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1. HKS Workshops 2010-2011

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Comments from our 2009 HKS Workshops

The workshop was interactive, interesting and fun. I learned lots of great ideas! Thank you!!

 

It was excellent, awesome. I’m glad I came. I liked that it was relaxing, enjoyable and enlightening.

 

The presenter was lovely – very knowledgeable. The workshop was fun - and should be longer! I left feeling inspired!

 

The speaker had lots of energy and enthusiasm and the information was relevant to the situations we deal with. The hand-outs were great!

 

The program was excellent!! It was very creative and applicable and adaptable to a variety of areas. The presenters had put in a lot of work and provided good ideas and high quality examples.

 

The program was well done with ideas that will be very easy to implement into the classroom. It was useful and creative!

 

This was a very helpful session – I definitely got what I came for and more! The presenter was knowledgeable, and I appreciated her relaxed presentation style. I liked having the opportunity to try out new skills.

 

It was an excellent presentation - easy to follow. I have used Boardmaker at school but had no idea how many different areas it covers.

 

I was able to leave with all the information I needed to expand my knowledge. I liked the hands on learning and that we were not rushed. We were given time to ask questions and to experiment while the presenter circulated and assisted each participant.

 

I enjoyed the presenter’s enthusiasm about the subject which wore off on the students! The information will be so useful for my classroom. I learned new things that I can apply.

 

Things were explained in a manner parents and non-professionals could understand.

 

The information was thorough and up-to-date. The presenter had done an impressive amount of research.

 

The take-home package was awesome. I think I will really use it!

 

The session was very practical, useful and helpful. Over the three presentations, an excellent progression of information was covered both on what the disorder looks like on many levels and how to help a child succeed.

 

 

Helping Kids Soar Workshops
2010-2011

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 HKS 027-1

Make and Take Workshop - "Silly Sally"

Kimberly Assie, Ms., R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kara Budden, B.Sc.O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

Note: There is a $10.00 resource fee for this workshop.

This theme-based workshop provides participants with a package of activities that focus on improving development of language and communication skills along with fine and gross motor skills. Through completion of these activities children will also be exposed to a variety of sensory experiences. Participants will construct props from the beautifully written and illustrated "Silly Sally" by Audrey Wood. This workshop is targeted for use in the Kindergarten/Grade One setting and is also suitable for Special Education Programs.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 HKS 002

Classroom Strategies: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Nicole Avanthey, MSc. SLP, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Stacy Finnbogason, B.H.Sc.P.T., Physical Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

A general overview of the characteristics of kindergarten through early elementary school aged children with mild to moderate learning needs from a speech-language, occupational and physical therapy perspective. Specific emphasis will be placed on reviewing general classroom strategies that support language and communication difficulties, fine and gross motor challenges and sensory processing concerns. Participants will also look at some typical therapy recommendations and how to incorporate them into the classroom.

Thursday, September 30, 2010    HKS 013

Assistive Technology for the Classroom

Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant
Jared Shore, O.T. (c), RSLP, Occupational Therapist

This workshop will be an introduction to simple technology and its application in the classroom. A variety of products (i.e. Big Mack, Step by Step, Jelly Bean Switches and Powerlink) will be demonstrated in realistic classroom activities. Attendees will be provided with a new set of creative activity ideas for simple technology users at school.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 HKS 005

Let’s Get Organized! Setting Your Child Up For Success in School and at Home

Jill Botelho, BKin, MScOT(c), Occupational Therapist
Kara Budden, B.Sc.O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

For some children, the missing link to success in school lies in their ability to organize themselves. Participants will learn what organizational skills are and why they are important for learning. Possible causes for difficulties or a lack of organizational skills will be discussed, as well as indicators that may be observed in a child struggling in this area. Strategies for supporting your child and facilitating improved organizational skills at school and at home will be provided. This workshop will focus on the school-age population.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 HKS 008

Movement Breaks and Daily Physical Activity

Angela Goertzen, B.Sc.(P.T.), Physical Therapist

A sound body, sound mind! Physical movement and academic strength complement each other for the potential of greater achievements in both areas. With the expectation of 30 minutes of daily physical activity in schools, space and gym time are often limited. Movement breaks in the classroom or other areas of the school can be a great solution to helping students stay active during the day. This workshop will target K-1 activities.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 HKS 007

Classroom Suite 4™ Intro

 Eleanor Craighead, B.Sc (Log), R.SLP. S-LP, (C), Augmentative Communication Specialist

