Key Components of the Individualised and Customised Learning Programme

Individualised and customised academic programme

Even though all the children will participate in group activities, they will also be working on their own programmes that have been designed exclusively for them. Before each of these children step into the classroom, I would have conducted a thorough assessment (through parental interviews and direct observations) of these children to identify their: a) strengths and weaknesses, b) their learning styles and preferences and c) their interests. During our preparations before the start of the programme, both the parents and I will have to have created sample learning activities that are most likely to appeal to their children, while motivating them to learn.

Group activities

One of the most important things about a learning programme for autistic children, because of their social deficits, is to ensure that they have the opportunity to interact with others within a group setting. They will include: a) interactive story-time, b) arts and crafts, c) exercises and movement. Activities will vary depending on the responsiveness of the students and the group dynamics.

Activity-based learning

The learning programme is derived from the concept of project-based learning, in which learning objectives are incorporated into individual projects. Essentially, children may be challenged to work on different skills (language, math and/or fine motor skills), while engaged in one learning activity. Activity-based learning helps to make activities interesting and meaningful to our children.

Partnership with parents and the community

As I had mentioned in the introduction, to pull off such a programme will require a one-to-one adult to student ratio. Unless we charge a lot of money to the parents, we are unlikely to hire paid staff for this programme. Therefore, I have decided to borrow and modify a concept from a highly progressive education community in Italy, which enlists the aid of the parents and the community in an active partnership.

Number of Students

The maximum number of students in this class will be six. As Sebastien (my son) will be attending the school as well, only five spots are currently available.

Cost Details

The costs of participating in this programme are as follows:

• The cost of this three-hour/per-day, five days a week learning programme will be $250.00 per week. Although we would prefer that students attend all five days of the week, we are willing to discuss the possibility of enrolling students for a minimum of three days a week. However, the top priority will be given to the children who can attend all five days of the week.

• In addition, all children who have been selected for entry into the programme will need to undergo an assessment prior to the start of the learning programme. The purpose of this assessment is to allow me to prepare an individualised and customised learning programme for the children before they even step into the classroom. This assessment will consist of a parental interview and a direct observation of their children. The parents and I will also need to get together to review the customised package for their children to ensure that they will be appropriate for their children before the start of the learning programme. Modifications will continue to be made until both parties are satisfied with the programme. The entire assessment and the customised package will constitute a one-time cost of $150.00.
  

Location: KS Learning to Learn Centre, Blk 254, Tampines St. 21, Singapore 521254.

Contact Ms. Choo at: 8163-4509

Concise Parent/Volunteer Training Programme

The primary purpose of this interactive training programme is to offer volunteers and parents in the children’s learning programme the fundamental skills for formulating a dynamic learning curriculum and working directly with autistic children.

In addition, parents who are attending the sessions for their own interactions with their children at home should also benefit from this session. There are other more comprehensive versions of parent or volunteer training sessions that are available upon request (please refer to the January Archive of Ms. Choo’s blog for a comprehensive version of the training programme).

Session 1: Introduction and Basic Techniques for Interaction

1. Fundamental Philosophical Tenets of this Programme

2. Overview of the basic techniques for teaching and interacting with their children: a. Floortime, b. ABA, c. RDI and d. Sensory integration techniques.

3. Communication strategies and tools: visual schedules, PECS books and dramatisation.

Session 2: Designing and Implementation of an Individualised and Customised Learning Programme

1. Construction of a Child’s Profile.

2. Creation of a sample worksheet/activity in class.

3. Discussion of implementation challenges and solutions.

Session 3: Behavioural Management and Sensory Approaches

1. Discussion of diverse behavioural management approaches and applications.

2. Practise various sensory approaches derived from sensory integration, conscious breathing and acupressure.

Start Date

Saturday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

(3 hours/$60 per session, a total of 3 sessions, one each Saturday)
(Free for Volunteers, Employees and Parents Participating in Children’s Programme)

Location:

KS Learning to Learn Centre, Blk 254, Tampines St. 21, Singapore 521254.

Contact Ms. Choo at: 8163-4509