Hi Friends!
So, now that we are effectively back in full swing, it's time to start sharing again! Sometimes it can get a little challenging to get through a lesson with C.J. Since I am not one to just slide him right along without the confirmation that he has fully understood and grasped the concepts in which I am teaching, I must improvise. Sometimes he is off in his own world and I have to resort to other techniques to tug-of-war him back in. One technique that he usually responds to is singing. C.J. is a music lover like me and music also taps into a different portion of the brain for communication and learning. So, that is the first technique I turn to when just plain presenting and monotony have proven unsuccessful for the day. I have attached a video clip for an example and for all of you visual learners. :) I hope you enjoy!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
And An iPad To Grow On
So, because I knew that C.J. was a visual learner, I knew that an iPad was right up his learning style alley. I was so determined that I scraped up all the money I could find which included selling some precious items to be able to enter into this whole new realm of teaching and learning. I mean who just has an extra $400+ lying around right? But I was able to get away with buying last year's model at a very reasonable price.
With that being said, boy was I right! We have been able to integrate the iPad into our daily school routine in so many ways that continue to be beneficial to his learning. Since, I am always asking people what new apps they are into, I thought I'd share with you what we use in case you have an iPad or are thinking about getting one. Many of these apps can be used on the ipod touch or other app devices too.
In my ABA category there are many apps that include flashcards. The "SeeTouchLearn" app is great for sorting and identifying within different categories.
In the Education category, we have the "Teach Me" apps for kindergarten and 1st grade. These are good for general practice of grade level skills. And "BrainPOP" is really cool. It gives facts and information for what happened on that day in time.
One of C.J.'s favorites is in the Geography category. The "U.S. Puzzle Map" app is a simple drag and drop application that helps the learner get to know the states, their shapes, location and state capitals. I love this one!
In our Math category, the "Coin Math" app is awesome. We have used it for coin identification as well as for sorting and counting. This is a great one.
In our Reading and Writing category there are some wonderful interactive e-book apps that allow you to record yourself reading. This is great for C.J. to recognize his fluency and intonation. The "Spelling Test" app is awesome. You can pre-program and record a spelling list and it will administer the test for you providing test scores. We use this for word review to change things up.
In our Speech category, I have purchased most of the "BUILDER" apps. These are great for practice in questions, conversation patterns and sentences.
And last but not least in our Social Stories category I have the "Dentist" e-book which is partially responsible for C.J.'s success at his recent dental visit. It allows you to record yourself reading the story but it also provides sounds that you would experience when visiting the dentist. We love this one.
So, that's it! We have had a lot of fun with the iPad and it's endless possibilities. If you are technically savvy you can also make your own videos and load them on the device. You can also add pictures for flashcards and music for an all in one learning device to grow on.
With that being said, boy was I right! We have been able to integrate the iPad into our daily school routine in so many ways that continue to be beneficial to his learning. Since, I am always asking people what new apps they are into, I thought I'd share with you what we use in case you have an iPad or are thinking about getting one. Many of these apps can be used on the ipod touch or other app devices too.
"Proloquo2go" is a good one. It is a communication app. Great for the non-verbal child or to be used as a bridge for communication. C.J. has made many requests using this.
So, that's it! We have had a lot of fun with the iPad and it's endless possibilities. If you are technically savvy you can also make your own videos and load them on the device. You can also add pictures for flashcards and music for an all in one learning device to grow on.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
'Tis The See-Son
Asking C.J. questions can sometimes be like pulling teeth. A challenge that we have been struggling with since he was 2 years old. The funny thing was that when he was still in his crib, he could hear me creaking up the stairs and would immediately tune in to assess if I was going to walk in the room or not. (We had a camera set up with a monitor that served for great observing without actually having to walk in.) So, we still had his hearing checked anyway to test his hearing in different frequencies. Normal.
