July 4 coming soon ...

Our Independence Day holiday is just around the corner! I'll be posting some more in preparation for that this week, but I also wanted to mention past postings on the subject.  Visit these past blog postings for July 4th holiday tips and fun:

"Fun for the 4th"
"Welcome to July"



Jessica

IEP meeting prep

IEP meetings and such can really be a very intimidating and stressful time for parents/caregivers.  I have heard so many stories, and often can see the anxiety parents carry over IEP meetings, in particular.  That's not to say that they are all terrible, though.  I know many wonderful teachers who are very much invested in their sweet students, and come to meetings with their best interest in mind as well.  Sometimes, though, effective communication and general understanding of needs/goals/etc can be difficult. 

In searching the web on "IEP meeting tips/preparation", I found some good resources out there so be sure to do your research beforehand.  I came upon some video segments (which had checklists to accompany them), and was excited to suggest these as a resource for some of my parents UNTIL I realized that these were more geared toward and catered around laws and such that don't necessarily apply to our state.  So, be sure to make note of that in your own research to be sure the info is applicable to your area.

I do want to mention the option of having an advocate help you with preparation for meetings (and even to be present with you in the meeting).  Below is the name and contact information of an advocate I know of who recently presented on IEPs and advocacy at the same seminar which I was presenting (on Music Therapy for Children with Autism).  Kelly had lots of great pointers and tips (see below for some of those).  Kelly is advocate of one of my clients, actually, and my client's mother mentioned how great it was to have an advocate present in the IEP meeting (and in helping with preparation as well). 

Kelly L. Herrick, LPN, BS
(843) 330-2709
enchantedacreshorses@yahoo.com
(Kelly is also a pediatric nurse and director of the Exceptional Rider Program at Enchanted Acres)

Kelly's IEP tips:

• Request a draft of the IEP if possible (b/f the meeting)
• Request a copy of educational testing, data used to assist with the preparation of the IEP
• Be prepared! Be on time!
• Prepare an agenda that will address all of your concerns
• Compile a brief written list of items you would like the team to review.  Submit it to the appropriate school district representative in advance of the meeting
• Do not feel rushed to sign the IEP.  You can always take the IEP home to go over prior to signing it
• Read the minutes/summary notes and ensure they are correct
• Send a follow up letter stating all that you understood to be offered and request that IEP team notify you in writing if anything is incorrect
• Follow up!

I know it's the summertime, and it's nice to not have to think about IEPs for the moment, but this will help you when you begin IEP preparation during the school year  ... don't let it sneak up on you!

Jessica

Gluten Free recipes for JULY 4

For all my fellow gluten avoidant/gluten intolerant buddies, I wanted to share this ...

I was browsing for some gluten free recipes for July 4th, and I stumbled upon this article by Examiner.com/Columbia.  Click on the link below to go to the actual page (which includes the recipes). 

Top ten gluten free July 4th summer recipes


1.  Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad – Bored with your old potato salad? Think again and try this zesty twist on a traditional favorite!


2.  Apple Mint Salad – a crisp, different, and delicious take on a fruit salad for your summer party!

3.  Simple Strata Salad – a southern favorite, the layered salad with lots of meat, veggies, and cheese. Great for a side dish or lite dinner!

4.  Summer Squash Scramble - What can you do with all that leftover yellow squash or zucchini? This recipe is the answer for you!

5.  Homemade Caesar Salad – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a REAL Caesar salad this is your guide. Perfect to go with your grilled hamburgers and hotdogs!

6.  Fresh Strawberry Pie – Always a favorite, but with a perfect gluten free crust it makes the best dessert on the table for your July 4th celebrations!

7.  Secret Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – Your kids won’t eat vegetables? They will now! They will never know the secret ingredients of these delicious kid-friendly treats!

8.  Easy Skillet Cornbread – The easiest and most delicious gluten free cornbread you will ever make! Perfect to go with your baked beans and corn on the cob this July 4th!

9.  Southern Fried Summer Squash – The classic southern fried squash you love. If you haven’t tried this already with your Farmer’s Market finds, you need to now!

10.  The BEST chocolate chip cookies – Your friends and family will NEVER know these truly amazing cookies are gluten free. Enjoy these classic cookies on your dessert table this July 4th!
 
