Fun Friday posts about "ABC's" neat videos & some coloring sheets

Today's post is brought to you by the letters "ABC" some great posts all about our letters. Have fun watching, and enjoy the songs, and crafts that go with the singing....have a fun Friday. This first video is the cutest ABC recital I have seen!! love his eyes..and the "W" is priceless. Well done John David! You are working hard and should be proud, that "W" is a tricky one. Be sure to check out the links at the bottom of this post, for the coloring pages and the neat interactive coloring options. FUN stuff on a Friday afternoon & weekend ahead. 



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This groovy ABC song is neat. When learning letters, my son did not like the usual  'sing songy' ABC song, this one made me smile, and think it might have been easier if we learned with this one at the time. He still cringes when anyone is reciting the alphabet...


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Well who knew...
Elsa has a sister with fire powers, and she loves to sing the ABC song! Join Elsa and Calida as they warble a new duet that teaches the ABC's and new vocabulary.


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Here is a link to a great coloring page, that has LOADS of options for coloring. 
http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/gamesandactivities/coloringpages/index.html

There is a great list of holiday/season/themes to choose from, as well as neat brand/character list to choose from, There's Thomas the Tank engine! Totally a favorite in this house! Rescue heroes, little people, power wheels, something for all your interests. 

AND you have to check out the totally awesome & fun section for interactive coloring. I had fun making the snowman. you get to click, build a snowman, listen to music, then print it off to color. SWEET- If you scroll down on the link for the coloring pages just above, on the lower left side, you will see the interactive coloring button, under "TYPE" be sure to have a look, its really neat. 

http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/Images/snowman_build_activity_tcm169-13335.swf

Parenting Special Needs Magazine- Jan/Feb edition is out!

Here's a link to a great resource. Parenting Special Needs Magazine has released it's January/February edition of it's online magazine, its super easy to navigate through. Super articles, covering a wide variety of ages, stages, and interests. Please click on the link and it will take you to the site, and you can click through the pages. Great reads on Your life, IN focus, Fun and Functional, real life solutions, and building Independence. I think you'll enjoy. Have a great weekend. 

http://tinyurl.com/gvh6sns

Fun Friday free activities! coloring, jokes and games! OH MY.

Thought today's blog, could be some free, fun, printable coloring, jokes, valentines and game activities that have been shared this week. OMazing Kids has some super printables, be sure to check them out. I included the printables to a book as well, and visuals around fun ways to teach opposites. As I adore owls, I couldn't pass on sharing this one, of course the penguins are pretty 'cool' too. Plus a start on some valentines cards, jokes and a cute "I Spy" game. Today's blog is all about having fun. Enjoy! 

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http://intheplayroom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Nature-Mandalas-p37.compressed.pdf



http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2016/01/penguin-doodle-coloring-pages/


http://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/01/13/book-review-free-printables-the-hueys-in-whats-the-opposite-by-oliver-jeffers/






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For the star wars fan in the house,  here are some free valentine printable cards:



http://www.thejennyevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/StarWars-JH.pdf









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And of course, you have to love a I spy valentines day games. These are always fun. 




http://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Valentines-Day-I-Spy-Printable-Game-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

* Bonus printable answer sheet

http://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Valentines-I-Spy-Printable-Game-Answer-Sheet-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf


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Last but not least some jokes to get your little 'jokers' ready:

A few videos that talk about down syndrome-raising awareness

A few great videos that share a glimpse into having down syndrome. I like all the messages. We are all persons first, we all need support, inclusion and the chances to be successful in whatever path we chose. 
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Meet brothers, Matthew & Christopher- who will make you smile! love the hash tag #kidsfirst





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Had to include this video, as it features our very own Island girl, Janet Charchuk. She along with other young adults with down syndrome, are making sure their voices are heard, and encourage each other to speak up. Great job!! be proud. You are making a difference.

A Mom's thoughts on a Down Syndrome diagnosis.

Insightful article, written by a Mom who has a sweet daughter named Kate. It's important to know & realize that you are not alone with your journey. It may seem it, in the day to day chaos of getting things done in your house, appointments, doctors, school appointments, the grocery store..to name a few..but there are other families living if not close by, in your community, not far from you. Reach out, connect, sometimes, its a quick note on facebook, a text, phone call, get together when you can fit it in..or even better the chance to  hang out over a cup of tea. We will continue to support families and ensure that Inclusion does happen for All, by providing the chance to network, offering resources, and raising awareness. When you know more, you can do more. Let's help each other. 

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Why are we so afraid of Down syndrome?

The grandfatherly man smiled at Kate from the cart in front of us at the grocery store.

“Well, you’re just beautiful,” he gushed.

Kate did what she usually does (if she’s had a nap) and flirted back. Her toothy smile took over her cheeks and her almond eyes turned into half-moon slivers bright enough to light up the night sky.

The man chuckled.

She giggled back.

