Transition Newsletter November 2022
Community
Communities play a very important role in every aspect of our lives. We have communities within our families and our friends. We also have communities through school, our employment, our neighborhoods, and in so many other places.
Being part of a community provides us with a sense of belonging and can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves.
There are so many positive results from being part of a family as well as a larger community. We are given unique opportunities to learn from each other. We give and receive support and encouragement. Being supportive of each other helps us all to feel good about ourselves.
With community participation comes empowerment. As we become able to accept more responsibilities, we can build new skills and confidence. As we meet new people, we have the opportunity to improve communication skills, make new connections, and hopefully form positive relationships.
With Thanksgiving Break around the corner, the topics of community and thankfulness are on many of our minds. Since the start of the school year, I have learned that many of our students are thankful for their pets and consider them part of their families: dogs, cats, fish, gerbils, and more!
For those who do not have pets at home, there are still plenty of opportunities to appreciate animals all around us in our community. We have spotted squirrels, birds, butterflies, and many other creatures on nature walks around West Campus. And, of course, we cannot forget the Transition pet turtle, Kim. Finally, some of our students even had the opportunity to pet mini-horses on a community trip in Barrington earlier this year.
Some studies have found that animals can reduce feelings of stress, increase feelings of social support, and improve our mood. Petting a pet or looking at a picture of a pet are even considered coping strategies that some people use to feel better when they are down.
Students have shared that they:
Feel relaxed with them
Feel happy around them
Enjoy spending time with them
Help take care of them
Take them on walks, bike rides, in the car
Look forward to seeing them at home
Definitely something to be thankful for!
Speech and Language Tips for the Holidays:
There are many activities during the holidays that allow you to incorporate language skills. You can plan a meal, make a list of the ingredients you need, budget, discuss where you will go shopping, and anything else you may need. While you are in the community shopping you may notice decorations or special foods that are available for the season. It may be fun to incorporate some of the items you see when planning your special holiday activities and meals.
Cooking and baking can target a variety of skills including receptive and expressive language, problem solving, and executive functioning. It also allows you to practice life skills such as hygiene and hand washing, kitchen safety skills, and following routines/sequences. Enjoy!
Using AAC During the Holidays:
There are a variety of ways we can incorporate AAC during the holidays including using core words. These might include greetings, commenting on activities or events in the community or at home, requesting to participate and more. Here are some examples of core words and ways to use them during special events:
Greetings: Hello/goodbye, please/thank you
Commenting: look (at the decorations), go (eat, visit), big, think, like
Requesting: want, put, play, more
Discussing activities in the community
We can also incorporate unique fringe words related to holidays such as turkey, pie, football, decoration, gift, present, community, and more.
Social questions and comments are also a great way to incorporate AAC. Students can use AAC to lead or participate in conversations surrounding special events, as well as conversations about favorite foods, sports, teams, TV shows, or something else. Some example questions include:
How are you?
What is your favorite part of_______?
What is your favorite_________?
What do you like to do for fun?
What do you think of_______?
What are you thankful for______?
Where did you go in the community?
Who did you see in the community?
Here at Lake Forest Transition, we practice and generalize skills through community-based instruction, job shadowing, community-based work experiences, volunteering, supervised employment, and service-learning. These practices are set in inclusive environments and allow our students to build relationships, skills, and independence all over Lake County.
Each fall, we are super thankful for our local community supports. This includes all of our community employers and community team members that support each student's experience. Community members from all over the county really come together to collaborate and work together to best support student needs. And for that, the Lake Forest Transition Center thanks you.
You all are making a difference.
Handcrafted Wreaths and Decorations for the Holidays!
One of our students is having a fundraiser to benefit the Boy Scouts of America. To get your handcrafted holiday wreath and decorations, simply print out the below order form. You may either return the order form and payment with your student, or drop off to Nick Kramer at West Campus. Sale ends on Friday, November 4. Please contact Nick (nkramer@lfschools.net) with any questions.
