Professional Learning Day - Starting Strong: Setting up for Success in a Primary Autism Classroom
Sign up now at: Professional Learning Day - Starting Strong: Setting up for Success in a Primary Autism Classroom-SNAs - Le Cheile Online Learning
A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the live event. You will receive a cert of attendance for 3.5hrs.
Session 1 - 9.30am - 10.40am: Meeting Your Students for the First Time: Preparing for Meet & Greet, Back-to-School, and Week One in the Autism Classroom
The first few weeks in an autism classroom are crucial for setting the tone and creating a supportive environment. In this informative session, teachers and SNAs will learn how to effectively meet their students for the first time during "Meet & Greet," and how to prepare both students and staff for a smooth back-to-school transition. We’ll explore strategies for building trust, introducing routines, and creating an environment where every student feels safe and engaged from day one.
Key topics include:
Making a positive first impression during the Meet & Greet
Preparing students for back-to-school with visual schedules, social stories, and sensory supports
Structuring Week One to build predictability, reduce anxiety, and foster communication
Setting realistic goals for the first days and weeks, while ensuring individualized support
Navigating challenges and building relationships with students, families, and the support team
Session 2 - 10.50am - 11.50am: Designing an Effective Autism Classroom: Layout, Equipment, and Visual Supports
Creating an environment that promotes learning, safety, and independence is essential in an autism classroom. In this session, teachers and SNAs will explore how to design a space that meets the diverse needs of students with autism. We’ll dive into the key elements of classroom layout, the selection and use of supportive equipment, and the power of visual supports to help students navigate their day with greater ease and confidence.
Key topics include:
Classroom Layout: How to arrange spaces for sensory regulation, quiet zones, and work areas to maximize engagement and minimize distractions
Essential Equipment: Choosing the right tools and resources to support learning, communication, and sensory needs
Visual Supports: Creating and using visual schedules, labels, and cues to enhance predictability and understanding for students
Flexible Spaces: Setting up areas for group work, independent tasks, and sensory breaks to support a range of needs
Practical Tips: Easy-to-implement strategies for organizing materials, setting up behaviour supports, and creating a positive learning environment.
Session 3 - 12pm - 1pm: Designing and Implementing Effective Timetables in the Autism Classroom
A well-structured timetable is essential for providing students with autism the predictability and routine they need to thrive. In this session, teachers and SNAs will learn how to design and implement class timetables that create a sense of security and maximize student engagement. We’ll explore strategies for building clear schedules that support both individual and group needs, while incorporating flexibility to accommodate sensory and emotional needs.
Key topics include:
Designing the Timetable: How to structure the day to balance work, breaks, and sensory needs for students
Incorporating Transitions: Tips for making transitions smoother, using timers and visual cues to promote predictability
Flexible Approaches: Adapting the timetable to individual needs and behaviours without disrupting the overall flow of the day
Collaboration: Working as a class team to implement and monitor the timetable effectively