Embedded Files
Website: Link
Primary Inclusion Contact: senco@jebelalischool.org
Whole school and Secondary Inclusion Contact: lwing@jebelalischool.org
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome to our Term 3 edition of Inclusion Insights. As always we hope you find it interesting and informative.
The final term here at JAS has been as busy as ever! We have had the annual spelling bee, Tournament of the Minds school competitions, and the completion of GCSEs and A-levels. We started a new ASD parent social group this term where parents have had the opportunity to meet, share ideas, and support each other. Look out for information regarding our new ADHD parent's social group next term.
As we come to the end of the year we sadly have to say goodbye to three members of our team; Selina Ellacott and Lucy Mooney who both work in the secondary Inclusion Team and Carrie Mitchell from our primary team. I know they will be missed not only by our team but by the students and parents they have supported. We wish them all the best in their next adventures!
Useful resources for Parents and Students of
Useful resources for Parents and Students of
Determination in the UAE
Determination in the UAE
Zahra Ahmad
There are lots of organisations that parents can access for school advice, volunteering opportunities, career advice, job opportunities, parent and child support and discounts.
The Butterfly Foundation
“Located in Abu Dhabi it is the first point of referral, for People of Determination, families and care givers, that are seeking advice, representation and support on how to overcome the challenges they face”
Bridge the Gap
Support services include:
Applying to a university abroad
Youth empowerment programs
professional career counseling
Public speaking workshops and events
Job shadowing and hands-on training
Inclusive AE
Connecting people With disabilities to inclusive jobs and empowering employers to embrace inclusion.
Manzil
KHDA approved training centre 050 981 7767. Vocational programs, internships, employment opportunities.
https://www.manzil.ae/index.aspx
Include Me Learning
Support for parents who are struggling to decide which school/ career pathway they can have access to.
Parent Section
Parent Section
Harriet Jenkins has kindly put together a Persons of Determination Card application guide. As a parent of a child with additional needs, Harriet wanted to share the process and help other parents navigate an often tricky application process.
Please follow this link to access the guide:
Parent testimonial
We love to hear your feedback and we recently asked parents for testimonials to use in our award process. Here is one of the many lovely comments we received.
We have received so much support and kindness from the SEN team, before during and after our diagnosis, they really have our backs - and it shows with the progress we've made as a family in school and the ripple effect that has at home too. Can't thank them enough!
Tournament of the Minds Enrichment Competition
Tournament of the Minds Enrichment Competition
By Megan Sime
On Sunday, 18 June, eleven excited Year 5 & 6 JAS students attended the Tournament of Minds (TOM) Competition at Brighton College, Dubai. Tournament of Minds is a problem-solving programme for multi-aged teams of students who work together to solve a demanding, open-ended Long-Term Challenge. The teams were also required to participate in an unseen Spontaneous Challenge on Tournament Day. The aim of the programme is to enhance the potential of our students by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging and competitive environment.
The first time that JAS has entered this competition, our two teams: Gold Miners and Going for Gold, stood strong against some fierce competitors. The teams completed a STEM challenge which entailed creating a moving platform with a two-speed function. In addition, they had to create an accompanying digital presentation and develop a script and a well-rehearsed presentation. The students worked diligently over an intense 6-week period, meeting three times weekly to perfect every aspect of their presentation. It was tremendous to observe the growing collaboration and strengthening relationships, week upon week and we couldn’t be prouder of the participants' commitment and enthusiasm displayed every step of the way. A special thanks to Mr Kuznetsov, Secondary DT teacher, who played an integral part in supporting the students to create their models. A huge success, I know the students can’t wait for the opportunity to enter again next year. Well done to all involved!
Sensory Play
Sensory Play
By Charlotte Thompson
By Charlotte Thompson
What is sensory play?
Sensory play is any activity that stimulates our senses - touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of the world that surrounds them.
Why is it important?
Sensory play plays an important role in a child’s learning and development. Much of our learning comes through our ability to use our senses to retain information.It also offers many benefits for child development, including:
Cognitive Development: Sensory play stimulates various senses, such as touch, sight, smell, and hearing. This engagement enhances cognitive skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
Sensory Exploration: By engaging in sensory activities, children explore different textures, temperatures, and materials. This exploration helps them develop their sensory perception and sensitivity.
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like pouring, scooping, and manipulating sensory materials such as sand, water, or playdough, enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These skills are essential for tasks like writing, drawing, and self-care activities.
Language and Communication: Sensory play provides opportunities for children to describe and express their experiences using words, enhancing their language and communication skills.
