PPCD Region 8 Newsletter
Summer 2013
The Journey is Almost Over....
So, if you are reading this then you have survived the year. Now, it’s possible along your voyage you have lost your sanity, found yourself sinking and clinging to any floating object and considered jumping ship. Well, pat yourself on the back. You made it! Now lets look at the top 5 things “smart teachers” do at the closing of each year.
1. Ask yourself a few questions. What worked? What didn’t? What will you defiantly do different? Write it down and take a picture with your cell phone of the answer. Text it to yourself.
2. Take a picture of your classroom from every angle. There are things you may want to do the same or change.
3. If you didn’t use it~ GET RID OF IT. I don’t want to see you on an episode of Hoarders.
4. Get your “1st week of school stuff ready. Don’t search at the beginning of the year.
5. Enlist the help of friends. Even little ones.
The Nuts and Bolts of SPP 7/ COSF
What is SPP 7?
In 2005, ECO created the Child Outcomes Summary Process as a way for states to summarize data on children for federal reporting purposes. States use the Child Outcomes Summary Form to document children's functioning in three outcome areas. Those 3 areas are:
¨ Positive social emotional skills (including positive social relationships)
¨ Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language communication and early literacy)
¨ Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.
While no “one” evaluation” tool is required the state does give some guidance on preferred early childhood assessment instruments.
The idea of COSF is to track progress for children in Early Childhood Programs. It is based on the “team” and their ratings of progress.
End of the Year “Craft Fun”….
If you have any energy left.....
¨ Buy cheap beach balls and have the kids “sign” their names or put their hands prints for each of their classmates.
¨ Help children develop a memory “box”. It may include sand from the playground, pictures of bus driver or other items that they will keep as a memory.
¨ Have children draw a picture for the new students next year. Kind of helpful advise in picture form.
¨ Any music you can download that you used in the classroom you can use to make CD’s for summer.
Literacy Corner for the End of the Year
Centers for the End of the Year
Ideas for centers and more....
Going to the Beach
Count the pearls!!
Take a picnic...
Make sure and count napkins, plates and cups
Take a trip
Get packed for a vacation...What will you need?
Home for the Summer…..
¨ Encourage parents to keep a schedule. I know it’s summer but it’s best.
¨ Any left over books? You know the ones you were going to throw away...Send them home.
¨ Colors from the Dollar Store.
¨ Bubbles are cheap. Kids love bubbles.
¨ Get a list of activities planned with your local library. Most towns (even small one’s offer a summer reading club for all ages with lots of free events)
For Parents….
Found out about 2 wonderful camps!!!!!
I know they are for older kids but it’s worth sharing with parents now and passing it along to other teachers who may not be “privileged” enough to get my newsletter.
Lions Camp: Kerrville, TX
This is a FREE camp for children with diabetes, physical disabilities, hearing & visual impairments and children with Down syndrome.
Down Home Ranch: Elgin, TX
It’s not free, but it is AWESOME… Pass this along to your parents of children with Down syndrome.
Teachers…. looks like some things you may be interested in ….
Upcoming Workshops!
Save the Date!!
Adapted PE for 3-5 year olds
June 20th
Region 8 ESC
Early Childhood Institute Region 8 ESC
July 15th & 16th
No Charge
Features:
Time To Sign
Write Out of the Box
Mary Jo Huff: Make & Take
Marcia Tate
September 18th
Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites
PPCD Collaborative
Tuesday October 8th
No Charge
Mandatory attendance to receive supplies……
Angela Reed
PPCD Educational Consultant
Region 8 ESC
Email: areed@reg8.net
Website: http://www.reg8.net/default.aspx?name=sped.ppcd
Phone: 903-572-2772
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PPCD-Region-8-ESC/204249739669574