So ... I have not yet tried any of these recipes so you and I are in the same boat ... sitting here with our mouths watering as we read over this list wondering if they are as good as they sound.  The southern fried summer squash, strawberry pie, and skillet cornbread are all on my list of things to make this July 4 weekend, though.  Yes, mom, add it to the list of yummies we'll be enjoying on our trip ;)

I'm stoked about the cornbread, in particular, because I have tried several attempts at 'the perfect cornbread' since I've been gluten free ... am still tryin! My only concern, though, is that I will be baking this up in the mountains this weekend which I know can affect rising ... correct? Any suggestions?

As an added note ... I sometimes make fried zucchini/squash as an appetizer in the summer time when I have family/friends over.  When I do, I make a HORSERADISH DIPPING SAUCE to go with it that's pretty yummy.  I don't have a recipe as I just sort of throw things together, but typically, it includes:

• fresh horseradish (not prepared sauce as I find those to be a little too sweet for my taste - also I can be sure this way that it's GF)
• mayo (again, I don't prefer the sweet stuff generally so I often go with Kraft)
• a little garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• a squirt or two of lemon
• and a little dill weed. 

 
I'm hungry now. 
 
Jessica

Fun Children's CD

I was just listening to samplings of kid's Cds/compilations online, and found some great songs in the mix!

Anyhow, as I said, I only listened to a sampling of each song.  See the list of albums below, and visit the links to listen to samples of each song on the album. 
  http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1551750023855622875&postID=3102461226962272551

http://www.amazon.com/For-The-Kids/dp/B002P0UQXO/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_2

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-My-Little-Bird/dp/B000S5B0YM/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_9

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6




(I love this one! Great harmonies - lots of sweet ballads good for quiet time, relaxation, lullabys - especially love "Powder Blue Solo" as a lullaby)

Looks like my WISH LIST is going to get an some additions! Have fun!

Jessica

Father's Day Gifts and Crafts

Looking for gift ideas for Father's Day? Visit the below links for lots of great little 'from-the-heart' crafts for the kids to make ... my favorites are the Car Air Freshener Craft, the Altoids tin pocket memory book, and the luggage tags ... brilliant. The site includes pictures, directions, and templates for crafts listed.

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/mengifts.html

Jessica


 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/562815285_bee11adbe4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mamaurchin.com/category/paper-crafts/&usg=__J43zM7NcJ0qrf_WKcEWLKVY5BbQ=&h=333&w=500&sz=50&hl=en&start=125&sig2=m1mRaUg_khHZulLJ9Bet-A&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ENZTiqu9cR2Y_M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfather%2527s%2Bday%2Bcrafts%26start%3D120%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1W1TSHB_en%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=znAZTOrbO4OClAer4MCpCw

Summer Sensory Spaces!

Here's another activity I found online.  My very first thought, actually, with this was that it could also be used to make a "Summer Sensory Place".  For children who are on the spectrum and/or have sensory processing needs, you could include sensory toys/materials/items.  This would also be helpful for some of my little clients who have anxiety related needs.   Have fun!                    Jessica

Summer Quiet Place


This provides a place for children to go to be alone or to read a book.

Materials:

• A small plastic pool
• scissors
• blue tissue paper
• one or two small blow up rings used in swimming pools
• few good books (or for sensory - sensory materials/toys/items/etc

Description:

1. Put a small plastic swimming pool in a corner of the room.
2. Add several sheets of blue tissue paper and scissors. The children will love taking turns cutting the paper in small pieces. This will be your water. OR use satin type blue material/cloth
3. Add a couple of small swimming rings that you have filled with air.
4. Add a child or two and a few books.

*No problem at clean up time. They love picking up the "spilled water".

Comments:
This is a good quiet center when talking about water, swimming, oceans and lakes.

http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-summer.htm

Summer Scrapbook Activity - skill building/summer bridge activity

I found the below activity online, and it sounds like a great summer activity.  In addition to being FUN, this would help in maintaining and/or developing certain skills (good bridge activity), and ... you are creating a memory as well. 
Have fun with it! Send me pics of your sweet little scrapbook projects, if you'd like!

Jessica

Literacy: A Summer Scrapbook


Promote language skills as preschool children express their ideas and communicate
feelings during the creation of this early childhood scrapbook by Julie M.

Materials:

• Scrapbook
• children's own contributions of drawings, paintings and verses
• scissors
• glue
• felt tipped pens.

Description:
Talk about summer flowers with the children. Encourage them to contribute to the conversation by describing colors, smells and so on that they associate with summer. Show them the scrapbook and explain that they are each going to add something which reminds them of summer, such as a drawing, a pressed flower or something they remember.

