Bette Nix's Blog

I recently read a book by Andy Andrews titled The Noticer. I would like to recommend this book. I read it in one sitting and came away with a wealth of perspective.

“Life is a breath, a passing breeze; a blade of grass, green and vibrant for a time, only to wither, die and disappear. …life is like a game of Monopoly. You may own hotels on Boardwalk or you may be renting on Baltic Avenue. But in the end, it all goes back in the box. The next generation will be getting out all your stuff and playing with it or fighting over it.”

“Would you like to get what you deserve?” “Me? I surely don’t want what I deserve. I’m hoping for mercy, not justice.”

“If one makes a mistake, then an apology is usually sufficient to get things back on an even keel. However- and this is a big ‘however’ – most people do not ever know why their apology did not seem to have any effect. It is simply that they did not make a mistake; they made a choice….and never understood the difference between the two.”

“Forgiveness is about the past. Trust and respect are about the future. Forgiveness will be in the hands of others and can be given to you, but trust and respect are in your own hands…and must be earned.”

“….but if you want to become a person that others want to be around, you must always hold your life to the very highest standard.”

“You can keep the fork. The best is yet to come.”

I hope the snipets will lead you to the book.

Well it is time! Time to start back to school. I hope you have a fabulous year. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact me. If I can’t help you, I will do all I can to find someone who can.

I will be teaching two workshops this summer: Making Data Work for You (analyzing and using data) and Mood Disorders.

Making Data Work for You will teach the participant how to graph data in order to analyze it and hypothesize about the function of the behavior being exhibited by a student. Then taking that hypothesis, write a behavior intervention plan to meet the child’s need.

It would be helpful if Participants brought at least two weeks worth of data collected for a particular student, as well a copy of the Behavior Interventon Manual by Hawthorne Educational Services (each school in our county should have at least one copy if not more). I do have “data” that I can provide if a Participant does not bring their own.

The workshop will take place on Wednesay, July 28 at SCISC 8:15-3:15 with an hour for lunch. This workshop is for Administrators and Teachers (General Ed. and Special Ed.)

The second workshop is an introduction of various Mood Disorders and simple interventions that can be used in the classroom. It will be presented on Thursday, July 29 at SCISC 8:00-11:30.

I recently read The New Social Story Book by Carol Gray. The book gives 10 criteria for writing a good Social Stories, as well as provides examples of stories written by Carol. A CD is included with templates of Social Stories both in Word format as well as PDF format.

I found the book to be user friendly and very helpful. It changed the way I thought about Social Stories.

If you want to learn more about Social Stories visit Carol’s site:
www.thegraycenter.org

Intervention Central offers free tools and resources to help school staff and parents to promote positive classroom behaviors and foster effective learning for all children and youth.
Check out the site at http://www.interventioncentral.org/

Several workshops are scheduled for the Paraprofessionals August 10 & 11. These workshops are not mandatory, but could be helpful with your job. The topics were taken from requests given during the year.

August 10
Presenter: Kerri Mataya
Title: Asperger Syndrome: What Does that Mean to a Paraprofessional
Objective: Participants will learn characteristics and helpful hints about students with Asperger syndrome.
8:00-10:30 Elementary/Intermediate ONLY
12:00-2:30 Middle/High ONLY
Location: SCISC

August 10
Presenter: TASC
Title: Low Technology/No Technology Adaptive Devices
Objective: Participants will learn how to use low tech/no tech adaptive devices with students.
8:00-10:30 Session has been cancelled. Please register for the afternoon session.
12:00-2:30
Location: SCISC

August 11
Presenter: Bobby Hudson, Gateway
Title: Helping Paraprofessionals Managing Behavior/Crisis in the Classroom
Objective: Participants will learn how to de-escalate situations, gain a better understanding of why students act inappropriately and how to deal with resistance.
8:00-10:30 Elementary/Intermediate ONLY
12:00-2:30 Middle/High ONLY
Location: SCISC

August 11
Presenter: Jan Cibulski & School Nurse Staff
Title: Health/Medical Issues in the Classroom
Objective: Participants will learn general information about health/medial issues (i.e., diabetes, seizures, choking, allergies) and their responsibilities (legal/moral).
12:30-3:00
Location: TIS lunchroom

Now there is a new Module, Module 9 – Physical Therapy: Transfers, Locomotion, Etc. and is required for certain paraprofessionals. These paraprofessionals should have received an email from me several times during the summer. You cannot register for this workshop on PDC. I have a list of those needing this workshop. Contact me if you have any questions.

