooks, notebooks, pens/pencils, laptop, etc. Any supply that the student will need during homework time should go here.
• Under the red "Done" label place the student's homework folder.
• Place the student's unzipped backpack on the floor next to the red "Done" space.
• As the student completes homework, he will move the items needed into the green "Do" workspace in the middle. This is where the student will actually do homework.
• After an assignment is done it will be moved into the homework folder that is placed by the red "Done" label.
• After all of the homework is completed and has been moved to the homework folder, place the homework folder directly into the unzipped backpack. This will ensure that the completed homework makes it back to school so it can be turned in.

This type of workspace can also be set up in the classroom on a desk using sticky notes or even more inconspicuous, small stickers in each color. (Older students may also prefer small stickers on their workspace at home).

*The information in this post is based on a presentation I attended by Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, co-founder with Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP, of Cognitive Connections.
For more information, check out their website Cognitive Connections or follow them on Twitter! 
Follow Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP on Twitter: @swardtherapy
Follow Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP on Twitter @KJSLP

Helping students remember to turn in homework

I've been talking about organization a lot this week. A challenge many students with executive function deficits face is keeping their school work and backpack organized and then remembering to turn in (and being able to find) homework. There's nothing worse than a student doing their homework and then not getting credit because they didn't turn it in.

Today's quick tip is one I picked up from the book, Organizing the Disorganized Child by Martin L. Kutscher and Marcella Moran. The authors suggest giving the student a simple two pocket folder like the one pictured above.

Any papers that the student touches or doesn't have time to correctly file during the school day goes into the "Take Home" side of the folder. Part of the student's homework is then to take 5 or 10 minutes to place all of those papers in the correct places in his or her school binder. Students will probably need help with this step, especially when first learning how to organize.

In the evening when all of the student's homework has been completed, it is to be placed in the "Homework" side of the folder. The next day when the teacher asks the class to turn in their homework, the student will know where to find it.

Some students may also benefit from placing a post-it note on the top of each homework assignment, with the name and time of the class written on it. The homework can then be placed into the folder sequentially. Chronological/sequential organizers may especially like this technique.
 

A Parent's Perspective - Sailing Autistic Seas

A Parent's Perspective is back and today I'd like to welcome Miz Kp of Sailing Autistic Seas. Miz Kp is mom to 5 year old Angel who is on the autism spectrum. Miz Kp's passion is learning everything she can about autism and sharing it with others. In addition to her blog on autism, Miz Kp also maintains a list of Angel's Top Five Autism Apps, a support and special education resource list, and a list of events and seminars that may be helpful to parents of children with special needs. I'm so happy Miz Kp is taking the time to stop by and share some of her knowledge with my readers today. Read on for Miz Kp's perspective!

 

Our life in five words:

Determined, Motivated, Hectic, and Blessed

 

Four qualities I look for in a therapist:

• Patient: Angel needs a therapist who is patient and who can take the time to understand his unique needs.
• Communicates: I am a communicator by nature, so I really appreciate it when therapists keep the lines of communication open with me as I try to do with them. I am open to e-mailing, phone calls and writing in Angel’s communication book.  
• Innovative: I like therapists who are full of ideas. These ideas can include activities to do with Angel at home and even tips to encourage speech. An example of this is his new OT just gave us a list of sensory-based activities to do with Angel at home. 
• Invested: A therapist who is enthusiastic about Angel’s progress is a blessing. This means that this therapist understands his autism diagnosis and how it can manifest itself in various situations. This therapist is committed to Angel’s success and is willing to embrace what will work for him and discard what is not working. This therapist will accept the fact that Angel has sensory needs and he/she will incorporate this knowledge into his sessions.

 

Three resources I can’t live without:

1. Wrightslaw.com: This is my go-to web site when I am preparing for an IEP meeting. Their book FromEmotions to Advocacy has been a great resource. They have a wealth of information available to parents and advocates as we try to advocate the special education system.
2. Support System: My support system has helped me cope with a rollercoaster of emotions since Angel was diagnosed with autism a little over a year ago.  I have gotten support from family members, friends, support groups, professionals, and even people on social media. Web sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest have been very resourceful for me and have allowed me to connect with other parents in a way I could not before. One of my favorite Pinterest pages that every parent of a child with autism should check out is Autism Parents on Pinterest.
3. iPad: Angel got his iPad as a gift from his Grandnana. It has been a great addition to our household. He has learned a lot exploring the apps and children’s videos on YouTube. There are so many apps for children with autism and we are continuing to explore as many as we can.  

Two words (or more!) of advice for therapists working with children with autism:

• Our children may have the same autism diagnosis but there are still things that make each one unique. Please try to get to know my son.
• I like detailed progress reports and well -developed IEP goals. It shows that you really took the time to get to know my son and have a vested interest in his progress and development. 

A word of advice for the parents of a child newly diagnosed with autism:

Crying is okay. You are mourning the loss of a dream you had for your child. However as you cry, remember that your child is still the wonderful person that you knew before his or her diagnosis. Some days will be easy and some days will be hard. Keep in mind that everything you do for your child will benefit them now and in the long run. Also reach out to your support network. If you do not have one then build one. For example: Join a support group or you can even reach out to others via social media. It is priceless to find another parent who totally gets it. 

One dream for my child: 

I dream that Angel will develop the cognitive, academic, and daily living skills to live as independently as possible when he grows up.  I know this is a second dream but I have to get it in. I dream that my son will grow up in a world that understand and accept him as he is. 

What I do to rest and recharge: 

I love to read. There is a nothing like a good book to take my mind off things when needed. On the rare occasion that I can take a nap, I enjoy those also. I enjoy socializing with friends and family when I can. I also love to travel and try to squeeze a trip in at least once a year. 

  

Thanks so much for stopping by Miz Kp! Readers be sure to check out her blog and website, Sailing Autistic Seas at www.sailingautisticseas.com. You can also follow Miz Kp and Angel on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.