Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Snowman Greater or Less Than Math Activity

From Autism Educators:

"This FREE winter theme math task card activity makes great practice during Math Center or as an independent work task. Easy to assemble, your students will love this activity!"

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-Greater-or-Less-Than-Math-Activity-487079

Monday, December 30, 2013

Friday, December 20, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Restaurant Field Trip Comprehension Sheet for Kids with Autism

From Teachers Pay Teachers:

This is a single sheet with 3 questions (that are written and have pictures to aid in comprehension!) for students with Autism to fill out after going on a field trip to a restaurant.

It is great to send home for parents to see what their child did that day.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Restaurant-Field-Trip-Comprehension-Sheet-for-Kids-with-Autism-305390

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

"What to Expect at Christmas" Social Skill Story


This story covers Christmas traditions including decorating the house and tree, hanging stockings, leaving cookies for Santa, opening presents going to church, and having Christmas dinner. You can customize this story; you can write or type in your family's own plans.

Available formats:
PDF (Can't edit, view on computer or print)
Microsoft PowerPoint (Can edit)

Monday, December 16, 2013

"Getting Presents at Christmas" Social Skill Story


This story targets the skills of: putting presents under the tree, waiting to open presents, saying "thank you," only opening the presents that are yours, and how to tell if a present is yours.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasStory_GettingPresents.pdf


Friday, December 13, 2013

"Visiting Family at Christmas" Social Skill Article

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasArticle_VisitingFamily.pdf


As a social skill story for older/more verbal children with autism, this social article provides information on greeting visitors, spending time with and talking to visitors, and things visitors may do, such as hugging the child.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasArticle_VisitingFamily.pdf

Thursday, December 12, 2013

"Visiting Family at Christmas" Social Skill Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_christmas.html


A social skill story for children with autism, this story describes visiting family (or having them come to visit), saying "Merry Christmas," things visitors may do, such as hugging the child, and things families might do together, such as have dinner. This story you can customize; you can write or type in your family's own plans.

Available formats:
PDF (Can't edit, view on computer or print)
Microsoft PowerPoint (Can edit)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

"Going to Visit Santa" Social Skill Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasStory_VisitSanta.pdf


This story describes visiting Santa at the mall or a store, waiting in line, sitting on Santa's lap, telling what you want for Christmas, and taking a picture with Santa.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasStory_VisitSanta.pdf

Monday, December 9, 2013

Three Free Activities From Paula Kluth's Latest Book

Brookes Publishing is offering three free downloads of activities from autism/inclusion expert Dr. Paula Kluth, plus 20% off her books and DVDs!

The activities are from her new book (with co-author Sheila Danaher M.S.Ed.), From Text Maps to Memory Caps: 100 More Ways to Differentiate Instruction in K-12 Inclusive Classrooms.


More info here: http://archive.brookespublishing.com/emails/savings-1213.htm

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday, November 25, 2013

Holiday Letter for Families

Letter to your host if you are bringing your child with autism to a holiday gathering. Customizable.

If the main letter on the first page seems a little intense or impersonal, you can write your own note to go with the very helpful checklist on the second page.

http://www.practicalautismresources.com/printables/ExpectingaVisitingChildwithAutismfortheHolidays.doc?attredirects=0&d=1

Friday, November 22, 2013

Holiday Social Skill Strategies

Holiday Social Skill Strategies includes six strategies to prepare children for holiday social situations. 

Please feel free to share this article and any other Sandbox Learning article with parents and professionals. The PDF version prints on one page so it is easy to print and pass out!
 
Holiday Social Skill Strategies - PDF
 
Holiday Social Skill Strategies - Web Article

 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Holiday Letter for Families

Letter to your host if you are bringing your child with autism to a holiday gathering. Customizable.

If the main letter on the first page seems a little intense or impersonal, you can write your own note to go with the very helpful checklist on the second page.

http://www.practicalautismresources.com/printables/ExpectingaVisitingChildwithAutismfortheHolidays.doc?attredirects=0&d=1

Monday, November 18, 2013

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Customizable Thanksgiving Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/thanksgiving.html

A book about what to expect at Thanksgiving. There are places to customize the book by typing or writing in your family's specific Thanksgiving plans.

Available formats:

Monday, November 11, 2013

Autism Guide for Military Families

It's Veteran's Day here in the U.S. In honor of all those who serve our country, here's a freebie for military families.