If you are looking for the behavior plan template and samples, go to the side menu bar and click on March 2008. You will find them there.

Upcoming Workshop News
On July 29, I will be teaching a two-part workshop. 8:15 Session is Making Data Work for You Part One – Analyzing Data and the 12:15 session is Making Data Work for You Part Two – Writing Behavior Intervention Plans.

During Part One, we will be in the computer lab using Excel to graph data and analyze data. If you have data that you have collected on a student, bring it and you can use that data. If you don’t have data, I will provide some for you.

During Part Two, we will be in a classroom using the data and resources to write Behavior Intervention Plans/Behavior Support Plans. If you have one of the Hawthrone Educational Services: Behavior Intervention Manuals, please bring it because we will be using those for this portion. I will try to borrow some from local schools for those who do not have one.

There are 25 seats available. Hope to see you there.

I just received a backorder; books for teens.
1. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: Beyond the Blues –A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression Schab, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
2. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: Coping with Cliques–A Workbook to Help Girls Deal with Gossip, Put-Downs, Bullying & Other Mean Behavior Sprague, S. (2008) Instant Help Books.
3. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: Stopping the Pain –A Workbook for Teens Who Cut & Self-Injure Shapiro, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
4. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: The Anxiety Workbook for Teens –Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety & Worry Schab, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
5. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: The Divorce Workbook for Teens –Activities to Help You Move Beyond the Breakup Schab, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
6. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: The Social Success Workbook for Teens –Skill-building Activities for Teens with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder & Other Social-Skill Problems Cooper, B. & Widdows, N. (2008) Instant Help Books.
7. An Instant Help Book Set for Teens: What’s Eating You? –A Workbook for Teens with Anorexia, Bulimia & Other Eating Disorders Nelson, T. (2008) Instant Help Books

I just received a shipment of books. Here is a list of the newest additions:
1.The Berenstain Bears and the
a. Big Blooper
b. Excuse Note
c. Homework Hassle
d. Messy Room

2.The Berenstain Bears and too much
a. Junk Food
b. Pressure
c. TV
d. Teasing

3. The Berenstain Bears
a. Don’t Pollute (anymore)
b. Go To Camp
c. Go To School
d. Lend a Helping Hand
e. Report Card Trouble
f. Think of Those in Need

Intervention Resources
1. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Coping with Tourette Syndrome-A Workbook for Kids with Tic Disorders. Buffolano, S. (2008) Instant Help Books.
2. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Finding Sunshine After the Storm-A Workbook for Children Healing from Sexual Abuse. McGee, S. & Holmes, C. (2008) Instant Help Books.
3. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Knowing Yourself, Knowing Others-A Workbook for Children with Asperger’s Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disorder and Other Social-Skill Problems. Cooper, B. & Widdows, N. (2008) Instant Help Books.
4. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: I Bet I Won’t Fret-A Workbook to Help Children with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Sisemore, T. (2008) Instant Help Books.
5. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: I’m Not Bad, I’m Just Mad- A Workbook to Help Kids Control Their Anger. Shapiro, L., Pelta-Heller, Z. & Greenwald, A. (2008) Instant Help Books.
6. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Learning to Listen, Learning to Care-A Workbook to Help Kids Learn Self-Control and Empathy. Shapiro, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
7. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Let’s Be Friends-A Workbook to Help Kids Learn Social Skills and Make Great Friend. Shapiro, L. & Holmes, J. (2008) Instant Help Books.
8. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: My Feeling Better Workbook-Help for Kids Who are Sad and Depressed. Hamil, S. (2008) Instant Help Books.
9. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: My Lifebook Journal-A Workbook for Children in Foster Care. Accinelli, T. (2008) Instant Help Books.
10. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Say Goodbye to Being Shy-A Workbook to Help Kids Overcome Shyness. Brozovich, R. & Chase, L. (2008) Instant Help Books.
11. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: The Divorce Workbook for Children-Help for Kids to Overcome Difficult Family Changes and Grow up Happy. Schab, L (2008) Instant Help Books.
12. An Instant Help Book Set for Parents and Kids: Why Did You Die? –Activities to Help Children Cope with Grief and Loss. Leeuwenburgh, E. & Goldring E. (2008) Instant Help Books.

