LEARNING AND TEACHING
ASD Parent Support Group
On Wednesday 18th May we held our first face-to-face support meeting for parents of children with Autism. Morning tea was provided, and it was lovely for parents to meet others who are facing similar challenges. The get together was informal and a great opportunity to share about our children and some of the issues that may arise.
The aim of the get together is to provide support and an opportunity to connect with others who are on a similar journey. We hope to meet twice per term, and to have general discussion as well as an opportunity to learn more about living with ASD.
Thank you to those who were able to attend and share their journey.
Shirley Gillie
Head of Learning Support
Learning Support News
We were sad to farewell Wendy Punay, our Primary Learning Support Teacher, at the end of Term 1. Wendy worked alongside many students over the last two years and had a very positive impact on many students’ learning. Wendy is now working at Heatherwood School as a teacher to Year 9 students. We wish Wendy all the best in this new position.
Shirley Gillie
Head of Learning Support
Let’s focus on: Processing Speed
- Processing speed is a measure of how long it takes someone to get something done.
- Some people take longer to process information than others.
- Slow processing speed is not related to intelligence.
Strategies to use for students with slow processing speed:
1. Giving instructions
- Check in from time to time to ensure the student understands.
- Give extra time to respond to questions.
- Give simple written directions and speak slowly when giving oral directions.
- Use visual aids and explain.
- Limit the amount of time spent on daily homework assignments - parents or caregivers can sign off on any unfinished portions.
2. Addressing trouble with focus
- Use nonverbal signals to engage.
- Reduce distractions by using blank pieces of paper to cover all but one of the questions on a worksheet.
- Encourage active reading by letting the student use a highlighter or sticky notes.
3. Building organisation and time management habits
- Create daily class routines and stick to them.
- Break down big assignments into smaller pieces with more deadlines.
- Show what a completed project looks like before the student begins.
- Establish clear starting points for tasks.
4. Breaking work into chunks
- Break down writing assignments to help students manage the work.
If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of the Learning Support Teachers.
Shirley Gillie – Head of Learning Support
Kerryn Terrington – Learning Support Teacher – Secondary kterrington@standrews.vic.edu.au
Shirley Gillie
Head of Learning Support