How on earth do you teach problem-solving??? I’ve never found a resource thorough but flexible enough for any situation. I’ve created a “Problem-Solving Workbook” to guide you through teaching this
I recently posted an infographic explaining why speech-language pathologists are qualified to teach “social skills” – what we call pragmatic language. In a similar vein, sometimes I feel like people
This is the activity I use the most! Once students can generate their own questions, take turns, and understand the concept of staying on-topic, I pull out my On-Topic Target.
Welcome back! This is my second post in my “Conversation Basics” blog series. My previous post discussed how I teach turn-taking with students who are learning the basics of social
Welcome to my new blog series on conversation basics! Today I will be sharing how I teach conversational turns for students with moderate special needs using my conversation graphic organizer.
Most people seem confused why I am qualified to teach social communication. Isn’t that mental health’s job? Shouldn’t the social worker, counselor, or psychologist teach that? My first school district,
Welcome to the third and final post on my purple and orange thoughts system. To review, I put purple thoughts (puff balls) in my brain (small, clear fish bowl) each time a student does something expected and orange thoughts (puff balls) for
Welcome back! Today I’m elaborating on the purple and orange thoughts system by diving into how to deal with orange thoughts. As a quick refresher, I put purple thoughts in
This is my favorite tool I use every single day in groups. It teaches students how their behavior impacts me, their teacher, before generalizing the concept to their peers. It’s
Sometimes the sweetest kids have the most difficulty making friends. It’s hard to watch when their sweetness isn’t reciprocated by their peers. It’s even harder when they get pushed around
I have worked with many students who have difficulty with emotional regulation, and helping them is no walk in the park. There are so many influencing factors it’s hard to
I finally read Daniel Goleman’s Social Intelligence this summer. It has been on my booklist for quite a while, and it did not disappoint. The book had a lot to
I am very thankful to work with parents who want ideas for things they can work on at home with their child. Especially when it comes to social communication, true
Pokémon GO means making friends is a walk in the park. Last week I finished reading The Science of Making Friends by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and entered the social world
School’s out! It’s time for sunshine, relaxation, and play dates….but what do you do if play dates are more stressful than school? While summer can be a welcome break from
We are thrilled to announce that we will be offering several classes with the Highlands Ranch Community Association this summer! We have designed three different classes for three different age
“I could enjoy friendship and good times. It was my lack of skills, not lack of motivation, that had held me back. Now I was competent enough socially to open