 This 2 hour workshop will give an overview of Classroom Suite™, specifically for teachers, classroom assistants and parents. Learn how to use and publish from the pre-existing activities within Classroom Suite 4™, and explore its application to Early Learning, Math and Literacy in particular. The use of the Intellikeys alternate keyboard and scanning within the program will be demonstrated.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 HKS 029

Positive Behaviour Support for Home and School

Ashleigh Yule, BA (hons.), MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

This workshop will offer practical and effective behaviour solutions to support preschool and elementary aged children. Participants will develop a functional approach to understanding behaviour, review basic behavioural principles and research, and work through effective strategies to deal with behaviour both at home and in the classroom.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 HKS 003

Building Awareness of Boundaries

Karen Beekhuizen, B.A., BSW, RSW, Social Worker

This workshop is designed to generate discussion around building awareness of boundary issues when working closely with children with special needs and their families. As caregivers, we often feel compelled to give more and more. This can lead to caregiver burnout. This workshop will leave participants asking questions about why they do some of the things they do and leave them with a clearer understanding of their roles. Suggestions for strategies to build a support network will also be provided.

This workshop can come to your organization or location.
Contact us for additional costs and other details.

Thursday, October 28, 2010 HKS 032

Integrating a Speech Generating Device into Your Classroom

Eleanor Craighead, B.Sc (Log), R.SLP. S-LP, (C), Augmentative Communication Specialist
Wendy Fitzgibbon, B.Ed., Resource Teacher

This workshop will help staff working with students using speech-generating devices (e.g. Vantage, ECO, Dynavox) in their classrooms. How to define when the device should be used, who is responsible for programming, charging, etc – all these questions will be discussed and some solutions proposed. Administrators, therapists, and parents are also welcome.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 HKS 014

Childhood Obesity: What Can We Do?

Stacy Finnbogason, B.H.Sc.P.T., Physical Therapist

This workshop provides an overview of the scope of the obesity problem for Canadian children, and the potential health consequences for children as they age. More importantly, there will be a discussion about strategies for increasing the activity level of children at home, at school and in the community.

Thursday, November 4, 2010 HKS 012-1

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 1: What is FASD?

Mel Bergmann, MS, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Laura Casey Foss, BSc, MSc Provisional Psychologist

This three-part series provides the participant with information on how a diagnosis is made, characteristic challenges and behaviours of these children in the preschool and elementary school years and strategies to support children with an FASD diagnosis. Information is presented through lecture, hands-on activities, video, and case examples.

"...and so the FASD diagnosis is static encephalopaty, sentinal physical findings..." Huh? Part 1 explores the diagnostic process and describes what this means for the child. Characteristic learning and memory challenges will be discussed and strategies provided.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 HKS 012-2

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 2: Communication, Sensory Processing and Motor Challenges

Mel Bergmann, MS, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Note: Workshop 012-1 is a prerequisite for this workshop.

The first half of this workshop provides a more in-depth examination of the role sensory processing abilities, self-regulation concerns and motor challenges play in the behavioural challenges children with FASD face. The second half explores the communication difficulties of children with FASD, specifically in reference to receptive, expressive, and social skills deficits.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 HKS 015

Learning the Tricks of the Trade: How to Work on Speech Sound Development in the Classroom and One-to-One Sessions

Nicole Avanthey, MSc. SLP, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

This hands-on workshop will give you the tools necessary to help children develop their speech sounds. We will discuss how sounds are made, when to know if a sound will develop naturally and when we need to give children a boost. Specific therapy ideas and techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Materials will be provided that will get you started right away. Please Note: The strategies discussed are most beneficial
for children who are already speaking in sentences.

Thursday, November 18, 2010 HKS 012-3

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 3: Behavioural and Learning Strategies

Laura Casey Foss, BSc, MSc Provisional Psychologist

Note: Workshop 012-2 is a prerequisite for this workshop.

This final workshop will discuss social and behavioural challenges and strategies that have been effective in supporting children with FASD. Participants will have an opportunity to work in small groups to apply the strategies they have learned.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 HKS 017

Social Skills for Preschool and Elementary Aged Children

Susan Hendrickson, M.Sc., Registered Provisional Psychologist

To succeed in school and life, children have to be able to get along and work with others. Quite often with children challenging behaviours can mask an underlying deficit in social skills. This workshop provides information on common topics covered in social skills training as well as strategies for teaching those topics. Strategies are transferable to inclusive settings and across children’s varying ability levels.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 HKS 018

Communicate: SymWriter™

(3-hour workshop)

