Ebook, writing workbooks, workshops, and more on autism & special education

Dear everyone:

Last year, I put Awakening Minds.sg on hold in order to: 1) to get a handle on the adolescent excesses of Sebastien, my autistic son; and 2) focus on the unique strengths of my work in autism and special education. Most of my work in special education has been inspired by my homeschooling journey (7 years), which has led to workshops at schools and consultations with families.

I am relieved and grateful to say that my relationship with my son is mostly back on track (through the throes of adolescence are by no means over). In addition, I have decided to focus my work in the area of special needs on: design and implementation of curriculum and worksheets, behavioural management, and caregiving.

Therefore, Awakening Minds will now be producing ebooks; writing workbooks & literacy worksheets (special needs learners); and workshops -- with a focus on teaching caregivers and educators how to teach special needs learners (design and implementation) and relate to them (behavioural management, interaction approachment, sensory strategies, self-care for caregivers). My hope is to offer practical ideas and strategies that they can use in their lives with special needs individuals.


Here are the highlights for March 2012 and a peek of what's in store in the coming months (http://www.awakeningminds.sg/books.html).

What's New!

All Because of the Hummingbird... or the Horse (ebook version, 18 pages, US$6.99)
My heartwarming picture book that is inspired by the struggle of Sebastien (my son who was then eight years old) to come to terms with changes in life and the environment is available in an ebook format! This book is targeted at young readers (aged 7-12) to cultivate the compassion of future generations towards special needs individuals. You can now download this book and read it on your computer or your iPad for just US$6.99!

Please go to: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/books.html OR http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=996782

WORDS, PICTURES, STORY! SERIES

Dog Saved the Day! Story Template (PDF, printable, 18 pages, US$6.99)
Dog Saved the Day! Story Workbook (PDF, printable, 15 pages, US$5.99)

Targeted at children with mild language difficulties (aged 6 and above)*, who have a basic knowledge of parts of speech, the story template and accompanying workbook can be a fun way for you to interest your child in writing. Filled with hangman prompts, pictures to colour, and clues, you and your child can have fun completing the story!

Please go to: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/books.html OR http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=1000884

The accompanying workbook, comprising sections on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and a creative activity, will build on your child’s understanding of the story.

Please go to: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/books.html OR http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=1000888

Photo Gallery of Sebastien's Paintings

Check out the budding collection of funky and hip photos of Sebastien's love affair with water and colours - his vibrant and dynamic watercolour paintings - at (photoshelter website, “Autistic Art”), where you can purchase the prints.
At the same time, also check out the beautiful photos of Jerome Poudevigne who has taken the photos of Sebastien's artistic works.

Please go to: http://poudevigne.photoshelter.com/gallery/Autistic-art/G0000aSVnNhajcB0/

Special Education Workshops (Revampled and Reorganised under TWO themes)

Teaching Special Needs/Autistic Learners (http://www.awakeningminds.sg/workshops.html#teaching)

- The Magic of Scaffolding: How to Design and Implement a Differentiated Lesson (in class/at home)
- Making Customised Worksheets for Your Special Needs Child
- Designing and Implementing Engaging Learning Activities for Pre-School Special Needs Learners (4-6 years old)
- Brainstorming a Story: Let's Compose a Story Together

Interacting with Special Needs/Autistic Learners (http://www.awakeningminds.sg/workshops.html#relating)

- Raising an Autistic Adolescent
- Tough Love: Managing Your Special Needs Learner
- Building a Relationship with Your Autistic Child
- Open Your Mind, Open Your Heart: Caring for Yourself to Care for Your Special Child
- Smiles for Sebastien: Role of Society in Helping Special Needs Families

Coming Soon... in April and May

- Words, Pictures, Story! Series: Customisable (DIY) Literacy Templates & Ready-to-Use (RTU) Literacy Worksheets (Level 1 to Level 5) for young learners with mild learning difficulties (aged 5 to 8), or older learners with moderate and severe learning difficulties (depending on functioning level) (PDF, printable)

- Informative booklets on designing learning templates and worksheets (literacy and numeracy) for special needs learners, targeted at caregivers and professionals (PDF, ebook)

- “Smiles for Sebastien, or A Special Kind of Kindness” – my article on social interactions between my 15-year-old autistic adolescent and others, inspired by our recent trip to Myanmar (Dec 2011)

- Photo Gallery of Sebastien's Paintings – Ongoing updates and expansion of the collection.

Please feel free to forward this email to others how may be interested...

I wish you all the best for your journey of caring for the special people in our lives...

Best regards,

Kah Ying
+658163-4509
choo.kahying@awakeningminds.com.sg