I conducted a workshop yesterday for HES parents. I showed them some of the resources I have available and told them how to contact me if they wanted more information. That got me to thinking about teachers and administrators here. Below you will find a list of resources that I have available for you to check out. Please note that some of the books are from my personal library and some are provided by Shelby County Schools. Just let me know if you would like to borrow and I will check it out to you.

Bibliotherapy SETS (literature)
1. The Berenstain Bears and the
a. Bad Dream
b. Bad Habit
c. Blame Game
d. Blaze a Trail
e. Bully
f. Ghost of the Forest
g. Green-Eyed Monster
h. In-Crowd
i. Missing Honey
j. Slumber Party
k. Truth
l. Trouble with Friends
m. Trouble with Grownups

2. The Berenstain Bears
a. Forget Their Manners
b. Get in A Fight
c. Get The Gimmies
d. Go Out for The Team
e. Learn About Strangers
f. Moving Day
g. New Neighbors
h. No Girls Allowed
i. And Too Much Teasing
j. Trick or Treat
k. Trouble at School

3. No Bullies Allowed! Series (Scholastic) by Teddy Slater
a. Ben’s Bad Day
b. Henry’s Violin
c. Here comes Smelly Nellie
d. Jake’s Secret
e. Patty and the Pink Princesses
f. Trouble for Trudy

4. The Best Me I Can Be Series (Scholastic) by David Parker
a. I accept you as you are!
b. I am a leader!
c. I am confident!
d. I am generous!
e. I am positive!
f. I am responsible!
g. I can be fair!
h. I can cooperate!
i. I can listen!
j. I can share!
k. I care about others!
l. I have manners!
m. I show respect!
n. I tell the truth!
o. I’m a good friend!
p. I’m in charge of me!

Bibliotherapy (literature)
1. A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue Cook, Julia (2006) CTC Publishing
2. And Here’s to You! Elliott, David (2004) Candlewick Press
3. Different Just Like Me Mitchell, Lori (1999) Talewinds
4. Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal Ransom, Jeanie Franz (2006) Magination Press
5. Hands are Not for Hitting Agassi, Martine (2000) Free Spirit Publishing
6. I’m Gonna Like Me – Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem Curtis, Jamie Lee & Cornell, Laura (2004) Joanna Cotler Books
7. Just Kidding Ludwig, Trudy (2006) Tricycle Press
8. Monster Manners Cole. Joanna (1985) Scholastic, Inc.
9. Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD Niner, Holly ( 2004) Albert Whitman & Company
10. My Friend is Sad Willems, Mo (2007) Scholastic, Inc.
11. My Secret Bully Ludwig, Trudy (2004) Tricycle Press
12. Sorry! Ludwig, Trudy (2006) Tricycle Press
13. The Spider and the Fly Diterlizzi, Tony (2002) Scholastic, Inc.
14. We’ll Always Be There for You Aubrey, Annette (2007) QEB Publishing, Inc.
15. What Are You So Grumpy About? Lichtenheld, Tom (2003) Little, Brown and Company
16. Words are Not for Hurting Verdick, Elizabeth (2004) Free Spirit Publishing