The Autism Speaks resource page for military families includes an autism guide and links to support resources. http://www.autismspeaks.org/military-families/resources

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

iPad 2 Grant Applications from Autism Speaks

From an e-mail from Autism Speaks:

November 2013: iPad 2 Grant Applications Open!
Autism Speaks is thrilled to announce that through the generosity of Sevenly, Wyndham Worldwide, the Geier Foundation, the James Walter Pickle Charitable Foundation, the Agarwal Foundation and Jonathan Izak, 800 schools and financially disadvantaged individuals with autism will receive an Apple iPad 2 with a Kraken A.M.S. case, by Trident Case!
Eligible applicants are individuals who:

  • Have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by a licensed professional
  • Reside in the United States
  • Have limited income and cannot afford to purchase an iPad
   Technology Grant Timeline

November 4: Online Application Opens at 12:00AM EST
November 8: Application Closes at 11:59PM EST
November 11 - December 2
: Review Committee Selects Recipients
December 9: Recipients Announced and iPads sent out!

   How to Apply


Applications must be submitted by the person with autism, an immediate family member of the person with autism, or a licensed teacher, social worker or therapist. The Technology Grant Review Committee will review applications and select the iPad award recipients. All applicants selected to receive an iPad 2 will be contacted on December 9. If selected, the iPad will be shipped via UPS directly to the address provided with the application. Others will receive an email informing them of their status.
Visit the AutismCares website to apply! You must create a login and select Autism Speaks iPad Grant 2013.

Note: Only applicants in the United States will be considered. We cannot accept applications from outside the United States.
Autism Speaks would like to thank Trident Case for their generous donation of 800 Kraken A.M.S. cases.

 
Questions or comments?
Contact Serena Selkin at sselkin@autismspeaks.org or (917) 475-5059.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Dental/Tooth Care App for Kids


From Orca MD:

KidsDental uses beautiful animation to entertain your child while teaching them how to care for their teeth.

The KidsDental App is divided into four sections designed to teach young users about basic tooth care. They are “Explore,” “Conditions,” “Learn,” and “My Teeth.”

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id472980862?mt=8

Monday, November 4, 2013

First Concern to Action Tool Kit

If you have a concern about how your child is communicating, interacting or behaving, you are probably wondering what to do next. The First Concern to Action Tool Kit can help you sort that out. The purpose of this tool kit is to provide you with specific resources and tools to help guide you on the journey from your first concern to action.

In English and Spanish: http://www.autismspeaks.org/early-access-care/first-concern-action

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Classroom Voice Level Charts

From Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits:

Black and white posters to help you teach your class about voice levels throughout the school day. {color code by running on colored paper}

Keep your school consistent by using the same colors throughout.

Large size for classroom and posting around the school common areas.

Small size for teacher key ring and teachers that travel to different rooms, but want to keep consistent with each group of students throughout the day!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Voice-Level-Charts-free-901462

Monday, October 28, 2013

"This Was My Day" Interactive Home/School Communication Book

From Teachers Pay Teachers:

An  interactive home/school communication book designed to be filled out by students. Provides visual cues for students to share their classroom experiences with their parents.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/This-Was-My-Day-Interactive-HomeSchool-Communication-Book-833678

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Enter to Win a $50 Visa Card from "Rethink Autism"

Have a Picture that Screeeeams Halloween? 
You could win a Spoooktacular Prize!
 
 
 
Send us pictures of your Halloween costumes, jack-o-lanterns, art projects, drawings, cookies or cakes, decorations, haunted houses or your granny in the morning, and you could win a Spooktacular Treat!
 
How to Participate:
 
1.) Send your pictures to contests@rethinkfirst.com 
 
2.) Watch for your pictures to be added to our Facebook contest album
 
3.) Share your pictures with your friends so they can vote for you!
 
The picture with the most 'Likes' by Sunday, November 3, wins a VISA Giftcard for $50!
 
 
Teachers!  We'd love to see pictures of your classroom, projects and costumes too!

The school or classroom entry with the most 'Likes'  also wins a VISA Giftcard for $50!

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Preparing Children for Trick or Treating: A Tipsheet from Sandbox Learning

Dressing up to go trick or treating is very exciting for children and it creates lasting memories for both children and parents. Help children prepare for trick or treating with these five strategies.

1. Select a Costume – Help children select a costume that fits properly and is safe. Children may be uncomfortable with anything on their face especially make up. Some children may not like masks because of sensory issues or limited vision. Keep these factors in mind when selecting an outfit. For children who have difficulties with masks, holding a mask rather than wearing it or not using one at all may make the evening more enjoyable.

