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SSTN - Number 226
September 12, 2001
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IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1) Asperger's Syndrome Classroom Strategies
2) Help with 'problem' kids
3) J-E-S-U-S bingo song
4) Autistic/hyperactive children
5) Bible coloring pages
6) Help for 'problem' kids
7) Bible coloring pages
8) T-Shirt Slogan
9) Help with 'problem' kids
10) Bible coloring pages
11) Autistic / hyperactive children
12) Story of Boat/Redemption
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1) Asperger's Syndrome Classroom Strategies
This is specific to Asberger's which is related to autism.
This is a list of suggested classroom strategies for teachers.
Awareness of Chronic Health Conditions: What the Teacher Should Know:
Meet with parents, the student and professionals in the community to
determine individual needs of the student. Develop an Individual Education
Plan (IEP) specific to the student's needs. Prepare the student for all
changes in routine and/or environment. Carefully organize daily
situations. Teach the student the habit of moving from one step to the
next. The student will have a lot of trouble with organizational skills,
regardless of their apparent intelligence and/or age. Use verbal cues,
clear visual demonstrations and physical cues. The student will have
problems with abstract thinking and concepts. Avoid abstract ideas where
possible. When abstract ideas are necessary, use visual cues as an aid. An
increase in unusual or difficult behaviours probably indicates an increase
in stress, sometimes a feeling of loss of control in a specific situation.
Try saying, "Do you have something to tell me?" The individual may need to
go to a "safe place" and/or "safe person." Don't take misbehaviour
personally. Most children with Asperger's Disorder use and interpret
speech quite literally. Until you know the word processing capabilities of
the student from personal experience, avoid: "cute" names such as Pal,
Buddy, Wise Guy, etc.; idioms ("save your breath," "jump the gun," "second
thoughts," etc.); double meanings; sarcasm; and teasing. Be as concrete as
possible. Avoid using vague questions like, "Why did you do that?" Avoid
essay-type questions. They rarely know when they have said enough or if
they are properly addressing the core of the question. If the student
doesn't seem to be learning the task or concept, break it
down into smaller steps or present it in more than one way - visually,
verbally and physically. Avoid verbal overload. Be clear. Remember that
although they don't have a hearing problem, and they may be paying total
attention to what you are
saying, they may have difficulty understanding what you feel is important
in what you are telling them. Behaviour management works, but if
incorrectly used, or used without keeping the student's level of ability
in mind, it can feed robot-like behaviour or be ineffective. Use with
creativity. Consistent treatment and expectations from everyone is vital.
Be aware that auditory and visual input can be extremes of too much or too
little, depending on the individual. Do not rely on the student to relay
messages to home about school events, assignments, school rules, etc.,
unless you are certain that the student is capable of relaying the
message. A phone call home works best until this skill can be developed.
Involve the parents in the work and techniques used at school. The child
will function better in a structure common to home and school. If the
student uses repetitive verbal arguments, and /or repetitive
verbal questions, try requesting that s/he write down the question or
argumentative statement. Then write down your reply. Or try writing their
repetitive argument and/or statement yourself, and then ask the student to
write down a logical reply. If your student does not read or write, try
role playing the question and/or argument with you taking the child's part
and the student answering you in a way they think would be logical.
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2) Help with 'problem' kids
Dear Lynne,
I work with special children and know they can be very disruptive, but if
you can find out what they really like to do (ask mom) (a lot of them
really like to draw) you can keep them busy with that. You also need to
tell them the rules and consequences and then stick to it. You need to
let them know what you expect from them and then require them to do it.
You may have to be a little tougher on them to let them know you mean
business but it will pay off. Don't be afraid to use timeout, I know the
kids are there to have fun but it's not fun when you spend your whole time
trying to get one to mind. You probably also need to make sure you have
an extra teacher to help out in the class they are in. Hope this helps a
little. D
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3) J-E-S-U-S bingo song
This is probably not the song she is talking about as the words are
different, but the version I knew was:
God our Father had a Son
And Jesus was His name-o
J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S
Jesus was His name-o
Rebecca
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4) Autistic/hyperactive children
One thing that is hard to understand (especially in the midsts of it all)
is that this child was a creation of God and needs to hear His Good News
as well. My experience is to have stations set up in class or different
activities available. When the child gets "bored" with his/her current
activity there is another that can be done. Have an activity available is
action based, like blocks, so that sitting down isn't required. You can
place this in the corner of your room so that the child is still a part of
the group but not going to disrupt everyone. Talk to the parents too. Ask
them what works, what doesn't. They will give you tremendous insight to
what their child can/will do.