Kate’s 17-month-old little sister snuggled into her arm in the bed of the cart and Kate wrapped her chubby little hands around her shoulders.

It was a picture-worthy moment — an image as adorable as the cuddly kittens in baskets and chunky babies in cornucopias that we see on calendars in shopping malls.

Was that what I was afraid of the day she was born?

On the car ride home, her favorite song came on the toddler station of Pandora radio. She squealed with glee and threw her hands up in the air like a college kid at an outdoor concert. She danced and did the hand motions all the way home — and at the end of the song, she gave a generous applause with enthusiastic hand-clapping. She’s famous for her generous applause. She’s famous for her enthusiasm in general.

Was that what I was afraid of the day she was born?

Well, of course not.

What I was afraid of was the what-if’s and could-be’s. The statistics and stereotypes. The dismal tone in the doctor’s voice when he delivered the news: “There’s no good way to say this, so I’ll just say it: your daughter has Down syndrome.”

The fear and tears in the eyes of those around me.

I was afraid of the “increased risks” of XYZ — the unsure future — the tests that needed to be run.

I was afraid of her absence when they whisked her away from me to poke and prod and scan and observe — I was afraid of what her future looked like, what our future looked like. And those things are worthy of fear! Any time a world so unknown presents itself at your doorstep, uninvited, fear — devastation, even — is a natural reaction.

But I can’t help but think there’s something more to it.

Because here’s the thing: the number one reason I was so afraid of Down syndrome when Kate was born is because I had never been exposed to it.

I had never seen a family who thrived with a child with Down syndrome. I had never heard the stories of the blessings and the gratitude — the grocery store flirting and the backseat car dancing. And perhaps if I had — then the other stuff? Sure, it would still be scary. But devastating? I’m not so sure.

I’m in my 4th pregnancy now and this one has been especially interesting. I am in a new city — with a new doctor. A wonderful doctor, by all accounts. She knows little about our family — but she does know my pregnancy history, including the fact that my second-born has Down syndrome. But often, I leave my appointments and say to myself, “No wonder people are so afraid of Down syndrome.”

Prenatal tests are pushed with urgency as preventative measures like Tdap vaccines and flu shots. I was asked four visits in a row if I was “sure” I didn’t want prenatal testing: after all, I could be having a baby who has Down syndrome. 

Now I’m not villainizing the tests themselves — many parents do want to avoid a delivery-day surprise of a Down syndrome diagnosis — but it’s bigger than a blood test. It’s the tone. The urgency. The context of conversation. It’s the whisper in language with what could — God forbid — be a positive test result. It’s what lies in the literature that’s handed out on the first day and in the nurses’ voices when they found out I have a “history” of having a child with Down syndrome.

It’s fear.

And it’s contagious.

And it’s the difference between doctors delivering the news as a multifaceted diagnosis rather than a death sentence.

Now I’m not naive, I don’t expect doctors and new parents to feel like they’ve won the lottery (as I often do now). Anytime there are risk factors for your child’s health, there is cause for concern.

But I do feel like the technology for detecting Down syndrome is far more advanced than our understanding of what it means to have Down syndrome — or raise a child with Down syndrome. And for the sake of objective reporting and compassionate care, we should all strive to understand the bigger picture.

There is a reason that the abortion rate for Down syndrome is soaring — while the vast number of parents who have a child with Down syndrome feel incredible gratitude. There is a bridge that’s broken between understanding human genetics and understanding the human spirit. There is a missing piece that so often causes misplaced fear.

Why are we so afraid of Down syndrome?

Because we’re often only told a small part of what is truly a big, beautiful love story.

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http://sippinglemonade.com/why-are-we-so-afraid-of-down-syndrome-2/#sthash.RshOO5EJ.gbpl

New school year- great article on ways to practise inclusion for all students in the classroom & super webinar!!

Happy 2016!! hope your holidays were peaceful and gave you all time to rejuvenate and ready to face the new year. As schools on the Island are open again, thought this article was well timed. It has some great ideas for inclusion in the classroom. If you are a teacher, EA, ECE worker in a class, this has some super information & has a webinar that is a must watch. If you are a parent or support person, this may give you some ideas for supporting your loved one in the class. The tips, visuals, resources, fidget toys, movements needed in the class, how to set up the class, choices, are all covered. Please check it out, as well as read though the article. 

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Great Webinar was included in this article. It's almost an hour ,addressing ways to support those who need supports. Some super ideas with the 'toolkits' well worth watching. She does a great job in ensuring that these are techniques that can and are used for ALL..not just the student with special needs. Super visuals, and references to material are all included. 



Supporting positive student behavior can be a challenge for any teacher—and in an inclusive classroom, it can be especially difficult to manage students with so many different needs and ability levels in one room. Tune in to this webinar for expert help with addressing behavior challenges in your inclusive class! 

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Here's the article:

Inclusion Resolutions: 10 Things to Do to Include All Students in the New Year

Hard to believe 2015’s almost over. If you’re a teacher, though, the year’s only half done—when you ring in 2016, you’re kicking off five more great months with your students. There’s so much more time left to teach, inspire, and motivate them, and ensure that every student participates and learns.

