Steps to Training Paras
Para Professional Training- Dec 5th, 2023
Create a Team Mission Statement
A great activity, suggested by Sasha Long from the Autism Helper, to cultivate a team mindset is creating a team mission statement. When done collaboratively, this mission statement gives your team a purpose and a common goal. As a team, answer the following questions (or think of your own questions that fit your classroom):
What do we want for our students?
What do we want for our team?
What do we want for our school?
Once fine-tuned, print it out and post it where all team members can see it. Below is an example my team created when I was teaching. I put this in our paraprofessional handbook!
As the season of holidays, celebrations, and gatherings quickly approach, we eagerly anticipate spending it with loved ones. However, for some students with autism, this time of year can be stressful due to unfamiliar surroundings and routines that differ from their daily lives. As teachers we can help our students feel supported and comfortable during this time. Here are some compassionate tips to help you support your students as we enter the celebratory season:
- Address unspoken questions and concerns with care
- Prepare students in advance for changes in routine
- Create a safe space for students to take breaks if needed
- Use visual aids to explain upcoming events and schedules
- Work with families to ensure consistent support at home and school
Link to the full article on Preparing for Holiday Celebrations and resources to support students and families.
Themes First Unit: December's Let's Go Shopping!
Check out the Let's Go Shopping unit in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.
Charting the C's Conference
The Charting the Cs Conference is a statewide professional development event featuring Minnesota practitioners who implement evidence-based practices, practical strategies and innovative instruction to meet the unique needs of students with low incidence disabilities.
Day 1: Monday, April 15, 2024, In-Person, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Day 2: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, In-Person, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Day 3: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, In-Person, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Download Charting the Cs Conference 2024 Flyer (PDF file format)
Questions?
Send an email to: chartingthecs@brightworksmn.org
Website: Charting the Cs Conference
