Communication book for your SN child

[maz]

Id love to know and hear from others who have or are contemplating doing this.

I have been at W's teacher since term 2 to have one organised. It wasnt until quote i was ' agressive and intimidating' about asking about what her interpritation of one was and when it WOULD start that we finally got one.

I thought it was going well but quiet obviously the teacher thought otherwise and we havent had it given back to us since monday. I have now started a folder so important notes AND the communication book can be placed inside (hint hint Miss).

Am I doing the right thing? Im sick to death with the school atm. Im trying to do all these positive things and work with the school and I feel all Im gaining in return is a slap in the face about this.

What would others suggest about a communication book?

Would you go as far as putting an intro page of things like
- what may send your child off
- what your childs obsessions are
- care tips

[Lulu]

Sounds fab Maz - what about what calms him down? Tips and tricks on that...

xoxoxo

[maz]

ohh....see your not just a gorgeous chick

[shellbell3]

My nephew goes to an autism school and they use the communication books daily. Its been great. My sister will put in if he has been more sensitive than usual or when one of their cats passed away just anything for the teachers to know whats been going on outside school. In return the teachers also put in how his days at school are, if they are working on something specific, if he's been bit off at school. Whatever they feel the other needs to know the put in there.

It amazes me that teacher isn't all for it, I'd be thinking that any info about a child would be helpful so you know what ways will work better when working with them.

[Lulu]

To start with hun, I'd keep it fairly short and sweet. That way I think she will be more likely to read it.
A few tips to start with, a friendly hand-drawn smiley to open up the lines and go from there.

xoxoxo

[Sammiejane]

DSS had one for many years at school, it worked well most of the time.

I second what Lulu has said, i would have what things are sure fire ways that will settle him too (i use to look after a SN man and if anything upset him we knew that we needed to grab out a toy car and a pepsi -NOT COKE and this would help)
So yes i would have an intro page, but if you are having troubles with the school put a positive spin on the way things are listed iykwim

I think that the biggest trap with these things though is when teachers put personal opinions in them about what they are feeling/thnking about your child as it can be read totally in the wrong light...

What YOU need to KNOW is what has happened at school - good or bad that will have an effect on his mood... Same as the teachers need to know stuff so that it explains his behaviour at the start of the day so that compensations can be made... does that make sense?

HTH

[mrsmac]

I cannot believe they don't have one. My hearing impaired child has one (in my class) and I have used them a lot in the past for children with behaviour problems.
As a teacher i think they are great and really useful, I am sad his teacher doesn't seem to feel the same way.
I think your idea of what to put in it is great, as a teacher i would have asked you that in term 1 LOL

[maz]

What YOU need to KNOW is what has happened at school - good or bad that will have an effect on his mood... Same as the teachers need to know stuff so that it explains his behaviour at the start of the day so that compensations can be made... does that make sense?

HTH

this is exactly why i asked for one and so as shell said I could put the things happening here that may affect him at school.

EG school sports were on monday...didnt even know
tuesday was next years class orientation and we came out to the car drenched.,..yep he had wet himself because it had been such a hectic day (end up ringing up )
thursday another SN kid and him got into a fight (the other kid hit him) and no-one told me at all so wondered why he didnt go to sleep before 11pm.

As for the teacher...have tried a joke in the book, a smiley face. It was working well....she would start a note with had a good day BUT this and this happened.

I'll keep pushing it...Im going to write anote in the folder here so he can give it to the teacher on monday.... lets see how she likes that

ETA - should note that the teacher is a first year who fights with the older caring career in the class about who has authority...yes I hear all about it I seriously cant wait for his teacher to become a mother. Karma baby, karma.

[HotI]

Maybe the skills you are working on at home/school so you can both be working towards same goals.

Things he is good at.
Things he likes.

[Bridg]

Maz- I agree that a communication book would be good. If this woman is a teacher and wanting to help her students, then it shouldn't be too hard for her to fill out. The amount of money you pay to send him to that school, you would think the teachers would be a bit better (don't think that's the right wording, but can't think of it now).

[SJL]

Keep pushing for the teacher to use the book.
My daughter has had a communication book since she was in early ed (2yrs old) and she is now 15yrs. I have always insisted on the teacher using it and they have never had any problems. It is essential especially for kids who cant express themselves enough to say if there are any problems, good achievments, etc and then there is always the keeping in the loop about appointments, equipment needs, therepists communication, etc.

Good Luck Maz.

Sjl

[maz]

New year..New teacher...FABULOUS!!!

W has a male teacher this year. Showed him the book and the folder and he was rapted. Discussed what we (meaning W and I)wrote on the first page and teachers he has are over the moon.

this is what ive put, contacted over so no changes can be made by W in the front cover (so no one can say I didnt tell them)

What Scares W
*Dog's
*yelling
*movies with the THX logo
*explaining things with to many words

WHen is is scared
*remove him from the situation
*keep talk to a minimum
*offer to get him to wash his 'eyes'

PLease feel free to call me on 58 *** ***

I thought I would add my phone number fo just incase...you jsut never know now when its needed do you.

[mrsmac]

Brilliant news Maz. Yay for great teachers.
I am reading this thread with interest as I have an autistic boy starting in kindy( in my class) this year and I want to be the best I can be for him so that school is a great experience for him not a negative one.

[feeb]

Woo Hoo maz lets hope this teacher is great with W and he has a great year at school!!!