Then, last year I read something in the book "Strange Son" by Portia Iverson that finally made sense to me. They did an informal study on Tito (a brilliant poet with autism) that proved to be quite interesting. They had someone sit in front of him with flashcards containing a + or a - sign. But that's not the interesting part. They also had someone stand behind him to SAY the OPPOSITE of what sign was actually being shown. When asked to say what he saw, he ALWAYS responded with what the person behind him had said it was. Thus finding out that he could NOT see and hear at the same time. (I told you I'd come back to this!) It was too difficult so he always relied on his hearing. AHA!
THAT is why C.J. puts his hand in front of his mouth to hear himself talk. THAT is why he can miraculously spot a Veggie Tale book or Toy Story toy at the END of an isle in a store and go dashing to it. HE RELIES ON HIS VISION because it is too difficult to process his auditory input. He has always done well with videos. I often said he will pay attention to anything if it is put on a T.V. screen. I can remember when he was almost 3 years old, I actually made a video using my computer displaying the alphabet and various flashcards with the label spelled out. I played it on the T.V. and voila! He is a VISUAL learner as Tito was an AUDITORY learner.
Now, that is a HUGE portal but not something that I necessarily want to continue for him. I have also read another interesting book called "Disconnected Kids" by Dr. Robert Melillo which in his theory explained that these kids have a brain imbalance. He also provides a guide on how to assess the brain to pinpoint where the weaknesses are (in C.J.'s case he has a right-brain delay) and it provides exercises to help "strengthen" the brain's weaknesses. So, although we will utilize C.J.'s amazing visual skills, we need to strengthen his auditory skills.
When asked a question about a picture of a person in his life, his responses where much easier to obtain once I added a written out "wh" with the correlated question. Here is a picture of my example.
Then, last year I read something in the book "Strange Son" by Portia Iverson that finally made sense to me. They did an informal study on Tito (a brilliant poet with autism) that proved to be quite interesting. They had someone sit in front of him with flashcards containing a + or a - sign. But that's not the interesting part. They also had someone stand behind him to SAY the OPPOSITE of what sign was actually being shown. When asked to say what he saw, he ALWAYS responded with what the person behind him had said it was. Thus finding out that he could NOT see and hear at the same time. (I told you I'd come back to this!) It was too difficult so he always relied on his hearing. AHA!
THAT is why C.J. puts his hand in front of his mouth to hear himself talk. THAT is why he can miraculously spot a Veggie Tale book or Toy Story toy at the END of an isle in a store and go dashing to it. HE RELIES ON HIS VISION because it is too difficult to process his auditory input. He has always done well with videos. I often said he will pay attention to anything if it is put on a T.V. screen. I can remember when he was almost 3 years old, I actually made a video using my computer displaying the alphabet and various flashcards with the label spelled out. I played it on the T.V. and voila! He is a VISUAL learner as Tito was an AUDITORY learner.
Now, that is a HUGE portal but not something that I necessarily want to continue for him. I have also read another interesting book called "Disconnected Kids" by Dr. Robert Melillo which in his theory explained that these kids have a brain imbalance. He also provides a guide on how to assess the brain to pinpoint where the weaknesses are (in C.J.'s case he has a right-brain delay) and it provides exercises to help "strengthen" the brain's weaknesses. So, although we will utilize C.J.'s amazing visual skills, we need to strengthen his auditory skills.
When asked a question about a picture of a person in his life, his responses where much easier to obtain once I added a written out "wh" with the correlated question. Here is a picture of my example.
One day my "See-Son" will indeed LISTEN to his mother.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Am I Annoying You? Good.
Have you ever been completely captured by a song, movie or book? So much so that the rest of the world just fades away? Someone could try to talk to you, and you'd probably only hear enough to respond,"uh-huh". If you're a wife, you may know how this goes. Your husband is watching the "big game" and you could say, "Honey! Pigs are flying around outside!" or "Look! I got a great deal on these shoes that only cost $150! Aren't they cute?" (Okay so, you may get him with that last one.)
But, that is how it is with CJ sometimes. Actually, ALL OF THE TIME. Except, we are not always competing with the television right in front of him. We are always competing with the television inside of his head. And boy, does he LOVE to tune everyone and everything out just so he can sing and dance with the song or movie that's playing in the reel of his mind. He gives a whole other meaning to "Go to your happy place".
