Friday July 10, 2009
Happy Friday from Africa!
This is Lori again. We had an amazing day at the Centre. Alicia returned to the hardware store (she just cannot get enough of that place!). Her construction continues to amaze the rest of us. She is a talented engineer and carpenter.
Molly and I brainstormed with the wonderful administrators at the Centre to create a new daily schedule that would maximize learning time. A new afternoon schedule was developed where, rather than free play, different structured activities (3 to be exact) would be available to students to participate in. By adding structure and choices, this will increase student’s engagement in appropriate activities (and also create more communication opportunities). Staff members would be assigned to a specific activity for the day. These activities would change daily.
Brad and I worked with the staff on creating language opportunities during motivating activities (such as snack). Some of the students are using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate, while others are using verbalizations to communicate. For students using vocals we are teaching the staff to use Pivotal Response Treatments (PRT) to work on social communication. The staff’s previous training in PECS was apparent by their strong teaching skills.
Brad and I also outlined our staff trainings for the visit. We will provide teaching sessions that will include demonstrations of skills with students and practice by staff members. These trainings will focus on PECS, PRT, functional behavior assessments (FBA), functional communication training (FCT), and addressing problem behavior.
Molly worked closely with Baaba, the phenomenal Administrator of AACT to begin to create a volunteer training orientation program. AACT is very fortunate to receive volunteers interested in joining them from all over the world through various organizations. Baaba said she was looking forward to implementing a strong and organized volunteer orientation program, complete with social outings for volunteers and AACT staff to get to know each other!
After our visit at AACT, we took an adventure to Kokrobite Beach (about 30 minutes west of Accra). There we made a vegan dinner from local vegetables with the assistance of friends from the area. In the evening, we were the guests of honor at a bonfire on the beach with African drumming and dancing. Molly, Brad and I participated in the festivities while Alicia was our photographer of the amazingly beautiful event. It was a truly remarkable experience!
Thanks for reading!
Lori
Happy Friday from Africa!
This is Lori again. We had an amazing day at the Centre. Alicia returned to the hardware store (she just cannot get enough of that place!). Her construction continues to amaze the rest of us. She is a talented engineer and carpenter.
Molly and I brainstormed with the wonderful administrators at the Centre to create a new daily schedule that would maximize learning time. A new afternoon schedule was developed where, rather than free play, different structured activities (3 to be exact) would be available to students to participate in. By adding structure and choices, this will increase student’s engagement in appropriate activities (and also create more communication opportunities). Staff members would be assigned to a specific activity for the day. These activities would change daily.
Brad and I worked with the staff on creating language opportunities during motivating activities (such as snack). Some of the students are using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate, while others are using verbalizations to communicate. For students using vocals we are teaching the staff to use Pivotal Response Treatments (PRT) to work on social communication. The staff’s previous training in PECS was apparent by their strong teaching skills.
Brad and I also outlined our staff trainings for the visit. We will provide teaching sessions that will include demonstrations of skills with students and practice by staff members. These trainings will focus on PECS, PRT, functional behavior assessments (FBA), functional communication training (FCT), and addressing problem behavior.
Molly worked closely with Baaba, the phenomenal Administrator of AACT to begin to create a volunteer training orientation program. AACT is very fortunate to receive volunteers interested in joining them from all over the world through various organizations. Baaba said she was looking forward to implementing a strong and organized volunteer orientation program, complete with social outings for volunteers and AACT staff to get to know each other!
After our visit at AACT, we took an adventure to Kokrobite Beach (about 30 minutes west of Accra). There we made a vegan dinner from local vegetables with the assistance of friends from the area. In the evening, we were the guests of honor at a bonfire on the beach with African drumming and dancing. Molly, Brad and I participated in the festivities while Alicia was our photographer of the amazingly beautiful event. It was a truly remarkable experience!
Thanks for reading!
Lori
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