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Kids Making Strides
 
News from TLC's Occupational Therapy, 
Speech-Language, and 
Testing & Tutoring Services  
In This Issue
SUMMER PROGRAMS!
Young Yogis
Drama & Puppetry
HIPPA Regs
Parent Workshops
True Grit
Holiday Shopping
New SLP Program
COMING SOON!
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TLC's Summer Programs registration
 
Young Yogis
After School Program
Yoga is a wonderful way to improve strength, flexibility, confidence and focus - for everyone!
 
Registration for our next session will begin in the New Year.
 
INCLUSIVE
DRAMA & PUPPETRY
After School Program 
for grades 6 - 12
 
Updated HIPPA regulations
 
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December 2013 
 
Hello!

During this holiday season the feeling of family and celebration is all around.  At TLC, our departments work together as one big family of services.  TLC's OT and SLP departments have joined together with our Testing & Tutoring Service to bring you even more useful information within Kids Making Strides. In this issue we hope you will find tips for holiday shopping, information about supportive workshops, and a wonderful article about helping children developing "grit."  We are offering a new social skills group for children (ages 9 - 11) with social interaction delays.  Please contact us if we can answer any questions for you.  

Wishing you happy holidays!


TLC's Outpatient Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Testing & Tutoring Departments


Autism 101 and Special Needs Savvy Parent

workshops series

 

By TLC's Professionals and Jennifer Polkes


When Jennifer Polkes learned of Hunter's autism diagnosis seven years ago, she felt as unprepared as any parent would. Jennifer shared her story at TLC's 2012 Fall Luncheon.  Jennifer is now a Special Needs Advocate and TLC partner. Jennifer has seven years experience as the Mom of a special needs child. The lessons Jennifer has learned and the perspective she has to share are compelling.  

 

TLC professionals have partnered with Jennifer for two parent workshop series. In Autism 101, parents new to an autism diagnosis will get to learn and share the support of other parents. Topics include what to do at the outset of diagnosis, learn about the benefits of OT for your child, overview and discussion of interventions, and managing the day to day. 

 

The Special Needs Savvy Parent series is for parents who have a child with special needs and could benefit from information on how to parent their children effectively. Topics include managing anxiety, incorporating OT into daily life, strengthening family connections and surviving vacations.

 

All workshops will include an informational component followed by a discussion and support session.  

 

 Link to flyers and registration. 

True Grit  
Helping our Kids Be Successful 


by Ellen Cleaves, TLC's Tutoring Supervisor
When I reviewed the TED Talk (Technology, Education and Design), Angela Lee Duckworth: The key to success? GritI was intrigued by her message. Angela Lee Duckworth was a management consultant, turned 7th grade math teacher. She later became a psychologist and was interested in the reasons for success - beyond I.Q. She discusses her findings in the above-linked TED Talk and states that, "Grit is sticking with your future - day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years - and working really hard to make that future a reality."  Dr. Duckworth's research findings show that students who succeed in their studies persevere, despite the obstacles and failures. They often use their mistakes as lessons to build new knowledge and take on bigger challenges.  


Students who come to TLC for tutoring come because they are struggling in school. Our TLC tutors help students overcome challenges to learning. This can result in an increased desire and commitment to succeed or perseverance that has been found to correlate with success. Reading and math can be taught over time with the right tools, however, "Grit" is developed day by day.  It is a belief in yourself and a willingness to put in the work, despite the challenges.  

 

The question remains, how can parents/tutors/teachers inspire and help develop a sense of purpose or grit in their students? The following are some suggestions to guide interaction:

  • Instilling a sense of curiosity and commitment by modeling an intrinsic passion for learning day by day.
  • Offering an environment where students can question and find answers they are looking for without fear of rejection or failure.
  • Giving students an opportunity to succeed and support their efforts with praise and encouragement to stay focused on their goals.

By working together, adults can make a difference and help students find their own sense of pride, grit and success in school.

 

Holiday Shopping List  
From TLC's Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists

blue-gift.jpg TLC's Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists have complied "Helpful Hints for Toy Shopping" full of age appropriate, ideas for what to buy your child this year. Suggested toys are fun and help build skills!

Link to the list.
 
 

NEW Social Interactions Group

Led by TLC's Speech -Language Director and Psychologist

TLC is pleased to welcome Edna Elisabeth Nyang, CCC-SLP as the new Director of TLC's Speech-Language Services.Ms. Nyang 

is a certified speech language pathologist and has been practicing in the field over ten years. She has extensive experience working with children who present with expressive language, pragmatic language, and social language delays. 

 

  

Ms. Nyang is partnering with TLC psychologist Sarah Towne for a new, intensive social interaction group for 9 - 11 year olds with expressive language and social communication delays.  This unique 12-week group, Social Language Group, begins Jan. 23 (4:15 - 5:15 p.m.). The cost for this small group experience is $94 per session.  To learn more and to register, link here.

 

Thank you for reading Kids Making Strides!  Please feel free to share your feedback or suggestions with us.  As always, we are available for your questions and comments.
 
Sincerely,
 
Brigid Baker
Director of TLC's Occupational Therapy Services

Edna Elisabeth Nyang
Director of TLC's Speech-Language Services

Director of TLC's Testing and Tutoring Service

Ellen Cleaves
Tutoring Supervisor