Eleanor Craighead, B.Sc (Log), R.SLP. S-LP, (C), Augmentative Communication Specialist

Come and spend 3 hours discovering Communicate: SymWriter™ program which replaces Writing with Symbols™. At its simplest, this software is a talking and symbol word processor, but can also be used to promote errorless and guided writing. Communicate: SymWriter™ can be used to develop worksheets and computer based activities for your classroom, as well as social stories. This program uses either PCS symbols or the Widgit Literacy Symbols.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 HKS 011

Yoga for the Child With Special Needs

Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

Do you want to learn how to help your children pay better attention, improve motor control, or increase self confidence? This course will focus on how breath work and yoga can help with self regulation, body awareness, and self esteem. Limit 20 people. Dress comfortably. Namaste.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 HKS 020

Developmental Coordination Disorder

What is it and What Can You Do?

Tammy Nighswander, BScKin, MScPT, Physical Therapist

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and other motor coordination disorders affect children and adults of all ages. This workshop will review common coordination disorders and how children commonly present with these conditions. Suggested strategies, current research and concepts will be discussed for potential practical use in the school and home settings.

Thursday, January 13, 2011 HKS 022-1

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 1: What is Autism?

Susan Hendrickson, M.Sc., Registered Provisional Psychologist

The first in a six-part ASD series, this workshop will provide information on the diagnostic categories, the diagnostic process, history of the disorders, and provide resource information for further exploration. It will briefly discuss theories related to the disorders. This session provides the basis for later workshops on intervention strategies, behaviour supports, sensory strategies, and the importance of play with children with ASD.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 HKS 021

Power To The Printer

Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

This workshop provides practical ideas to help your children become more legible printers. We will explore the most common causes of printing difficulties and discuss strategies to overcome them. We will discuss:

• fine motor difficulties and ideas that can be used at home and at school to overcome them.
• how to teach printing so that your child is able to produce more consistent, legible printing.
• tools and adaptations that can help encourage success.

Thursday, January 20, 2011 HKS 022-2

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 2: Sensory Processing and Strategies to Support the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

Note: Workshop #022-1 is a pre-requisite for this workshop.

The second in a six-part ASD series, this workshop will provide a brief introduction to what sensory processing is, its role in attention and learning and how to use sensory strategies to engage and interact with children with ASD to support their learning and play.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 HKS 031

Smartboard for Special Needs

Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant
Jared Shore, O.T. (c), RSLP, Occupational Therapist

This workshop will explore some of the innovative web-based and Smart Notebook activities that are geared to children with a variety of special needs. The session will address setting up Smarboards for children with motor impairments, cognitive impairments, visual impairments and more. Some basic experience with a Smartboard will be beneficial, but not required.

Thursday, January 27, 2011 HKS 022-3

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 3: Increasing Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Jennifer Blancher, M.Sc. SLP, R.SLP, S-LP(C) Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily Lough, M.Sc., R.SLP, S.LP(C), Speech-Language Pathologist

Note: Workshop #022-2 is a pre-requisite for this workshop.

The third session in a six-part ASD series, this workshop will teach basic language stimulation strategies to use with children who are not yet communicating or who have just begun to communicate. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about different stages of communication that children progress through. Video examples and hands-on activities will be provided in order to enhance the learning experience.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 HKS 033

Using the Apple i-devices with Students with Special Needs

Eleanor Craighead, B.Sc (Log), R.SLP. S-LP, (C), Augmentative Communication Specialist
Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant

This workshop will look at the new wave of i-touch, i-phone and i-pad technologies, and the apps that are available for use with students with special needs to help with organizational skills, communication, etc. The pros and cons of allowing this technology in the classrooms will be discussed. This workshop will be of interest to parents, therapists, teachers and other classroom staff, as well as administrators. (Most of the information will be pertinent to non-special needs students as well!)

Thursday, February 3, 2011 HKS 022-4

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 4: Visual Strategies and Behavioural Supports

Susan Hendrickson, M.Sc., Registered Provisional Psychologist
Erin McWhirter, Behaviour Consultant

Note: Workshop #022-3 is a pre-requisite for this workshop.

The fourth in a six-part ASD series, this session focuses on intervention strategies for children with ASD. It provides practical information on how to implement visual strategies across environments. Speakers will also discuss positive behaviour supports - what they are and how to use them.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 HKS 027-2

Make and Take Workshop - "The Little Red Hen Makes Pizza"

Kimberly Assie, Ms., R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kara Budden, B.Sc.O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist　

Note: There is a $10.00 resource fee for this workshop.