Read more: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Preparing_Children_for_Trick_or_Treating.pdf

Thursday, October 10, 2013

"Fall into Order!", Differentiated Center on ABC Order

"Fall Into Order"- A fall themed, differentiated center/game that focuses on putting words into ABC order. This game is great for 1st and 2nd graders of differing abilities. It is also appropriate for a school or homeschooled setting, as well as, for special education instruction. In one center, students are able to physically manipulate the words to help make the activity more concrete.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Fall-into-Order-Differentiated-Center-ABC-Order-Common-Core-Aligned-860463

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

The Lost Acorns (An Action Song and Counting Game for Fall)

This is song about a squirrel who can't remember where he hid his acorns, and needs the children's help to find them.

Hide the "acorns" around the room or outdoors; children sing the song, find the acorns, and create a set with them on an included mat. Counting, creating sets and number stories.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Lost-Acorns-an-Action-Song-and-Counting-Game-for-Fall-FREE-816510

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Color Words Unit from Miss Kindergarten

Color Word Writing Practice for kids! This complete bundle by Miss Kindergarten includes tons of fun writing activities for students to practice their colors while improving their handwriting and spelling. Filled with flash cards, writing practice, and practice pages, this colorful 30 page bundle makes a perfect addition to any classroom.

Who is it for?
•Kids in grades K-1
•Teachers and homeschoolers looking for a multi-purpose color unit

https://www.educents.com/national-deals/deal/color-words-unit#.Uk25HnAo7IU

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Visual Schedules for Tasks App

From AbleLink Technologies: "Visual Impact provides easy step-by-step multimedia instructions for use by anyone needing a simple support to perform daily tasks of all kinds. Make a grilled cheese sandwich by yourself, learn important personal skills for applying for a job, or how to take your own blood pressure at home! The online library of Visual Impact task instructions will continue to grow to provide an ever increasing world of possibilities for self-directed learning."

http://www.ablelinktech.com/index.php?id=130

Monday, September 30, 2013

First Diagnosis Toolkit

From the Milestones Autism Organization:

"This kit is designed to take you through the steps of first diagnosis, from concern about your child’s development through knowing what to do if you receive a diagnosis of autism.  There is no particular order to these steps – use whatever information is applicable to your family."

http://milestones.org/personal-planning/first-diagnosis-tool-kit-2/

Friday, September 27, 2013

Classroom Behavior App for Teachers

From Class Twist Inc: "ClassDojo helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators."

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/classdojo/id552602056?mt=8

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Finding and Using Public Restrooms Lesson Plan and Task Analysis

In this lesson plan, students will learn how to find restrooms when out in their community and choose the appropriate restroom. This Tool includes materials and evaluations methods that can be used by teachers, family, and peers.

Includes a task analysis and data collection sheet. http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2013/07/finding-and-using-public-restrooms.html

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Fall Worksheet Packet for Preschool-First Grade


This set is packed with 20 printable pages that are geared towards Preschoolers – First Graders.

The following fall worksheets are included:

  • Beginning Handwriting Practice – lines and shapes
  • Shape Shadow Matching
  • Patterns: What Comes Next? – cut and paste the correct object in the pattern
  • Fall Scissor Skills
  • Beginning Sounds – write in the beginning letter of each fall-themed picture
  • What’s the Missing Vowel? – write in the missing vowel of each word
  • Reading Comprehension – read the short apple-themed narrative and answer the questions
  • Fall Fill-in-the-Blank – choose the correct word and write in the blank
  • Fall Word Search
  • Number Count – determine the correct number of objects; includes handwriting practice
  • More Number Count – count the objects and draw a line to the correct number
  • Addition Cut & Paste – make your own addition equations!
  • Subtraction Practice – includes equations and word problems
  • Subtraction Ladder – solve your way down the ladder
  • Measuring with Pumpkins! – use the pumpkin ruler to answer the questions
  • Fall Handwriting Practice – practice writing the fall-themed words
  • Fall Copywork – includes 2 autumn-themed quotes, including elementary lines and plain lines

Monday, September 23, 2013

Free Webinar on Family Mental Health and Children with ASD on Sept. 25

Family Mental Health: 
A Springboard to Success for Children with ASD

 
Join us on September 25th at 6:00 pm EDT when Dr. James Coplan, M.D. will discuss the importance of family mental health, the advantages of a family-centered approach and how it contributes to success for children with ASD.

Dr. James Coplan, M.D. (www.drcoplan.com) is the owner of the Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics of the Main Line, PC and a Clinical Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry - University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
 






The webinar will discuss:
  • Hallmarks of Family Mental Health
  • Examples of Family Dysfunction
  • Advantages of Family-Centered Approach
  • Individual Mental Health as a contributor to Family Mental Health - Families with ASD


When: September 25
Time: 6:00pm EDT

This Online Event is FREE and open to all !

