WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful, safe and healthy summer. I wish you all a smooth transition back into the new, 2018-2019 school year.
Back to School Books/Videos
Back to School Songs for Kids
The Anonymous OT
A really great article and something for us all to keep in mind as we transition back into the everyday stresses of the school year.
- The Anonymous OT: In Defense of School Therapists
- https://theanonymousot.com/2018/08/20/in-defense-of-school-therapists/
10 Crossing Midline Brain Breaks
With Youtube Vidoes!!!
- https://childhood101.com/brain-breaks-10-crossing-the-midline-activities-for-kids/
Back to School Sensory Activities for the Classroom
- https://www.theottoolbox.com/2016/08/back-to-school-sensory-activities.html
Free Teacher and Family Resources
OT Mom Learning Activities:
- Gross motor coordination
- Fine motor coordination
- Pencil grasp
- Crossing midline
- Etc., etc., etc.
- https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/free-teacher-resources.html#ClassroomExercises
Apps Supporting Schoolwork
Apple Products:
- https://itunes.apple.com/story/id1388041638?mt=8&ls=1&app=itunes
- Schoolwork app for the iPad
Free Webinars for ESU Affiliated School Districts:
ESU is offering FREE Webinars!
The Educational Services Unit is hosting two FREE webinars-
pass this email along to your staff!
All attendees will receive a certificate of completion.
Each webinar is limited to 30 participants.
Webinar: Understanding Executive Functioning in the Classroom
October 10, 2018
3:30- 4:30pm
Description: Executive functioning is a set of mental processes that help manage oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal or execute a task. These skills allow an individual to organize behavior over time and override immediate demands in favor of long-term goals. Students who have executive functioning deficits, have trouble with many aspects of school (e.g., planning, prioritizing, organization, time management, etc.). This webinar will introduce the areas within the realm of executive functioning, examine the importance of executive skills for teachers and students, discuss how weak executive skills impact student performance, and offer quick tips and strategies to help students in the classroom develop and maintain a roadmap for success.
About the Presenter: Michele Holmes, MSE, is a special education teacher and, for over 15 years (11 with the Educational Services Unit), has worked with students ages preschool through high school within Burlington and surrounding counties. She specializes in working with students and teachers as an Executive Functioning Coach to develop executive skills and success in the classroom setting. Michele is also the Lead Assistive Technology Consultant for the Educational Services Unit conducting student specific evaluations and consultation for students, teachers, and parents. She is currently participating in the Assistive Technology Initiative for BCSSSD to integrate technology for all students in order to further develop student skills in the area of literacy, namely, written expression.
Register Here
Webinar: Sensory Interventions & "Diets" Within the School Setting
October 30, 2018
3:30- 4:30pm
Description: This webinar will provide an overview of sensory systems, interventions for the classroom, and sensory “diets”. Participants will leave with ideas and suggestions to implement within their classroom and various settings within school.
About the Presenters: Dr. Caroline Welch is an occupational therapy practitioner who has been working in the school system for eight years. She has her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has specialty certifications in Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental Treatment. Dr. Welch has presented at the state and national level for Occupational Therapy as well as been a professor in higher learning.
Victoria Cann is an occupational therapy practitioner who has been working in the school system for over 15 years. She has her Master’s in Special Education and a Certificate in Assistive Technology. She is also certified as a Level 1 Handwriting Without Tears specialist. Mrs. Cann has presented at the state and national level for Occupational Therapy.
Register Here
ESU has developed professional development webinars on a variety of topics! Contact us to customize one for your district!
Visit our Website
Educational Services Unit | 609-702-0500 | [email protected] | www.edservicesunit.com
STAY CONNECTED
The Calm Schools Initiative
Free mindfulness training tools for teachers, parents, related service staff, etc.
- https://www.calm.com/schools?utm_campaign=digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nuzzel#teacher-form
THE COMPLETE LIST OF FREE THINGS AND GRANTS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
- https://www.dontpayfull.com/blog/free-things-and-grants-for-kids-with-special-needs