The urge is often times so strong that some days can be almost a complete wash for communication or education. (Notice I said "almost"). I always tell people to COMMAND his attention. Sometimes I clap my hands, or bang the table three times (it must be three) or just look him square in the eye (even if he's not looking back) and say, "CJ! Stop it!!! I want you here with me!". A constant battle, all day, every day. But I will always be there to annoy him. :)
But, that is how it is with CJ sometimes. Actually, ALL OF THE TIME. Except, we are not always competing with the television right in front of him. We are always competing with the television inside of his head. And boy, does he LOVE to tune everyone and everything out just so he can sing and dance with the song or movie that's playing in the reel of his mind. He gives a whole other meaning to "Go to your happy place".
The urge is often times so strong that some days can be almost a complete wash for communication or education. (Notice I said "almost"). I always tell people to COMMAND his attention. Sometimes I clap my hands, or bang the table three times (it must be three) or just look him square in the eye (even if he's not looking back) and say, "CJ! Stop it!!! I want you here with me!". A constant battle, all day, every day. But I will always be there to annoy him. :)
Monday, March 7, 2011
You've Got Mail!
We would like to thank everyone for helping us out with emails! CJ absolutely LOVES reading and answering them and he is doing so well! If you haven't sent him one yet, PLEASE DO!!!! Even if you really don't know him personally!
He is doing so great and it is really strengthening his comprehension skills! Any and all simple questions are welcome! If you have already sent an email, keep 'em coming! Here are some recent questions and answers in case you are curious...
i love to go to friendlys
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CJ, how does aunt Stacy feel in this picture?
happy
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Have a great day!! Love you!
Love
Michelle
gummy bears
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Good Morning CJ,
This is from grand mom.
CJ what color is this sentence?
J
orange
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i like to riding a bike
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Hi CJ~CJ what is your favorite thing to eat?Mrs. Cole :)
i love to eat vegtebles
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hi c.j. I have a question for you: what does bunya give out during summer time for you to stay cool?
a. pencil
b. balloon
c. icee
pick one of them, if you can remember
love you
--
balloon
--
no, its icee, remember?
yes
Good morning CJ!
I have a question for you.
What is your favorite movie?
Love,
Denise
big idea productions
presents
jonah
Thursday, February 24, 2011
I Have A Question For You
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support! CJ and I are on a mission and it gives us so much strength and joy to know that people are backing us up! So, thank you!
Now.........I have an idea. Everyday, I have been asking CJ 5 questions. Questions that work on his comprehension and questions that force him to "think" for himself , outside of the fact box. I am trying a different approach because I use to teach him proper responses. But, this hasn't worked out so well. Every time you ask him, "CJ, why are you sad?", He would say..."Because I'm hurt" because that was the response he was taught. He wasn't thinking for himself. He was just giving the response he had been taught.
So, I ask him 5 easy questions like, What is the weather today? or What is your favorite color? etc.
Here comes the fun part! I am asking if you can send him an email with 1 question! Make it a question that requires 1 sentence for the answer or a single response. We will answer 5 emails a day to fill my 5 question quota! CJ is VERY good on the computer so I want to see how he will respond. If you can include a picture of yourself, that would be a bonus so that he can actually "see" who is asking the question. But if not, just your question would be so helpful!
Here is his email address----------> 2CJArmstrong@gmail.com
I'm looking forward to see how this goes!
Now.........I have an idea. Everyday, I have been asking CJ 5 questions. Questions that work on his comprehension and questions that force him to "think" for himself , outside of the fact box. I am trying a different approach because I use to teach him proper responses. But, this hasn't worked out so well. Every time you ask him, "CJ, why are you sad?", He would say..."Because I'm hurt" because that was the response he was taught. He wasn't thinking for himself. He was just giving the response he had been taught.
So, I ask him 5 easy questions like, What is the weather today? or What is your favorite color? etc.