Social and Emotional Development: Sensory play can be a shared experience, promoting social interaction, cooperation, and turn-taking. It also offers a safe and calming outlet for emotional expression and self-regulation.
Creativity and Imagination: Sensory play encourages open-ended and imaginative play. It allows children to use their creativity, explore their imagination, and develop storytelling skills.
Sensory Integration: Engaging in sensory play supports the development of sensory integration skills, where the brain processes and organizes sensory information effectively. This can benefit children with sensory processing difficulties.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Sensory play can have a calming effect on children, promoting relaxation and stress relief. It can serve as a sensory outlet to reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being.
Sensory play is not limited to young children. It benefits individuals of all ages by stimulating creativity, providing stress relief, promoting sensory integration, enhancing cognitive skills, fostering mindfulness, and supporting rehabilitation and therapy. It's a valuable experience for everyone.
Overall, sensory play provides a holistic learning experience, supporting various aspects of children's development, including cognitive, motor, social, emotional, and sensory integration skills.
Please click here to find more sensory ideas and recipes for the summer.
Summer support for children with dyslexia
Summer support for children with dyslexia
By Carrie Mitchell
By Carrie Mitchell
Supporting a dyslexic child with reading over the summer break can be a beneficial way to maintain progress and help them develop their skills further. Here are some strategies you can try:
Encourage reading for pleasure: Find books that align with your child's interests and encourage them to read for enjoyment. Let them choose their own books, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels.
Read aloud together: Reading aloud to your child can help improve their listening skills and expose them to more complex vocabulary. Take turns reading paragraphs or pages, depending on their comfort level. This activity can also spark discussions and improve comprehension.
Provide audiobooks: Audiobooks can be a valuable resource for dyslexic children, as they can follow along with the text while listening to the narration. This reinforces word recognition and comprehension simultaneously.
Create a quiet reading space: Set up a cosy reading corner or a quiet area where your child can focus on reading without distractions. Make it inviting with comfortable seating and a selection of their favourite books.
Practice decoding skills: Use reading activities that involve decoding exercises, such as word games, word puzzles, and flashcards. Practice phonics rules and help your child break down words into smaller, manageable units.
Implement a daily reading routine: Establish a consistent reading routine by allocating a specific time each day for reading. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable.
Monitor comprehension: Help your child develop reading comprehension skills by discussing what they read. Ask questions about the plot, characters, and main ideas. Encourage them to summarise what they've read or retell a story in their own words.
Support self-esteem and motivation: Encourage their efforts, celebrate progress, and emphasise their strengths. Building self-esteem and maintaining motivation are key factors in their reading journey.
Supporting children through big occasions and
Supporting children through big occasions and
non-routine events over the summer
non-routine events over the summer
By Olive Clancy
By Olive Clancy
Special occasions, celebrations and holidays can be overwhelming for all children. Here are some general suggestions of helpful approaches for families & individuals which can also be shared with wider family & friends to help everyone understand what helps.
Traditions:
Try not to let tradition or pressure from others determine your plans
Redesign occasions to work for your household
Plan collaboratively with flexibility for plans to change as needed
Incorporate lots of downtime and where possible continue usual routines and activities
Make the most of opportunities when they arise, rather than at specific times, and accept that some things can't be done
Creating your own family’s routines with room for flexibility, can be helpful
Gifts:
Make & share a wish list of gift ideas & other preferences e.g. placing gifts somewhere rather than physically handing over and any wrapping preferences (wrap gifts together/individually; with paper/clear cellophane/open gift bags or don't wrap etc.)
Reduce uncertainty e.g. say what gifts are coming or make sure gifts ‘happen to be seen’ in advance and consider exchanging one or more gifts early if waiting causes anxiety
Reduce overload by opening gifts at a comfortable pace
Reduce expectations around saying thank you for gifts
Food:
Offer choice around where, when and what to eat
Make familiar/preferred foods available
Recognising and Reducing Anxiety:
Be aware of anxiety cues
It may not always 'look-like' anxiety
Sudden emotional changes can occur more frequently when anxiety is high
Humour, rest & taking a break can be helpful Keep calm & try not to take anything personally
Be aware of masking and how this affects anxiety later on
Build in lots of recovery time and personalised regulating/calming activities
Balancing Needs:
Share info about how others can help
Take care of yourself - adjusting priorities & expectations and being creative with self-care can help
If whole family time isn't possible, try to spend time with siblings/extended family separately
Events and Gatherings:
Keep small, short & spaced out
Ensure sensory support and safe spaces are available
Agree exit options
Page updated
Report abuse