Back to School Shopping

It's that time again! Time to go to school shopping!

Every year I get questions about what does MY child need to bring.  I think many of you are surprised to here me say to check the list for the grade level that your kiddo. Here's the list: https://tarver.adams12.org/sites/tarver.d7sb.adams12.org/files/assets/supply_list.pdf

Many classrooms share supplies and your child is a part of that classroom so having markers, crayons, dry erase markers are very important because your child will be using those supplies when they are in their teacher's classroom. I do ask that any child that uses stamps instead of pencils bring 2 washable stamp pads. 

Other things to keep in mind as you back to school shop:

• Headphones: Get a sturdy pair and write your kids name on them in Sharpie. Target usually sells heavy duty sets for $10.00-$15.00. Please don't buy from the dollar store and expect they will last the year- they won't.
• Backpacks- get a backpack that opens wide and is easily recognizable to your child. Put something unique on the zipper pull so they know their backpack is theirs. It is a small area and everyone buys backpacks from Target or Walmart- which means your kid will likely have a similar backpack to 20 other kids at school. Write their name inside the backpack in Sharpie. 
• Coats- please write names on coats and sweatshirts in Sharpie. In one grade level there are usually 5-6 kids with the same coat so it is very helpful to have this information on the tag. It also helps if you take a picture of it so in November when you email saying that your child lost a blue coat, I know what we are looking through the lost and found for. 
• Water bottles-  Hydration is great! Kids bring water bottles to lunch, recess and sometimes to other classrooms. They get bumped over, lost and hidden away. We try to keep track of them but are honestly a low priority. Please do not buy a $20.00 bottle. This is a great item to get at the dollar store buy 3 so if they get lost your have a back up and write your child's name on it in Sharpie. We will send water bottles home throughout the week to wash. 
• Please bring back to school supplies to back to school night and leave in their teacher's classroom or bring them the first day of school. 
•  If you have more questions feel free to email me. I will be a back to work on August 9. 

Parent Resource- Trying new adventures

It is so important for kids to experience the world. Taking kids to the park, the grocery store, a concert, on a hike, to a restaurant are all valuable experiences that build background knowledge, demonstrate problem solving skills and feed the brains of kids. 

But with many of out kids it is extremely hard to do this. Meltdowns happen, kids run, its embarrassing and it is just easier to not bring kids. I totally understand. 

Here are some tips that might help make it easier:

• Set yourself up for success- don't go to the grocery store and plan to get all of your groceries. Buy 2 things and leave. Celebrate the success of just going.
• Do some planning- Kids often meltdown because they don't know what will happen, how long it will take and when they will be home.  Using a visual schedule like this can help. 
   

Visual schedule do not have to be complicated or perfect a few pictures, a drawing can help. Even an app like Choiceworks can help.

Keep a envelope of places in the car and then you can have them ready at any time for the common places you go.   For for complicated tasks like going to the movies plan the small parts like this: drive in car, park, buy ticket, stand in line, get snacks sit in seat, watch movie, bathroom, watch movie, walk to car, go home. Kids like when they see they are making progress through an event. 

• For some kids a schedule is enough. For others understanding, how to behave in these situations is the problem. For this do some pre-teaching with social stories. Social stories are a specific method that is used to explain the world to people with autism and other developmental disabilities. They may seem corny or boring but they truly work.  Social stories need to be read to the student in a matter a fact way many, many times on a daily basis. (you will know them in your sleep.. which is good because so will your kid) Here are some examples. 
  
  
  

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Story-Going-Shopping-2934407

If you need more the site TeackersPayTeachers has lots. Or just ask, I am always willing to write one for you or to teach you the method of how to write one yourself. 

• Reach out to other parents with kids with disabilities. Go out in groups. (Safety in numbers) Sometimes it is just nice to have someone that has gone through the same things.  (if you need other parents to contact let me know, I have can help get you connected) 
• Remember just trying counts. There are lots of parents that understand what you are going through. Every new opportunity and every new experience helps your child grow a little. Even the failures. 

😀

Parent Resource- Swallow Hill Sensory Friendly Concert

SENSORY FRIENDLY CONCERT

feat. ​Wolf van Elfmand

Wolf van Elfmand is a folk and country-blues artist based in Denver, CO. Wolf began his career in Brooklyn, NY in 2009 when he collaborated with producer Cedar Apffel on his self titled EP. Since then he has released 3 full length albums: "Magic to the Lonely," "Wolf Sings," and "The Death of," which span from finger-picking blues to eerie operatic compositions. His latest project, "Real Wolf" released in June 2017. The EP is self produced alongside Dango Rose of Elephant Revival. With "Real Wolf" van Elfmand dives deeper into the country/folk genre and widens his repertoire of captivating storytelling. Quirky songs are enhanced by compelling lyrics, witty banter, and disarming charm. Wolf maintains a truly unique style in songwriting while continuing to pay homage to American classics such as Randy Newman and Mississippi John Hurt.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

1:00 PM

doors open at 12:30 pm

Daniels Hall

71 E. Yale Ave., Denver, CO 80210  

For Tickets: http://connect.swallowhillmusic.org/EventTicket/EventDetail/3299/id0/sensory-friendly-concert-denver-2018

Sensory Friendly Concert

Sensory friendly concerts at Swallow Hill aim to create a welcoming space for concertgoers and their families to enjoy live music in safe and comfortable surroundings.

Sensory friendly concerts are specifically designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities and developmental disabilities, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We turn the lights up and the sound down so individuals and their families can walk around, dance, and sing along in a fun, judgement free environment.

Sensory Friendly events are designed to be an inclusive and welcoming experience for individuals impacted by intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their family and friends.

These events, while geared toward some of the unique needs of individuals with I/DD, will make our cultural events and experiences more welcoming for all. We welcome individuals of all ages and abilities at this performance.