Here comes the fun part! I am asking if you can send him an email with 1 question! Make it a question that requires 1 sentence for the answer or a single response. We will answer 5 emails a day to fill my 5 question quota! CJ is VERY good on the computer so I want to see how he will respond. If you can include a picture of yourself, that would be a bonus so that he can actually "see" who is asking the question. But if not, just your question would be so helpful!
Here is his email address----------> 2CJArmstrong@gmail.com
I'm looking forward to see how this goes!
Monday, February 21, 2011
And The Rest Is History
Me: "CJ, WHO is this?" ( I hold up a picture of Alexander Graham Bell)
CJ: (A puzzled look on his face)
Me: "This is Alexander Graham Bell! CJ, WHO is this? Say Alexander Graham Bell!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrayam Bell".
Me: "Good CJ! Now, WHAT is this?" (I hold up a picture of a telephone)
CJ: "Phone".
Me: "YES CJ! VERY good! It is a telephone! Let's sing "Hello, How are you?"! "
(Singing with phone gestures of course)
So then I held up both pictures emphasizing on which was which while saying, "Alexander Graham Bell (picture) invented the telephone (picture)! He MADE the telephone CJ!"
Me: "Alexander Graham Bell invented the..............................telephone."
CJ: "Telephone"
Me: "Good! Alexander Graham Bell invented the......................."
CJ: "Telephone."
Me: "YES!!!!!!!! CJ, say the whole thing!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrrrrayam Bell innnnnvented the telephone."
Me: "YES!!!!!! He did invent the telephone!!!! Great job CJ!!!"
Of course so that he understands what he is saying, we will follow this by crafts and activities and videos. There is an awesome series of history videos that I learned about (thanks to an introduction from our wonderful co-op) called "Animated Hero Classics" By NEST Entertainment. This is perfect since CJ is a visual learner.
I decided to start history because who says an autistic child can't learn some facts? Why aren't they exposed to things like "The Pledge Of Allegiance"? Just because it seems like they are not listening or they can't say it doesn't mean that they aren't capable of understanding. Appearances can be deceiving. And I have learned over the years that CJ truly is paying attention when I think he is not. I have learned this through his sneakiness!
So yes, we continue his therapy. (Which he has been in since before he turned 3.) That is all well and good and even necessary. But, I believe there is SO much more potential than that! Remember, each child is different but don't underestimate their potential! With autism, we always say "Think outside of the box." But, sometimes you have to think outside of the therapy box and expose them to things that a typical child would learn. They just may surprise you!!
So for now, in addition to therapy, life skills, math, reading, and language......the rest will be history. Hellooooo Abe Lincoln and "I pledge allegiance... to the flag......".
Oh yes....and I have to add....I would not be able to do what I do if it wasn't "Under God."
CJ: (A puzzled look on his face)
Me: "This is Alexander Graham Bell! CJ, WHO is this? Say Alexander Graham Bell!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrayam Bell".
Me: "Good CJ! Now, WHAT is this?" (I hold up a picture of a telephone)
CJ: "Phone".
Me: "YES CJ! VERY good! It is a telephone! Let's sing "Hello, How are you?"! "
(Singing with phone gestures of course)
So then I held up both pictures emphasizing on which was which while saying, "Alexander Graham Bell (picture) invented the telephone (picture)! He MADE the telephone CJ!"
Me: "Alexander Graham Bell invented the..............................telephone."
CJ: "Telephone"
Me: "Good! Alexander Graham Bell invented the......................."
CJ: "Telephone."
Me: "YES!!!!!!!! CJ, say the whole thing!"
CJ: "Alexander Grrrrrrrrayam Bell innnnnvented the telephone."
Me: "YES!!!!!! He did invent the telephone!!!! Great job CJ!!!"
Of course so that he understands what he is saying, we will follow this by crafts and activities and videos. There is an awesome series of history videos that I learned about (thanks to an introduction from our wonderful co-op) called "Animated Hero Classics" By NEST Entertainment. This is perfect since CJ is a visual learner.