Ask each child/family member to contribute their idea or piece of work, sticking it into the scrapbook themselves if they want to. Provide plenty of support for younger children, offering suggestions or scribing for them. Give each child a label and ask them to think of a few words to describe their entry and write the words on the label (if they can).

Ask each child/family member to draw small pictures to stick on to the front of the scrapbook. Then write a title Our Summer Scrapbook. The book should be available for the children to look at, read and share.

new look

It's me!

As you can see, I've changed my blog layout and design, but it's still me! I thought you could all use a change in scenery here every now and again. 

This reminded me of summertime, and we sure are officially in the thick of summer now aren't we (especially after that scorcher yesterday)?!

Stay cool out there.

Jessica

My Birthday Present

My birthday is not until this coming Sunday (June 13), but my son surprised me with an early birthday gift last night.  It is so amazing that I had to share it!  And even more so the thought behind it. 

Well, first off I should mention that he has been so excited to finally have a job - he works at an ice cream shop and loves it! I have heard for weeks all the things he is planning on getting with the money he makes from his new job.  To his credit, though, he also requested that we open a bank account for him so that he can "save some, too, i guess".  ;)  Well, he got his first paycheck, and out of that he bought me a substantial gift (I believe he had a little help with it, but I know he spent a good chunk of his money).  The best part of the gift, though, was the thoughtfulness behind it ...

I didn't get to see him all day yesterday until I went to his job to drop something off for him.  They were really busy, and he asked me to 'stick around, mom, cuz I have something to give you, too'.  So I did.  He went in the back and brought out a card for me.  I was puzzled since it's not my birthday yet.  He asked me to open it, and inside the card were 3 tickets to the Brandy Carlile concert tonight!!! 1 ticket for me, and 1 each for my two sisters.  I love Brandy Carlile! What an amazing gift and surprise!  I was trying to contain myself enough to not embarrass him at his job so I just did a little mini version of squealing and jumping up and down.  THANK YOU, CHRISTIAN !!! You are so thoughtful and amazing! I am going to have so much fun, and I'll take lots of pictures! :)

Jessica

Hello!

BUSY BEE !!!




Hello All! I am sorry that I have been away from the blog a good bit lately.  I've missed some postings!

Springtime is always hectic, but this spring has been especially busy.  Spring is a time for new things so it's quite appropriate the springtime always brings a fluctuation in new clients.  In addition, my practice was a clinical site for two CSU Music Therapy students for Maymester (they observed some of my sessions with parent permission, of course).  I am also preparing for a DSAL camp at the end of June, and am working on several of my existing clients' Music Therapy Treatment Updates.  Whew!

Also, my son had all of his 'end of middle school' festivities including the 8th grade picnic, dance, graduation, and a party we had for him.  I can't believe my son will be in high school in just a few months.  Yikes!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now and falling into place so I am back to the blog on a more consistent basis.

To all my new clients, I am so glad to have met you and your sweet children.  Thank you for the opportunity to work with them! I look forward to great things to come.

Jessica

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Clank Can (activity)

I found this activity that I would like to add to my collection of session activities that involves creating a "clank can" to accompany the story, Brown Bear Brown Bear by Eric Carle. 

For my clients, colleagues, friends, and family - PLEASE SAVE FROZEN JUICE TOPS (and BOTTOMS) FOR ME! This Brown Bear Clank Can activity is one of a few activities that involve the juice lids that I would like to do.  Another involves creating a "Sensory Wall" using these lids. 

For those of you interested in creating your own, here are the links to these two activities (plus a couple more fun ones!):

Brown Bear Clank Can    http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/BrownBearClankCan.htm
Juice Can Lid Memory Game    http://familycrafts.about.com/od/homemadegames/a/memgame.htm


Sensory Wall : 
( I found the below info posted by a parent on this blog  http://community.kaboose.com/discussions/post/38251/?category=258)

I have a child who has sensory integration disorder and I use the lid tops for a part of his sensory diet, but this trick also works for young children exploring new textures.

Take a juice lid and glue different types of textures to the top of the it, for instance sandpaper, felt, faux fur, ect... from there you can do all kinds of activities including putting them in a box or bag and having your child reach in and try to guess the texture. You can also glue a small magnet on the back of the lid so the lids will hold on to a cookie sheet or refrigerator. This is a really fun project and once you start looking for different textures you will be surprised what you come up with. I am always wishing I had more lids.    - posted by a parent on above mentioned kaboose.com blog

These activities are just in time for the summer!
Have fun,
Jessica