This theme-based workshop provides participants with a package of activities that focus on improving development of language, communication, literacy, fine and gross motor skills. These activities will also present children with a variety of sensory experiences. Participants will construct props from the story "The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza)". This workshop is targeted for use with Kindergarten to Grade One, and Special Education students.

Thursday, February 10, 2011 HKS 022-5

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 5: The Power of Play: Connecting and Interacting with a Child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder

Daidre Gent, BMR, OT(C), Occupational Therapist
Katrina Toth

Note: Workshop #022-4 is a pre-requisite for this workshop.

The fifth in a six-part ASD series, this presentation emphasizes the importance of play as a child’s means to learn and refine a wide variety of skills. However, teaching play skills to children with ASD can be challenging and it is important to learn a variety of strategies to incorporate into your interactions. Children with ASD often require additional support when learning to play with others as well as with toys. Knowing what stage of play development your child is at will help guide your play choices. Through an increased number of video examples and discussion, participants will gain this key knowledge and leave with practical ideas to use on a daily basis with children with ASD.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 HKS 023

Strategies to Encourage Early Language Development

Nicole Avanthey, MSc. SLP, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily Lough, M.Sc., R.SLP, S.LP(C), Speech-Language Pathologist

This workshop focuses on basic strategies that caregivers, child-care workers and educational assistants can use within everyday routines to help build language with children who are beginning to use words and/or have limited language skills. The importance of keeping children engaged through play and how this impacts language development will also be discussed. This workshop is appropriate for caregivers and professionals working with preschool aged children who are not yet talking, or who are just beginning to use and put words together.

 

Thursday, February 24, 2011 HKS 022-6

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 6: Social Communication and Peer Play: Bringing Out Your Child’s Social Potential

Brianne Rayment, BA Psych, MSc-SLP, R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Rita Vis Dubé, CCC-SLP (C), R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Note: HKS 022-5 is a pre-requisite for this workshop.

This is the final session in a series of six workshops on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This presentation will assist you in understanding the complex nature of social interactions and the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. You will also learn strategies to assist children on the autism spectrum in developing positive relationships with others, and the important role that we, as their supporters, play in making this happen!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 HKS 019

Printing and Literacy Skills

Kimberly Assie, Ms., R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kara Budden, B.Sc.O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

Participants in this workshop will be presented with a multidisciplinary (occupational therapy and speech-language pathology) perspective to teaching printing and literacy as coexisting skills. A student’s production of written output is often impacted by difficulties with thought formulation and motor planning. However, there seems to be a relationship between limited pre-literacy skills and the development of written skills in early elementary school students. The question is, "what comes first, auditory awareness or motor output and can we address them together?"

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 HKS 028

The Teen Scene

Krista Van Iderstine, B.Sc., B.Sc.O.T. (c), Occupational Therapist
Sameera Qureshi, M.S. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

This workshop is designed to share information that will help you understand and support children as they (and we!) enter their teenage years. We will describe how the teenage brain is different than the child and adult brain. We will explore changes in sleep, behaviour, and self-regulation patterns. We will discuss ideas to help our teenage children function more optimally in their classrooms and at home.

Thursday, March 3, 2011 HKS 004-1

Sensory Processing

Part 1: Understanding the Child with Sensory Processing Needs

Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

This workshop is designed to help develop an understanding of how the sensory systems impact learning and behaviour. You will learn theory related to sensory processing and develop a better ability to understand your child’s sensory processing needs and abilities.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 HKS 030

School Psychology

Ashleigh Yule, BA (hons.), MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist

This workshop will review the roles and responsibilities of school psychologists at Renfrew Educational Services. Participants will develop an understanding of the supports available from the school psychology team and will receive information about the consultation, intervention, assessment, prevention, and advocacy the school psychology team provides.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 HKS 001

Beyond the Classroom: The Playground as a Learning Environment

Stacy Finnbogason, B.H.Sc.P.T., Physical Therapist

This workshop provides an overview of the physical, social and creative benefits of playground equipment, a review of important playground safety issues and a discussion of how parents, teachers and therapists can work on a child’s goals on the playground.

Thursday, March 17, 2011 HKS 004-2

Sensory Processing

Part 2: Helping the Child with Sensory Processing Needs

Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist

Note: Workshop 004-1 is a prerequisite for this workshop.

This workshop is designed to help develop strategies that are helpful to children with a variety of sensory processing needs. We will discuss how a child’s arousal state, level of attention, and ability to learn can be impacted by sensory based programming. We will introduce programs that are commonly used by OTs to support children with sensory processing needs.