I decided to start history because who says an autistic child can't learn some facts? Why aren't they exposed to things like "The Pledge Of Allegiance"? Just because it seems like they are not listening or they can't say it doesn't mean that they aren't capable of understanding. Appearances can be deceiving. And I have learned over the years that CJ truly is paying attention when I think he is not. I have learned this through his sneakiness!
So yes, we continue his therapy. (Which he has been in since before he turned 3.) That is all well and good and even necessary. But, I believe there is SO much more potential than that! Remember, each child is different but don't underestimate their potential! With autism, we always say "Think outside of the box." But, sometimes you have to think outside of the therapy box and expose them to things that a typical child would learn. They just may surprise you!!
So for now, in addition to therapy, life skills, math, reading, and language......the rest will be history. Hellooooo Abe Lincoln and "I pledge allegiance... to the flag......".
Oh yes....and I have to add....I would not be able to do what I do if it wasn't "Under God."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I Wrote A Poem Today...
My Son Has Autism
By Lisa Armstrong
I know that you’re still in there,
I feel it in my breath.
When I speak your name,
Even though it seems you have left.
Your gaze is so far away,
But, I take your hands and plea.
That soon you’ll find me,
You’ll find me and you'll see.
I play our conversations,
In the car and in your room.
The ones I’ve dreamed we’d have,
When you were in the womb.
The spelling bees you’ve aced,
The girls that you have chased.
All of those times I’ve begged you,
To not live life in haste.
The football games,
And oh yes, the driving test.
The $5.00 for every “A”
The way you’d smile at me when I’d come to watch you play.
Then you squeeze my hands,
And your eyes smile at me…
And I see…
Your right there whispering underneath…
Always Undertstand That I’m Still Me.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Do You Hear Yourself?
*Update!- C.J. now understands the meaning of you, I and we!! How did we accomplish this? When I asked C.J., "What are YOU doing?", I took his hand, emphasized him pointing to himself and gave him the correct response. "I am standing up!" We practiced this until he was able to give me the correct response without my prompting or hand over hand signals. Hooray C.J.!!
I have found an interesting discovery in one of my favorite books about autism. The book is called, "Strange Son" by Portia Iverson and I highly recommend it for anyone who is about to enter the world of autism. Whether it be thorough life or profession.
In this book, they find that Tito (an amazing poet with autism), cannot see and hear at the same time. (huh, I'll come back to that) They even found that he was not able to hear his own voice when he spoke. (another huh)
As you can imagine, I have become more keen on observing C.J.'s seeing and hearing senses while teaching. I have even witnessed him putting his hand directly in front of his mouth while he spoke at times. Wow. He has figured out a way to hear his own voice! When he talks with his hand in front of his mouth, the sound bounces back to him and the vibrations give him awareness of his intonation, pronunciation and speed. Aha!
So, today we are going to work on hearing his own voice by recording him while he describes a picture in a sentence. Then playing it back! Oh, we can have fun with this! Yes, what kind of mother/teacher would I be if I didn't get silly with this one? Let's just say that by the end of our session, all manners will be out the window!
I have found an interesting discovery in one of my favorite books about autism. The book is called, "Strange Son" by Portia Iverson and I highly recommend it for anyone who is about to enter the world of autism. Whether it be thorough life or profession.
In this book, they find that Tito (an amazing poet with autism), cannot see and hear at the same time. (huh, I'll come back to that) They even found that he was not able to hear his own voice when he spoke. (another huh)
As you can imagine, I have become more keen on observing C.J.'s seeing and hearing senses while teaching. I have even witnessed him putting his hand directly in front of his mouth while he spoke at times. Wow. He has figured out a way to hear his own voice! When he talks with his hand in front of his mouth, the sound bounces back to him and the vibrations give him awareness of his intonation, pronunciation and speed. Aha!
So, today we are going to work on hearing his own voice by recording him while he describes a picture in a sentence. Then playing it back! Oh, we can have fun with this! Yes, what kind of mother/teacher would I be if I didn't get silly with this one? Let's just say that by the end of our session, all manners will be out the window!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
You + I = We...Or Is It Me?
