Helping Kids Soar Workshops
2011-2012
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 HKS 027-1
Make and Take Workshop - “The Three Little Pigs”
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 story “The Three Little Pigs”. This workshop is targeted for use in the Kindergarten/Grade One setting and is also suitable for Special Education Programs.
Thursday, September 22, 2011 HKS 037
Babies Can’t Wait - The Significance of Early Intervention
Zsuzsa Tamas
This workshop will offer information on development of motor skills in infants and toddlers with motor dysfunction. The workshop will highlight the importance of early development intervention and will offer practical information on how to encourage play and sensory activities at a very early age.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 HKS 002
Classroom Strategies: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Renee Soenen, MSc. R.SLP, S-LP (c), Speech-Language Pathologist
Tammy Nighswander, BScKin, MScPT, Physical Therapist
Dayna Jansen-Nessler, 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 29, 2011 HKS 013
Assistive Technology for the Classroom
Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant
Jared Shore, O.T. (c), RSLP, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist
This workshop will be an introduction to simple technology and its application in the classroom. A variety of products (i.e. BIGmack, 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.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 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.
Thursday, October 6, 2011 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.
Thursday, October 13, 2011 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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 HKS 020-1
Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Tammy Nighswander, BScKin, MScPT, Physical Therapist
What is DCD? How might a child with DCD present? How is DCD diagnosed? An overview of the current research outlining possible causes of DCD.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 HKS 029
Positive Behaviour Support for Home and School
Laura Casey Foss, MSc, Registered 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 26, 2011 HKS 020-2
Accommodation Strategies for Working With a Child With Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Tammy Nighswander, BScKin, MScPT, Physical Therapist
Prerequisite: HKS 020-1
What are the possible effects of DCD on a child or the family? Strategies, accommodations and outcomes in current research when working with a population with DCD.
Thursday, October 27, 2011 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.
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 2, 2011 HKS 012-1
Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar
Part 1: What is FASD?
SLP - TBA
Laura Casey Foss, MSc, Registered 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.
Thursday, November 3, 2011 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.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 HKS 012-2
Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar
Part 2: Communication, Sensory Processing and Motor Challenges
SLP - TBA
Prerequisite: HKS 012-1
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 16, 2011 HKS 012-3
Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar
Part 3: Behavioural and Learning Strategies
Laura Casey Foss, MSc, Registered Psychologist
Prerequisite: HKS 012-1 & HKS 012-2
This is the first of two workshops regarding behavioural & learning strategies for children with an FASD. These workshops will provide an overview of strategies that have been found helpful both in the classroom and at home. Participants will learn how to apply valuable information learned in the first two presentations and will have an opportunity to work in small groups.
Thursday, November 17, 2011 HKS 015
Learning the Tricks of the Trade: How to Work on Speech Sound Development in the Classroom and One-to-One Sessions
Renee Soenen, MSc. R.SLP, S-LP (c), 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.
Wednesday, November 23, 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., 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.
Thursday, November 24, 2011 HKS 012-4
Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar
Part 4: Behavioural and Learning Strategies - Continued
Laura Casey Foss, MSc, Registered Psychologist
Prerequisite: HKS012-1, HKS 012-2 & HKS 012-3
This is the second of two workshops regarding behavioural & learning strategies for children with an FASD. These workshops will provide an overview of strategies that have been found helpful both in the classroom and at home. Participants will learn how to apply valuable information learned in the first two presentations and will have an opportunity to work in small groups.
Wednesday, November 30, 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., Occupational Therapist
Prerequisite: HKS 004-1
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.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 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., 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.
Thursday, January 12, 2012 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 18, 2012 HKS 034
ADHD: Neurological Insights and Evidence-Based Strategies
Sameera Qureshi, MSc OT(c), Occupational Therapist
This workshop is designed to provide information around the neurological basis of ADHD in an easy to understand manner for parents and educators alike. The impact of ADHD on executive functioning will also be discussed in detail, along with school and home evidence-based strategies for children and teenagers with ADHD.
Thursday, January 19, 20112 HKS 022-2
Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar
Part 2: Sensory Processing and Strategies to Support the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Leah Loiselle, B.Sc. O.T., Occupational Therapist
Dayna Jansen-Nessler, B.Sc. O.T.(C), Occupational Therapist
Prerequisite: HKS 022-1
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.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 HKS 031
Smartboard™ for Special Needs
Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant
Jared Shore, O.T. (c), RSLP, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Smart Notebook™ Software
This workshop will explore some of the innovative web-based and Smart NotebookTM activities that are geared to children with a variety of special needs. The session will address setting up Smartboards for children with motor impairments, cognitive impairments, visual impairments and more. Bringing a laptop with Smart NotebookTM Software to the presentation is recommended.
Thursday, January 26, 2012 HKS 022-3
Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar
Part 3: Increasing Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Rita Vis Dubé, CCC-SLP (C), R.SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Prerequisite: HKS 022-1 & 022-2
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.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 HKS 033
Using the Apple i-devices with Special Needs Students
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 2, 2012 HKS 022-4
Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar
Part 4: Visual Strategies and Behavioural Supports
Susan Hendrickson, M.Sc., Registered Provisional Psychologist
Prerequisite: HKS 022-1, 022-2 & 022-3
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 8, 2012 HKS 027-2
Make and Take Workshop - “Jack and the Beanstalk”
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 “Jack and the Beanstalk”. This workshop is targeted for use with Kindergarten to Grade One, and Special Education students.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 HKS 022-5
Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar
Part 5: The Power of Play - Connecting and Interacting with a Child who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Daidre Gent, BMR, OT(C), Occupational Therapist
Katrina Toth
Prerequisite: HKS 022-1, 022-2, 022-3 & 022-4
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 22, 2012 HKS 023
Strategies to Encourage Early Language Development
Joanna Bebarfald, R.SLP (c), Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily Lough, M.Sc., R.SLP, S-LP(C)
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 23, 2012 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
Prerequisite: HKS 022-1, 022-2, 022-3, 022-4 & 022-5
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!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 HKS 036
Attachment - Safe Practices
Kayla Lewis BSW, RSW Family Support Worker
Laura Casey Foss, MSc, Registered Psychologist
This workshop will provide an overview of child attachment, unique patterns of bonding, and the effects of potential disruptions. We will review strategies to foster secure attachment at home and in the classroom through the use of play, emotional availability, promoting resilience, and using attachment-safe boundaries and rules.
Thursday, March 1, 2012 HKS 028
The Teen Scene
Sameera Qureshi, MSc OT(c), Occupational Therapist
Krista Hansen, B.Sc. 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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 HKS 035
Ready, Get Set, Going to School: School Readiness Skills
Sameera Qureshi, MSc OT(c), Occupational Therapist
Nicole Roberts, BSW, RSW, School Support Counsellor
This workshop is designed to provide information and strategies around school readiness skills that research has shown to be vital for children’s healthy and successful transition into Kindergarten. These areas include physical health and wellbeing, social/emotional skills, cognitive skills and general knowledge, and pre-academic related tasks (i.e. gross and fine motor skills). This workshop is not only ideal for preschool children preparing to enter Kindergarten, but also for children already attending a Kindergarten program.
Thursday, March 8, 2012 HKS 001
Beyond the Classroom: The Playground as a Learning Environment
Tammy Nighswander, BScKin, MScPT, 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.