April 17, 2020

Dear CSSI Families:

I am using our blog to share resources that I have explored online, specifically for children with Autism.  These resources should support your child's sensory needs while you are at home:

Ideas for sensory activities to do at home:

https://www.kids-konnect.com/blog/7-fun-sensory-activities-for-kids-with-autism

https://www.pinterest.ca/topics/autism-activities/

https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/sensory-activities-kids-autism/

March 30-April 3, 2020

Dear CSSI Families,

Please find a link below that is providing free emergency at home kits to families:

https://theautismhelper.com/

Also, here are some helpful life skill ideas that your child can be practicing while at home:

-making his bed

-helping to clean up dinner (load dishwasher, put plates in sink etc.)

-practicing dressing independently (including zippers, buttons or velcro)

-sorting items in the kitchen 

-helping with the laundry (putting away towels, for example)

In the weeks ahead, we will be posting more helpful suggestions for your families.  Please keep well and healthy.

Accessing your child's Student Learning Plan on IRIS

Hi CSSI Families-

You can access your child's Student Learning Plan on IRIS by completing the following steps: 

IRIS: you can access IRIS by simply going to  Google and searching the keywords: IRIS CBE.  

Username: You will use your child’s student ID# which can be found on any of their IPP's or Report Cards. 

Password: The password is dog, all lowercase letters.

March 18th, 2020

Dear CSSI Families,

We wanted to check in to let you know we are thinking of you all.  We miss the classrooms filled with laughter and seeing your smiling faces everyday.

Please stay tuned to your emails for updates as they come.

Stay safe and healthy during this time and once schools re open we promise you we will be waiting with open arms and happy hearts as we welcome our wonderful families back!

March 9-13, 2020

Please check your email in regards to the postponing of Parent/Teacher Conferences on March 19th and 20th.  

Further details regarding our swimming program at Emily Follensbee school will be sent home next week.  We are still encouraging parents to volunteer with their child for at least one of the times that we will be at the pool.  Here is a list of the dates that we will be at the pool:

April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9

We will leave Ron Southern on the bus at 11:30am and return by 2:10pm.  We thank you for your continued support.

March 2-5, 2020

Welcome to March, CSSI Families!

Did you know that we practice our calendar skills daily at circle time?  There are many areas of learning that are involved during circle that include:

-numeracy
-seasons
-time
-identification of when special events occur
-overall communication

Here are some cool websites that we use during circle time that can also benefit your child at home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ05Pdq1QXE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loINl3Ln6Ck

A gentle reminder that Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on March 19/20.  More information regarding the conferences will be sent home next week.

February 24-28, 2020

We have been placing an emphasis on independent dressing in CSSI.  Picture symbols of the specific steps needed to get ready to go outside are posted for all students to see.  We also have Alex, the dressing monkey, that each child has an opportunity to explore.  Alex allows for the practicing of such important skills as buttoning buttons, putting on socks and even zipping zippers.  
Our classroom Occupational Therapist, Nora, also supports us with these skills when she is in our school.  

Learning how to dress ourselves independently also allows students to demonstrate an understanding of body awareness.  Here are some great resources that can further this learning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuqvGiZi0qg

https://pbskids.org/sesame/games/seasons-spinner/