For those of you who may not know, my son C.J. (Christopher Jr.) is 7 years old and has Autism. After many years of intense therapy and even sending him to one of the top ten schools in the country for autistic kids, with God's help, I am now homeschooling my little man. Some people may think it's crazy, but I say it's an answer to a prayer.
During the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to teach him to understand the concept of you, I and we. This became more difficult then I thought!! (caution: this may get confusing. I'll try not to confuse myself again too)
So, my goal is to ask him," CJ, what are YOU doing?" in which his correct response should be "I am standing up." But to a concrete mind where things are black and white, his response is (you asked me what YOU is doing), "YOU is standing up!" Makes sense right?......oy.
"Okaaaaay CJ, what am I doing?" and of course he says (you asked me what "I" is doing), "I am standing up!"
After correcting his responses MANY times with emphasis, I knew this was going to take a while and my head was starting to spin. So, we have been ending our sessions with a "We" party. (and no, I don't mean Wii). Because "we" never changes!! I like "we". "CJ, what are WE doing?" and he says (drum roll please), "WE are standing up!" YAY!!!!
It's amazing how some concepts like this come naturally to "typical" people. But, for someone trying to make sense of the world, it doesn't make sense. Why do you and I pull a switcharoo? Why is phone not spelled with an f? Why is (ship)ment done on land and (car)go done by sea? Only one can wonder.
So...how are YOU today?
During the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to teach him to understand the concept of you, I and we. This became more difficult then I thought!! (caution: this may get confusing. I'll try not to confuse myself again too)
So, my goal is to ask him," CJ, what are YOU doing?" in which his correct response should be "I am standing up." But to a concrete mind where things are black and white, his response is (you asked me what YOU is doing), "YOU is standing up!" Makes sense right?......oy.
"Okaaaaay CJ, what am I doing?" and of course he says (you asked me what "I" is doing), "I am standing up!"
After correcting his responses MANY times with emphasis, I knew this was going to take a while and my head was starting to spin. So, we have been ending our sessions with a "We" party. (and no, I don't mean Wii). Because "we" never changes!! I like "we". "CJ, what are WE doing?" and he says (drum roll please), "WE are standing up!" YAY!!!!
It's amazing how some concepts like this come naturally to "typical" people. But, for someone trying to make sense of the world, it doesn't make sense. Why do you and I pull a switcharoo? Why is phone not spelled with an f? Why is (ship)ment done on land and (car)go done by sea? Only one can wonder.
So...how are YOU today?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hold On....I'm Processing
Yesterday I discovered the overwhelming process of processing for my son. Lately, I have been showing him single pictures (e.g. a boy riding a bicycle, a woman eating a sandwich etc.) and I ask him to tell me about the picture using his words in a sentence. What I found was that it took him a good minute for him to process the picture! He saw everything INDIVIDUALLY and somehow had to put all of the information together. Then, IN PROPER ENGLISH somehow give me a sentence. What an exhausting process!
For me, I can look at the picture and process everything within seconds. "The boy is riding a bicycle!" My processing time is instant (most of the time, if I've had my coffee). For CJ...he sees, the bicycle. Then the boy, then the red t-shirt, then the green grass,(in which one of those may provoke a funny memory, then I lose him for a sec) then the blue sky, and oh wait what am I suppose to do again? Oh yeah..a sentence. He then flips through his categories and says, "The boy...she..(no) he is sitting.....(no), riding on the bicycle on the grass." Whew!
Great job CJ! Okay...next picture!
For me, I can look at the picture and process everything within seconds. "The boy is riding a bicycle!" My processing time is instant (most of the time, if I've had my coffee). For CJ...he sees, the bicycle. Then the boy, then the red t-shirt, then the green grass,(in which one of those may provoke a funny memory, then I lose him for a sec) then the blue sky, and oh wait what am I suppose to do again? Oh yeah..a sentence. He then flips through his categories and says, "The boy...she..(no) he is sitting.....(no), riding on the bicycle on the grass." Whew!
Great job CJ! Okay...next picture!
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