Register Now:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/573064282

 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Tips on Preparing a Child with Autism for His or Her Birthday Party

Work with the child to come up with a birthday party schedule. This schedule can be a series of pictures, or words that explains the order of events for the party. Post this in a centralized location so that the child can place a check next to each party activity or line through at the end of the activity. Knowing what will happen ahead of time will lessen anxiety and give the child a sense of control. It’s important to allow your child to participate in creating the schedule. By helping to create the schedule the child buys into the schedule.

Read more from National Autism Resources....
http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/04/20/preparing-a-child-with-autism-for-their-birthday-party/

More birthday party activities, stories, and resources from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_birthday.html
 
 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Birthday Party Picture Schedule (Customizable)

Use this download to make either a virtual (shown on computer, tablet, or phone) or printed schedule of birthday party activities.

Available in PDF and PowerPoint
 
 
More birthday party activities, stories, and resources from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_birthday.html
 
 

Monday, September 16, 2013

Friday, September 13, 2013

"Going to the Library" Resource Kit

Includes a Social Story, library vocabulary flash cards, and a library visual schedule. Use these resources to prepare for a library visit to check out books or library activities, such as story time. 

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/LibraryResourceKit.pdf

Thursday, September 12, 2013

"When I Grow Up, I Want to Be..." E-Book Series

From Educents:

Are you looking for real-life spiritual mentors and heroes for your children? Do you want to help them explore the world of opportunity around them and maybe spark their interest toward a special calling? You’ll love this multi-age unit study from The Old Schoolhouse that encourages the learning of basic subject skills and inspires creativity while focusing on a particular, exciting occupation. Expose your children to a selection of the many possible career choices available today, complete with activities that will make learning fun for your entire family” and all from a Christian worldview!

Who is it for?
  • Geared towards the 8-13 year-old age range
  • Special activities included for younger children
What is included?
  • The Old Schoolhouse WannaBe Series includes:
    • I Want to be an Artist
    • I Want to be a Chef
    • I Want to be a Doctor
    • I Want to be a Farmer
    • I Want to be a Firefighter
    • I Want to be a Police Officer
    • I Want to be in the Military
    • I Want to be a Missionary
    • I Want to be a Pilot
    • I Want to be a Veterinarian
    • I Want to be a Video Game Designer
https://www.educents.com/national-deals/deal/wannabe-ebook-series

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Vocabulary Graphic Organizers for Content Areas

Help students understand and apply new content vocabulary using these graphic organizers during reading. These organizers range in complexity and depth of word study. They can be used to address Common Core literacy standards in content areas such as social studies and science.

Includes templates and suggested uses for:
--Illustrated Dictionary
--Word Wheel
--Word Study Graphic Organizer
--Vocabulary Tree

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Vocabulary-Graphic-Organizers-for-Content-Areas-760364

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Monday, September 2, 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Street Safety Songs/Activities

The Street Safety Songs and activities teach children how to be safe while near the street. Lessons include "Stay in the Yard", "Walk on the Sidewalk", "Cross the Driveway", "Cross at an Intersection", "Cross at a Walk Signal", and "Cross at a Traffic Light".

http://dotolearn.com/games/songs/streetsafety/index.htm

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Emergency Wandering Plan

Make sure your family has a plan in case of a wandering emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event your child is missing.

http://www.awaare.org/docs/FWEP.pdf

Monday, August 26, 2013

Big Red Safety Tool Kit: A Digital Guide to Wandering for Caregivers

This tool kit from the National Autism Association is designed to provide direct aid and support to families of children with autism at risk. Download the kit, and another kit for first responders, here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/wandering-resources

The kit contains the following resources:

Caregiver Checklist Tool
Family Wandering Emergency Plan
Autism Elopement Alert Form
Swimming Lessons Tool
Root-Cause Scenarios and Strategies
Stop Sign Prompts
Social Stories
Caregiver Log
Sample Wandering Prevention IEP Letter
Tracking Technology Information (Steps to Take, About, Types)
General Awareness Letter
Five Affordable Safety Tools
Resources One-sheeter

Friday, August 23, 2013

Graphic Organizers for Reading Comprehension

Students can use these printables to visualize how ideas fit together, and you can use them to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your students' thought processes.

Organizers on this page include:
  • Timeline
  • KWL Chart
  • Plot Diagram
  • Story Train
  • Many more!
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/graphic-organizers-reading-comprehension

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