If strengthening inclusive practices is on your list of resolutions for 2016, this post will equip you with some specific ideas for making it happen. Today I’m sharing 10 “inclusion resolutions” to make in the new year, complete with some favorite tips from our expert authors. Here’s to a terrific 2016—thanks for reading our Inclusion Lab posts this year, and stay tuned for much, much more!

1. I will see every student as capable.

Refusing to underestimate your students is the key to helping them reach their full potential. In 2016, give yourself little reminders to presume the competence of each student in your classroom. This book excerptgives you helpful pointers on how to align your language and mindset with this critical concept, and recognize the different gifts and strengths that all of your students bring to the table.

2. I will reframe weaknesses as strengths and needs.

An important part of presuming competence is starting with a student’s strengths. Focusing on challenges first can be immobilizing—and makes it tough to move forward with an IEP and effective instruction that meets his or her needs. In the new year, try a new way to think about your students’ “weaknesses”—instead, flip them into specific strengths and needs statements that point the way toward solutions. This graphic gives you 5 great examples.

 

3. I will enhance my students’ connectedness to school.

When students feel connected to school, the benefits are undeniable—in their new book, Lee Kern and her coauthors call this sense of connectedness “a powerful resilience factor that helps to improve both student behavior and academic performance and prevent truancy and dropout.” Look for new ways to engage students and promote their sense of connectedness: for example, invite more students to be active members of planning committees, start a mentoring program to support at-risk students, and encourage more participation in school clubs. This book excerpt has more ideas on increasing social and academic engagement and boosting connectedness.

4. I will make sure my classroom is learning-friendly.

Now that the school year’s half over and you’re familiar with your students’ needs and preferences, what simple adjustments can you make to your classroom to ensure that all students are alert, relaxed, and ready to learn? Can you change up your lighting and your seating arrangements? Can you add some adaptations for students with sensory processing issues? Take a look at your current classroom setup and think about a few small steps you can take to increase learning and engagement. The suggestions in this book excerpt can help.

5. I will take steps to create a bully-free classroom.

Hang this poster prominently in your classroom. Offer emotional support by sharing these student-to-student tipsfrom kids who’ve been bullied. Follow the tips in this bullying prevention post, and create a bullying prevention toolbox from the resources listed inthis post.

 

6. I will incorporate student fascinations, not forbid them.

When a child has a special interest she wants to talk about all day, it can be tempting to dissuade her or insist that she direct her attention elsewhere. But fascinations can be an excellent way to hook a student’s interest and engage her with academic material. Try incorporating students’ special interests into classroom lessons—for example, use trains or dinosaurs to teach a multiplication lesson if a student is especially fascinated by them, or have students create stories or scrapbooks about their special interests. (Paula Kluth’s Just Give Him the Whale has tons of specific suggestions for using your students’ fascinations as powerful learning tools.)

 7.  I will sharpen my collaboration skills to make inclusion successful.

Why is collaboration such an important part of inclusion? Janney & Snell call it the glue that holds inclusion together: “Defining…services and supports, and ensuring that they follow the student throughout the school day as needed, requires the collaboration of teachers, specialists, administrators, students, and family members.” Here’s a quick brushup on collaboration and a book excerpt that underscores the importance of collaboration to the IEP process.

(This infographic also gives you a helpful summary of 10 key steps to creating an effective inclusion team.)

  8. I will support more peer-to-peer collaboration, too.

Peer supports are a two-way street: they boost the academic outcomes, social skills, and self-esteem of students with and without disabilities. What new strategies can you try this year to get diverse learners working together and helping each other? Can you set up more peer tutoring opportunities? Can you assign small-group cooperative projects and activities that encourage interaction between students of differing backgrounds and abilities? Could you explore starting up a more formal peer buddy program to increase students’ engagement and participation in both academics and social events? (This book and this book provide excellent, step-by-step instructions for implementing informal peer supports and a more structured peer buddy program.)

9. I will use positive methods to support positive behavior.

Supporting positive student behavior can be a challenge for any teacher—and in an inclusive classroom, it can be especially difficult to manage students with so many different needs and ability levels in one room. Tune in to this webinar for expert help with addressing behavior challenges in your inclusive class. Presented by veteran educator Whitney Rapp (in cooperation with The Inclusive Class), the webinar can be viewed right here:

 10. We will see how our school’s doing—and how far we need to go.

To make the most of inclusion, your whole school needs to be committed to making it work. Whether your school’s just getting started with embracing inclusive practices or you’re well on your way to inclusion for all, share this printable tool with your administration in 2016. It’ll help your school take a snapshot of its current inclusion status so you can understand where you are and plan where you need to go in the near future.

http://blog.brookespublishing.com/inclusion-resolutions-10-things-to-do-to-include-all-students-in-the-new-year/