About Me

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Orem, Utah, United States
My name is Annie Campbell and 9 years ago my son was diagnosed with Autism. Over the years of treatments, therapies and schools (with my son) I have learned countless techniques for dealing with children with special needs. Through my experience in primary, I have come up with some specific tips to create a happy atmosphere in church.
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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Working with "typical" kids too

Today in our primary, my daughter gave a talk and so my husband was in there to help. My partner was a little late so I was alone with 7 five year olds for about 15 min. Three weeks ago this would have been a HUGE issue but now it's no problem. The class behind me was having an exceptionally rowdy Sunday and afterward my husband came to me and asked what the difference was between the classes. The only thing I can come up with, is that I am prepared with plans for creating good bahavior. The kids actually come to me and say hello and then ask if we are doing the "check marks today?". While all the techniques I use are NECESSARY for children with special needs, they work wonders for typical kids too. In a "normal" classroom situation, behaviors can vary week to week. But if the teacher has a behavior plan, kids will rarely act out. As a result, the entire primary becomes more teachable and a happier place to be. My goal for this blog, and the Primary Angels DVD, is to help teachers make primary a happy, enjoyable and educational environment. Primary IS a child first introduction to religion classes.

4 comments:

  1. Just found your blog and wanted you to know I'm excited for your future posts! My son is very active. People tell me it's because of his age, but when he's the only one acting out I feel like it's more. I know I'm going to get some wonderful tips from your blog (because I've already picked up a few I want to try)!

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  2. Linked here from little LDS ideas. I am so interested in your DVD. We have 3 special needs kids in our primary, one my own daughter. I have just been called (about a month ago) and we are struggling with reverence and behaviors.
    Julie
    missfanuly@hotmail.com

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  3. thanks for sharing your thoughts! Keeps my mind turning with new ideas and suggestions for our teachers in our ward

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  4. Thanks for your blog - my son just entered sunbeams and I just got called as his teacher. He has autism and has been behaving much "worse" in sharing time since I've come in. I believe he's just more comfortable with me there. But I don't want to give the calling up because class time is so successful. Looking for ideas to structure sharing time/give rewards without distracting others and while meeting his sensory needs.

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