Let's Talk Behavior...

Think about the social behaviors, appropriate, or not, that your students have been displaying the first couple of weeks of CAPES! How might you address those that are inappropriate? How can you use those appropriate skills they have to teach them new appropriate skills. I believe strongly that inappropriate behaviors are social skill deficits- how does this impact how you might teach your students appropriate social skills in order to address their inappropriate behaviors?

Surprise!!!  Often in teaching its the unintended little surprises you experience during the learning process that mean the biggest things, keep you going during the "hard times", and make all the effort worth it.  For instance, I had a long discussion with a parent last night who praised and thanked us for CAPES! for 20 straight minutes, going on and on about the changes their child has experienced with just one year...interacting more at home without prompts, behaving better at school, learning about days and times to count down to the next time they come to CAPES!, and more!  (Congratulations...YOU are making these changes...not me or Dr. Williams ((We just get all the credit ;)!!!!)  The joy, appreciation, and "thank you" written all over her face and words makes all the effort of putting CAPES! together seem non-significant!  Explain a few surprises you have had while at CAPES! so far...about the child you work with and about yourself.

Communication

A major part of life is communication.  We have many ways in which we share information and more seem to appear all the time.  Dr. Z. struggled to communicate while growing up (and still isn't!) because he couldn't form words audibly until 4th grade.  Share your experiences, trials, and breakthroughs, trying to communicate with your participants.  What are some ways we can try to become more effective at communication?  Keep in mind your learners and where they are at developmentally compared to you!  Hint: most of us use verbal communication only when sharing thoughts, directions, feelings, etc broadcast to others.  What are some other ways we could communicate (and maybe more successful at getting our messages across?)

Being Challenged...

Tuesday was your first day coming up and implementing your first activities to help each child be as independent as possible.  Often when we are doing new things we come across challenges which were unforeseen and only realized once we were in the moment.  For example, when Dr. Z. had a summer camp for disadvantaged youth he wasn't aware of the daily grind it would take (over 13 hours every day!) and therefore at the beginning wasn't prepared for it.  However, he figured out some ways to overcome this challenge in order for the camp to be successful.  

What were some challenges you observed and how do plan on meeting these challenges next week so that your learning environments go smoother and you are more prepared for them when they come up again?