I have also had an autistic child in my SS class. Unfortunatly he was
accomanied by a "nanny" that helped. For him, we had to constantly refocus
his attention to the task at hand, but don't force. He DID NOT like change
and thus it took a few weeks before he would participate and feel
comfortable.
I hope this helps you and may God grant you the patience and knowledge you
need to spread His word to ALL your children. Heather Golladay, College
Station, TX
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5) Bible coloring pages
Another great place to find inexpensive Bible story, colouring,
puzzle, and devotional books is the dollar store. Check often as their
stock changes regularly. I've even found paperback Bibles which are great
to keep in your classroom for those children who forget to bring their
Bibles. Marlene Morgan, St. Louis, MO
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6) Help for 'problem' kids
> I know exactly what you mean. My first response was that the parents need to deal >with this. But I have discovered that many times the parents are part of the problem. >We recently had a little boy that
I know exactly what you mean. My first response was that the parents need
to deal with this. But I have discovered that many times the parents are
part of the problem. We recently had a little boy that the first time he
came he hit other children in Sunday School, ran wild and hit children in
Children's Church, and was a general nuisance.His mom said he had ADHD but
the doctor had not prescribed medicine yet.We discovered the real problem
when my husband reached out to help the boy with a craft problem and he
ducked as though he were about to be hit. Another little girl could never
sit still and was always angry (she was living through a messy divorce
that she had nothing to do with,and just general growing up stuff) the
list goes on. I have discovered with children like that you need to have
someone extra who is willing to come and helpif you need them to give the
kids the one on one attention with love that they may be missing
elsewhere; They don't need someone to come to gripe at them but to love
them through their hurt. As easy as it wouldbe to tell the parents they
can't come or to maybe even pray they won't show up Jesus said "suffer the
little children to come to me and forbid them not, for of such is the
kingdom of heaven."
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7) Bible coloring pages
There is a really nice site at:
www.christiananswers.net/kids/clr-indx.html But don't stop at the coloring
pages. There's so much to see at this website. It's one of my favorites!
--Lori Plummer., Michigan
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8) T-Shirt Slogan
Here's an idea, just not sure what your theme is.
"Power -Up for Jesus" (You could use a picture of an
electrical plug, church, bible and praying hands - all
denoting that the church (Sunday School, etc.),
studying your bible and prayer is the source by which
we can gain power. ---Carla (Indianapolis)
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9) Help with 'problem' kids
We have a special needs ministry that evolved out of our similar
situation. It is a wonderful ministry that takes those children that need
it into their own classroom and helps them learn. (Not necessarily Bible
teachings) Puzzles, flash-cards, coloring pages, etc. This class is a
one to one ratio students to children. Ocassionally, the children are
incorporated into their own age class. With an adult helper.
This is a win-win situation. The parents can be filled with a small break
and some study and the children can be nurtured with some much needed one
on one time. Be patient, start with maybe just some extra volunteers in
your classroom if that is not working, see if anyone at your church has
experience with these kinds of behaviors: nurse, school teacher,
psychologist, etc... Maybe they could help you with a direction to take
this ministry.
Kim Flatt Carrollton, TX
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10) Bible coloring pages
Lori,
Here are some more pages that offer Bible coloring pages. I use them
extensively with my youngsters at church and my nephew.
http://www.wellingtonchurch.org/kidskorner.html
http://www.AllGodsKids.com/
http://home.dmv.com/~aplsauce/
God bless,
Cheryl
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The best of the best! Teacher-tested, winning ideas from Children's
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11) Autistic / hyperactive children
Lynne, you write:
>"HELP Today a volunteer brought two new visitors up to the class and
>announced to the young teacher that their mother had informed her that
>one was autistic and the other was hyperactive."
Praise God, he is bringing you new people to serve. I am confused why
the mother did not bring the children to the class herself. I think it
is best for the parents to meet the teachers.
>"I knew nothing about this until after worship when the distraught
>teacher told me what had transpired."
Perhaps you could get a volunteer to check on a class 10 minutes into it
and inform you of any problems they see. If you suddenly had 15 kids in
the class, you would be able to get a volunteer to help the teacher.
>"Thankfully, her husband had accompanied her to class and had taken the
>uncontrollable hyperactive boy outdoors and let him run wild."
