The new ASD "at home" world - 10 ways to cope with changes during COVID-19

Hi everyone,

I came across a relevant article from the Autism Awareness Centre that I thought I would share with you all. I hope you're all managing ok and staying safe and healthy.

https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-new-asd-at-home-world-10-ways-to-cope-with-changes-during-covid-19/?utm_source=Autism+Awareness+Centre+Email+List&utm_campaign=8c2df5e15d-Monthly_Book_Blast_June6_17_2013_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ea35006c7-8c2df5e15d-90245713&mc_cid=8c2df5e15d&mc_eid=bbc0a9ec10

-Heather

Update: March 20

Hi everyone,

I miss seeing all the students' smiling faces at school! I hope you are all healthy and finding ways to enjoy spending this time at home with your family. 

Please continue to check the CBE website for updates and resources. CBE has shared some mental health supports and resources for families that can be found here: https://www.cbe.ab.ca/about-us/school-culture-and-environment/health-and-wellness-in-school/Pages/Positive-Mental-Health.aspx

The school will be closed for Spring Break as usual, from March 23-27. Staff will be available to respond to parent emails again beginning March 30. At this time, classes are still cancelled for after Spring Break, but please watch for any updates on the CBE website. Teachers will be working from home or school after the break, and we will have more clarity on what learning looks like after the break.

In the meantime, there are many resources available online right now for children with complex communication needs to support understanding around COVID-19, such as the following communication board. Also check out the PrAACtical AAC website for many more visuals and resources. There's also some information related to COVID-19 on the Autism Canada website.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! Take care.

Update: March 16

Dear Families, 

We miss seeing our students and families already!

We realize you likely have many questions since classes have been cancelled indefinitely. We will be communicating further information to you as soon as we are able, especially in terms of when and how to collect belongings from school. Please continue to check the classroom blog, and your email for updates.

In the meantime, please continue to read with your child daily. Below is a resource for reading that you could access if you choose.

Take care and be well, 

Heather

Calgary Public Library – Tumblebooks Audio Books - https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/Home.aspx?categoryID=77

Learning Update: March 12

This week our core word of the week was "put". We read stories, listened to songs, and did activities that allowed us to practice using the word "put".

We also connected our core word to our predictable chart writing. Students chose a clothing item to put on our person and then we talked about what part of the body they wear that clothing item on by referencing a body parts choice board.

Please be sure to check your email regularly in regards to pertinent covid-19 information from CBE.

Sensory play and centres

Playtime and work time

Puppet Evening RSVP

Hello everyone,

If you haven't already, please kindly respond to the following forum as to whether or not you will be attending this Wednesday's puppet residency sharing evening:

https://forms.gle/d8n94CTqb3Y31Fno7

Thank you! Hope to see some of you there!

Learning update: March 4

Today we had fun joining the PLP students in their classroom for some play time!

Learning update: March 2

Today Miss Wendy was here again for the final week of our puppetry residency. The students got to act out some more skits in front of the weather pictures they drew from last week. Don't forget to respond to the forum I posted on our blog last week about whether or not you are able to attend our puppet presentation of learning evening event being held on March 11!

Eni, Rim, Xiane, and George sitting nicely at the table watching other students perform

Eni making his puppet dance 

Putting on a show for their classmates