Printable Documents

 

1. HKS Workshops 2012-2013 - REGISTRATION FORM

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2. HKS Workshops 2012-2013 - BROCHURE

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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
2012-2013

All Workshops are held at Renfrew Educational Services’ Janice McTighe Centre.

Workshops run from 4:30 to 6:30pm unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 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. 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 HKS 005

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

Jill Botelho, BKin, MScOT(c), Occupational Therapist

Nicole MacLean, B.Sc.OT, 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 4, 2012 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 11, 2012 HKS 039

Strategies and Solutions for Helping Kids Eat

Kathleen Patton, MScOT (c), BSc Psyc, Occupational Therapist,

Sandia Abraham, MSc-SLP, R. SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist,

Eating is the most complex physical task that human beings engage in. This workshop will discuss reasons why children avoid eating. Practical ideas and solutions will be introduced for parents and caregivers working with picky eaters and children with mealtime difficulties. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 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 18, 2012 HKS 029

Positive Behaviour Support for Home and School

Dorothy Halley, E.C.E., Behaviour Specialist

Shelley Hegion, Behaviour Specialist

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 24, 2012 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. 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 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 14, 2012 HKS 004-1

Sensory Processing

Part 1: Understanding the Child with Sensory Processing Needs

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

Sally Longino, B.Sc.OT, 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 15, 2012 HKS 012-1

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 1: What is FASD?

Lydia Unger, Provisional Psychologist

Susan Taylor, B.Sc., OT(C) Occupational Therapist

Sharon Evelyn, M.Sc.,R.SLP,SLP (C), Speech-Language Pathologist  

This four 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.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 HKS 038

Strengthening Coping Resources in the Family

Mariann Sasvari, MDCS, Clinical Service Coordinator/Program Instructor

This is an introductory workshop into the Salutogenic orientation - the promotion of health – for people who are dedicated to help families of children with disabilities (e.g. therapists, family support workers, CDFs, teachers, managers, etc.). How “the way of looking at the world” determines coping with stressful events. What can we do to help strengthen/maintain a sense of coherence? 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 HKS 004-2

Sensory Processing

Part 2: Helping the Child with Sensory Processing Needs

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

Sally Longino, B.Sc.OT, 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. 

Thursday, November 22, 2012 HKS 012-2

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 2: Communication, Sensory Processing and Motor Challenges

Lydia Unger, Provisional Psychologist

Susan Taylor, B.Sc., OT(C) Occupational Therapist

Sharon Evelyn, M.Sc.,R.SLP,SLP (C), Speech-Language Pathologist

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 28, 2012 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. 

Thursday, November 29, 2012 HKS 012-3

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 3: Behavioural and Learning Strategies

Lydia Unger, Provisional Psychologist

Susan Taylor, B.Sc., OT(C) Occupational Therapist

Sharon Evelyn, M.Sc.,R.SLP,SLP (C), Speech-Language Pathologist

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, December 12, 2012 HKS 012-4

Helping Kids With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Soar

Part 4: Behavioural and Learning Strategies – Continued

Lydia Unger, Provisional Psychologist

Susan Taylor, B.Sc., OT(C) Occupational Therapist

Sharon Evelyn, M.Sc.,R.SLP,SLP (C), Speech-Language Pathologist

Vanessa Riewe, MAPS Early Interventionist

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 previous presentations and will have an opportunity to work in small groups. 

Thursday, January 10, 2013 HKS 040

Physical Therapy in ASD: Gross Motor Activities and Strategies

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

Children with Autism frequently present with low muscle tone, decreased muscle strength and difficulty with motor planning. In this presentation we will look at some of the common gross motor deficits, some possible causes and then provide you with easy activities and strategies that you can implement with your child. 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 HKS 011

Yoga for the Child With Special Needs

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

Kara Budden, 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. 

Thursday, January 17, 2013 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 23, 2013 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 24, 2013 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

Sally Longino, B.Sc.OT, 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. 

Thursday, January 31, 2013 HKS 022-3

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 3: Increasing Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Arianna Bailey, MSc, R.SLP, S-LP(c), 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. 

Thursday, February 7, 2013 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 20, 2013 HKS 033

Using the Apple i-devices with Special Needs Students for Language and Literacy Development

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

Andrea Jewers, Assistive Technology Assistant

This workshop will look at the use 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 the development of language (vocabulary, grammar, interactional communication, etc) and literacy (reading and writing skills). The pros and cons of using 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. (The information will be pertinent to nonspecial needs students as well!) 

Thursday, February 21, 2013 HKS 022-5

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

Part 5: The Power of Play: Engaging the Disengaged Child

Katrina Toth, Program Consultant for Specialized Autism Services

Prerequisite: HKS 022-1, 022-2, 022-3 & 022-4

This is the fifth workshop in a six-part ASD series. Teaching play skills to a child with ASD can be challenging. Through video examples and group discussion, participants will gain valuable knowledge about stages of play development, and will leave with practical ideas on how to progress a child who is “stuck” in their play routines towards greater engagement and interaction with people and toys. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 HKS 023

Strategies to Encourage Early Language Development

Patricia Sahuri, Speech-Language Pathologist

Aida Labanauskiene, 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 28, 2013 HKS 022-6

Helping Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder Soar

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

Arianna Bailey, Speech-Language Pathologist

Dorothy Halley, E.C.E., Behaviour Specialist

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!