Improve Your Communication Skills

The following are some suggestions and ideas from Pacer Center to consider when planning ahead to improve your communication skills.

Be Self-aware

Do you have preconceived ideas? Are you aware of your own and others’ perspectives and perceptions? Do you judge others? Can you recognize your own communication attitude?

Preconceived Ideas

Be aware of what thoughts you bring into a meeting because these preconceived ideas or notions can affect the outcome of a meeting.

Be open to new ideas, information, and solutions.

Perspective

Parents come from the perspective of life-long, intimate knowledge and connection to their child.

Parents have a long-term investment in this child.

Educators come from the perspective that they are trained to work with children. Educators made a choice to do this work.

Educators work with many students and have known your child a brief period of time

Both are important. Both parties usually have honorable intentions, just different ideas or perspectives.

Perception

Be aware that each person’s perception of truth and reality are filtered by time, differing values and beliefs, emotional reactions, and cultural backgrounds. Viewpoints are not always shared in the educational setting.

People’s perceptions will differ. This is normal.

Judging

We will not know all there is to know about another person, so try not to judge.

Assume that a person’s intentions are honorable. Ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions.

An Effective Communication Attitude

How does what I say affect those who are listening to me?

Is my communication attitude effective in helping obtain what my child needs or do I want to make some changes in my behavior?

Am I assertive? (I will share what I know; I express my child’s needs clearly; I will listen as others share what they know; I will feel heard.)

For more info go to https://www.pacer.org/learning-center/dispute-resolution/communication/improve-communication-skills.asp

Join ASCF via Zoom for our final discussion on Uniquely Human, a Different Way of Looking at Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.It will be on Monday, December 11 at 6:30 pm. To register, please call 973-728-8744. There will be discussions on a new book to begin later in January. Stay tuned for more information..

For more Information: Contact Tammi Kaminski @ tkaminski@spanadvocacy.org



Basic Rights in Special Education

Thu, Dec 7, 2023 12:00 PM EST + 4 more events

An introduction to rights and responsibilities as parents of children with disabilities

Presented by: PTI Training

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Paperwork for Families

Tue, Dec 12, 2023 12:00 PM

Are you overwhelmed by the mountains of paperwork created by your child's school records? Do you struggle with what to keep and what to toss? Having to prepare for the upcoming meeting can be stressful. Join us to finally get those papers organized so you can more effectively advocate for your child. Presented by our Julie Rikon,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Key Components of the IEP

Thu, Dec 14, 2023 12:00 PM EST

A review of the essential components of an Individualized Education Plan.

Presented by: Tara Szymanek

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

From Measurable Goals to Making Progress

Thu, Dec 21, 2023 12:00 PM EST

Strategies to create IEPs with measurable annual goals as well as the required information regarding student progress.

Set Smart Limits

Take charge. Children crave limits, which help them understand and manage an often confusing world. Show your love by setting boundaries so your kids can explore and discover their passions safely.

Don't clip your child's wings. Your toddler's mission in life is to gain independence. So when they're developmentally capable of putting their toys away, clearing their plate from the table, and dressing themselves, let them. Giving a child responsibility is good for their self-esteem (and your sanity!).

Don't try to fix everything. Give young kids a chance to find their own solutions. When you lovingly acknowledge a child's minor frustrations without immediately rushing in to save them, you teach them self-reliance and resilience.

Remember that discipline is not punishment. Enforcing limits is really about teaching kids how to behave in the world and helping them to become competent, caring, and in control.

Pick your battles. Kids can't absorb too many rules without turning off and tuning out. Forget arguing about little stuff like fashion choices and occasional potty language. Focus on the things that really matter like no hitting, rude talk, or lying.

https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/ways-to-be-fantastic-parent/