Intervention Resources
1. Addressing the Challenging Behavior of Children with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parents Moyes, Rebecca (2002) Jessica Kingsley Publishers
2. Attention Deficit Disorders Intervention Manual Edited by Samm N House (2002) Hawthrone Educational Services
3. Behavior Intervention Manual: Goals, Objectives, Intervention Strategies Edited by Samm N House (2002) Hawthrone Educational Services
4. Character Education: Teaching Values for Life Grades 5-6 Freeman, Sara (1997) McGraw Hill Children’s Publishing
5. Character Education: The Ladder to Success Grades 4-6 Graham, Leland & McCoy, Isabelle (2004) Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company, Inc.
6. Conflict Resolution Grades K-4 Jasmine, Julia (1997) Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
7. Daily Character Education Activities: 180 Lessons for Each Day of the School Year Series (Grades K-1) (Grades 2-3) (Grades 4-5) Daniel-White, Becky (2004) Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company, Inc.
8. Everybody Gets ANGRY!: A Year’s Worth of Activities To Help Kids Control Their Anger Pill, Ellen (2005) The Bureau For At-Risk Youth
9. Every Time I Blow My Top I Lose My Head!: A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Cool Under Stress Slap-Shelton, Laura & Shapiro, Lawrence (1992) Childswork Childsplay
10. Five Universal Principles of Positive Behavior Support and the Story of My Life Golly, Annemieke (2006) IEP Resources Attainment Company, Inc.
11. Happy, Sad, Jealous, Mad: Stories, Rhymes, and Activities that Help Young Children Understand their Emotions PreK-Grade 1 Browning-Wroe, Jo (2007) Key Education Publishing Compnay
12. How I Learned to Control My Temper: A Storybook and Workbook of Activities to Help Children Learn Self-Control Pincus, Debbie (1995) Childswork/Childsplay
13. How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD 2nd edition Rief, Sandra (2005) Jossey-Bass
14. How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger Verdick, Elizabeth & Lisovskis, Marjorie (2003) Free Spirit Publishing
15. If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do? Humphrey, Sandra McLeod (1995) Prometheus Books
16. Learning Intervention Manual Edited by Samm N House (2002) Hawthrone Educational Services
17. Life Skills Activities for Secondary Students with Special Needs Mannix, Darlene (1995) Jossey-Bass
18. Ready-to-Use Social Skills Lessons & Activities Series, Grades PreK-K, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-12 (1995) Jossey Bass
19. Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters: A Practical Approach for Connecting with Youth in Conflict Larson, Scott & Brendtro, Larry (2000) Solution Tree
20. Room 14: A Social Language Program Wilson, Carolyn (1993) Lingui Systems
21. Self-Management: Promoting Success In Middle School Students Helping Students Help Themselves Wilson, David & Wilson, Ruth Ann ( 1996) Mark Twain Media: Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company, Inc.
22. Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids Wilens, Timothy (2006) The Guilford Press
23. Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents Barkley, Russel (2000) The Guilford Press
24. Teaching Character…It’s Elementary: 36 Weeks of Daily Lessons for Grades K-5 Broome, Sadie & Henley, Nancy (2005) Character Development Publishing
25. The ADD & ADHD Answer Book Ashley, Susan (2007) Source Books, Inc.
26. The ADHD Workbook for Parents: A Guide for Parents of Children Ages 2-12 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Parker, Harvey, (2005) Specialty Press, Inc.
27. The Asperger’s Answer Book Ashley, Susan (2007) Source Books, Inc.
28. The Me I’m Learning to Be: Open-Ended Activities for Self-Awareness and Values Clarification Forte, Imogene (1991) Incentive Publications, Inc.
29. Treating youth with DSM-IV Disorders: The Role of Social Skills Instruction Sterba, Michael & Dowd, Tom (1998) Boys Town Press
30. You Decide Workbooks: You Decide About Handling Your Anger Schader, Karen (2006) Childswork/Childsplay
31. You Decide Workbooks: You Decide About Handling Frustration Shapiro, Lawrence (2006) Childswork/Childsplay
32. You Decide Workbooks: You Decide About Teasing & Bullying Shapiro, L. (2006) Childswork/Childsplay