What’s new in the blog...
Signs For Halloween.
I know I am in your inbox early this week, but it’s because I want to share with you 10 Halloween signs that you might need this week.
Many of you got back to me with signs you need for this week, and I picked the 10 of the most asked for signs.
As you might know, Lámh has a limited vocabulary of about 500 signs, so sometimes we might need to resource to Irish...
Do you know that some children with autism struggle to recognise people’s faces?
I was stunned years ago, at the start of my career, when I realised that one of my students didn’t know the names of his classmates. This boy, who had autism, enjoyed being with other children and often engaged in play and conversation, that is what made it even more confusing to be at the time.
My son...
A review of seven Lámh signs for school for the new term 2020.
I wanted to write to you to wish you the best of luck going back to school today.
You, all teachers, SNAs, preschool teachers and principals have done your best in getting classrooms ready and safe to welcome children back in today.
I bet this morning there will be a bit of fuss at the entrance, trying to figure out the...
3 strategies to get your child communicating.
One of the questions parents and teachers often ask is “what can I do to help my child say more words?”.
This week, in my video blog, I answer a question that a mum of a 4-year-old boy with autism sent me asking for advice on how to help his son use more words.
Each child is unique; all children will learn and develop at their own pace....
Sing & Sign Along To Summer Holiday By Cliff Richard.
Last summer, one evening while I was driving home from work, a song came on the radio. It was “Summer Holiday” by Cliff Richard. It’s a catchy little song, and it caught my attention (I must confess that when I am driving, I can’t help listening carefully to the lyrics of all the songs I hear, to see if they...
How We Managed Lockdown With A Child With Autism.
It’s been ten long weeks since Ireland went into lockdown. Although the situation is far from over, seeing the number of cases of COVID-19 dropping and restrictions easing as our country gradually begins to reopen – gives us all a little hope.
Personally, our own family and friends have been keeping in touch, concerned about how are...
Super Simple Playdough Recipe.
This week I want to share a quick recipe to make homemade playdough. I use a super simple recipe, so you probably already have all the ingredients you need for it in the house. You can just make white playdough, or you can add some food colouring for a bit more fun.
I use this recipe with my pre-school students, so I get them listening, concentrating, talking...
Brown Bear Brown Bear, by Eric Carle - Read with Lámh signs
Today I am sharing another video of a children’s storybook signed with Lámh. The book is called Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Written and illustrated by Bill Martyn and Eric Carle. You might know it already as it’s a children’s classic.
It’s one of my favourite stories to read to...
Where’s Spot by Eric Hill - Read with Lámh signs.
I’m going to read a book for you! I read books for my own children all the time and I am sure you do too. Books are great for engaging all kids especially at this time when we find ourselves indoors quite a bit. Today I want to read and sign a story that I think your children will enjoy.
The book is called, Where’s...
First And Next Boards.
First and next boards are very simple schedules that we use to help children with autism. They can also be of benefit to any child or student who finds it difficult to transition from one activity to another.
The boards help to show what activity has to be done now, and what has to be done next. They are generally presented on a piece of A4 paper or card...
Cooking With Your Child.
Have you heard of Temple Grandin? She is an American autistic professor and an advocate for the rights of autistic people. I attended one of her talks in Dublin a few years back. At the talk, many parents asked her how many hours of early intervention our children should be receiving. Temple delivered straight, down to earth and practical answers that I found very...
Look at the Colours Over You.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing a song with you! I am certainly not a good singer, but I do sing all the time for my students and I am sure you do too – particularly to the younger ones. The song is called “Look at the Colours Over You” and it focuses on teaching 4 colours. I usually sing this song during parachute games. My students love...
Let's Talk About Love & Relationships.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I would like to talk about love and relationships!
There is no question that having children has a big impact on any marriage. Having a child with special needs has an even bigger effect on every aspect of family life, from health to finances.
For my husband (aka Mr Angel) and me, parenting a child...
Sing & Sign Along To Perfect By Ed Sheeran.
Signing along to songs is a great way of learning new signs. Since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow I decided to record a video for a song called Perfect, by Ed Sheeran. You may have seen it already on my social media channels, but if not, you can see it here.
I hope you enjoy it!
The Myth Of Educational Toys
During the early days of my career as a visiting teacher, I began to build my collection of toys from specialised catalogues. I was sure that I needed lots of these toys for my students with special needs. I really enjoyed browsing catalogues full of beautiful coloured educational and wooden toys with no tv characters on them!
When my sister had her first child, I...
Structuring tabletop work: How to use START and FINISHED boxes.
I would also like to introduce you to a really useful resource that I use with my young students, and that I used with my own son Sebastian during his preschool years.
Children with autism and other developmental disabilities, benefit hugely from routines and structure. Some children particularly enjoy taking part in structured...
