Fall – People With Unlimited Potential

Fabulous Fall- Welcome Y’all !

Is there a more perfect month of the year? Beautiful Fall colors, sweater weather, football, camp fires, apple cider, pumpkin everything, and so any days worthy of celebration.

Farmers and their animals, police and firemen, world wide teachers- let’s just call our theme this month Community Helpers.

Oct 2-12th is our time to explore all things farm. From the “work animals” that used to plow the fields, to the animals who provide the income, meat, dairy, hides and wool. Farmers bring their work to our tables everyday whether it’s food grown in the ground or animals raised for food. Take the time to follow the footsteps a farmer takes from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. And remember when you give thanks for your meal, give thanks for the farmers who brought it to us as well.

World Teacher’s day is Oct 5. Just take a few minutes to think about/talk about this amazing profession- not just locally, not just nationally, but around the world. Remember that whatever you are doing to educate young people, there are millions of teachers and instructors doing the exact same thing everywhere. Special needs is not unique to our country. Somewhere there is a staff in the basement of a church in another country experiencing the exact same struggles and joys you know. Belouga is a global network for connecting classrooms and teachers. Bring the world into your little corner.

Next up this month is Fire Prevention and Adopt a Cop. As educators we practice fire drills and teach our students to recognize police by uniform/cars. Take the time this month to inspect your classroom and storage areas (and your homes) for potential fire hazards. Firemen and police love to visit classrooms and you can facilitate a mock drill to help them better understand the needs of your students in an emergency.
Invite a Community Helper to lunch, to sit and draw with your students, to read a book with your class. Your turn to educate them about your students.

Yes, yes- Columbus Day and Sweetest Day and Halloween are all October celebrations.
So, let’s celebrate chocolate! Columbus brought spices from other parts of the world, including cocoa, that eventually became part of the delicious sweet chocolate treats that we offer to our sweetie on Sweetest Day, and that have become the reward for hours of decoration and costume planning
for Fall’s favorite fun day- Halloween .
Lose yourself in the childlike excitement of all things Fall- and stock up on chocolate when no one looks twice at you for having a cart full!!

October is a perfect month for students to experience all things sensory- including sensory overload. Let’s look at a couple of triggers and what to watch for.

Fall leaves are beautiful, but for some students the change from the sweetness and softness of summer to the crunch of Fall can be a trigger. Remember to talk about what changes we will see — the different colors and feel of leaves, dried corn stalks, pumpkins, scarecrows, etc. Piles of leaves, while tempting for jumping, can trigger an over-stim reaction. For some, that earthy smell and crunchy feel can cause an overwhelming feeling. All things in moderation can help reduce that feeling.

As Halloween approaches, remember that not all students feel comfortable in a costume- especially a mask. Some students are overwhelmed by the sight of so many people in costumes. Pull out those old Halloween pictures from years past to remind your student of what’s to come. Allow them to help select decorations that please them. Not all things Halloween have to be scary.

Last but not least, candy. Remember to provide some choices that limit the amount of sugar, dyes and preservatives. Watch your student for signs of sensory overload. This can look like a meltdown, withdrawal, agitation or an inability to calm down. If you think your student’s behavior is related to sensory overload, find a quiet place that is sensory neutral or familiar. Some parents have found that the smell of lavender or orange- in small doses- may be soothing.

Enjoy, but prepare. All things in moderation.