Primary Points

I'll be starting a new program in January with my class called Primary Points. Below is an example. While in the primary room, I watch the kids. If they are sitting in their seat with a quiet mouth then they get an X. After we are releases to classes, we count up the X's. When 3 X's are earned, they get a starburst. The child with the most X's will choose who says the prayers that day.

Primary Points
Lucie X X X X X
Jackson X X X
Nathan X X X X
Brandon X X X
Daphne X X X X
Kimball X X
Aubrey X X X
Justin X X X X
Logan X

Consistency rules

There will be days where everything is going wrong. Kids won't stay in there seats, stop talking, or even listen to you. Infact, That describes my day perfectly. And after all the work I've done to get the kids to the point where they are, days like today can be nothing but frustrating. It's especially important on these days to remember to be patient and keep going. I try to tell myself mentally "consistency rules". You can't judge your successes on one day so you also can't judge your failures either based on one day. Just try to survive on the rough days and stay focused on your goals.

Our differences are what make us special

It's important to remember that each child, even though diagnosed with ASD, is different. As the teacher, you need to figure out what motivates and interests them. I have several friends that all have children with Autism and there are not two that are the same. Their interests and quirks vary widely. My son LOVES girls and legos and drawing. He tries very hard but has difficulties grasping some subjects and then gets frustrated easily. For him we try to work off his drive to succeed. He has a chart with common words like: Jesus, Heavenly Father, love, baptism, family, church, etc. When he hears one of the words on his chart he puts an X by it and after church we count up the X's. For every 10, he gets a bag of treats. The bags could be skittles, goldfish, crayons, etc.

Good luck and get creative with your calling!

Five tips for teaching children with special needs.....

1. Make sure your expectations are appropriate for the child.

2. Be creative and try to get the child involved.

3. Create a rewards system.

4. Speak positively!

5. Praise them when they are doing something right.