Lynne, what is your purpose statement? Why do you offer Sunday School?
Is it a child care so that adults can worship in peace, or are you trying
to share the gospel with the children? If you are providing child care,
you just need some extra volunteers, if you are trying to teach the
children the saving grace of Jesus Christ and discipling them to be
followers of Christ and fishers of men, then you need to recruit and
train teachers.
>"The other boy walked silently in circles in the classroom the entire
>time. "
I have taught special needs children over the period of 10 years in
children's ministry. Julian was about 3 and he just walked in circles
most of the time. He'd step on books that children were playing with,
puzzles, anything, just to keep walking. We finally recruited a few
volunteers who would teach him one on one. He may not ever be able to
recite a Bible Verse, but he has experienced the love of Jesus from these
volunteers. All the other special needs children were taught in class.
The range of behavior and ability to participate has been different --
down's syndrome, autism, ADHD, and unknown handicaps -- my behavior has
been consistant. Focus the attention on the lesson.
>"Needless to say, chaos reigned, and both teacher and kids were pretty
>much in shock. ..... and we see anger building in the children who want
>to cooperate, have fun and maybe learn something. "
I had one special needs child who would take papers (everyone's papers).
She'd grab them away from the students. I remember the students learned
to say, "No Sammy, here is your paper". I write this part with tears for
Sammy is now with the Lord and she taught me and the kids so much more
than I ever taught her. My life is blessed because she was in my care
for over 5 years.
>"As chair of Children's Ministries it falls to me to address this issue
>and find the best response for the Church and for the families. I'm
>sure the exhausted parents are needful of an hour's peace in worship, but
>I'm not sure how the Church should deal with this. I'm sure others must
>have travelled this road...I humbly ask for any and all advice and
>prayers!"
Lynne, again you need to go back to the purpose of your church and of
your children's ministries. That is where your answer lies. There are
many great books and guides for determining policies and proceedures. I
do see one policy you need to adopt for the safety of the children,
teachers, and church -- two workers (non-related) with children at all
times. I cannot believe your insurance company has not encouraged you to
adopt a policy for worker screening and child protection.
Well, I have talked a lot; hopefully I have been helpful. If you want
additional information, feel free to email me at starrd616@juno.com.
I would be happy to share some of the information I have gleened from
those
who have gone before me.
Dawn
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12) Story of Boat/Redemption
(I received a many responses on this and will post them all here. --sarah)
In response to the #11
The title of the story is called the
The boat twice owned.
There are many titles and wonderful stories for this same publishing
company. However the sad news is I can not remember the company.
---
I recently found it recounted in Who Am I, Really? by Dr. Lynda Hunter.
There once was a little boy who built a boat, and it was his
most prized possession. He took the boat out to the river to see if its
majestic appearance would be matched by its ability to sail. And sail it
did. It moved away from the shore so quickly that it stretched beyond the
boy's reach and soon sailed out of sight. The boy returned homes in
tears;
his prize gone, his hard work in vain.
One day the little boy walked down the street, his hands
stuck in his pockets. Suddenly he saw his boat displayed in a store
window.
The boy couldn't move quickly enough as he opened the heavy door and ran
to
the counter. Out of breath he said, "My boat! You found my boat! May I
please have back the boat I made?"
"Two dollars. That's the price. Give me two dollars, son,
and the boat is yours," the clerk said.
The boy ran out of the store and back home. He counted his
pennies, but it wasn't enough. He performed odd jobs for his mother and
their neighbor over the next few days. Finally he counted: $1.98, $1.99,
$2.00. Without a word, he ran out the door. The boy laid two dollars in
change on the counter, and the clerk handed over the boat. The boy
clutched
it to his chest and said, "Little boat, little boat, twice I have loved
you.
First I made you, now I bought you."
Marlene Morgan, St. Louis, MO
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I picked up a copy of the "Little Boat Twice Owned" at the Children's
Pastor's Conference this past year from Spiritual Formation Ministries
(845) 348-0831. It was published in 1967 and seems to have not been
updated (pictures). I would love to find an updated version of this
myself. Jenny, Ft. Lauderdale
---
For Kathy Parks - I believe the story you mentioned of the boy who lost
his boat and bought it back is titled, "Little Boat Twice Owned". It
should be available in your Christian Book store. Published by Living
Stories, Inc. 114 Whiting Street, Milford, Kansas 66514
Shirley Minier (from Pa)
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