The summer season...
A time of growth when the days are longest and the nights are shortest. For Noah he has spent many of those long days worrying about the changes he will experience by attending a new high school this fall. The nights extra short as he's up before the sun because for him change is synonymous with impending doom.
Summer is also the time when kids seem to grow the most both physically and emotionally. With only two more days til the start of a new school year, I have begun examining the ways in which Noah has grown this summer:
* he held a part time job
* he can independently walk to and from the park near our home
* he has a "long-distance" girlfriend he face times every day
However, some things do not change.
..Noah's desire for sameness. Keeping the status quo in a world of never-ending change, is near impossible and stressful. I try to control "unexpected" things by serving him foods he is comfortable with and can tolerate. Keeping up with routines and schedules -- even in the summer months.
...Noah's short term memory difficulties. I make him lists, but he refuses to use them. I try not to lose my patience when he forgets and brushes his teeth without paste or can't remember which trash can is for waste and which is for recycling or has misplaced xyz...again and again.
...Noah's love for repetition and imitation. He is not only good at learning piano pieces by ear, he is also pretty terrific and imitating inflections/mannerisms and phrases from people he has met or movies he has seen...so much so it sometimes feels as though there are other people living in our home.
...our need for support from Action for Autism St. Louis. This summer through AFA Noah received private occupational therapy twice a week. On Tuesdays he and his beloved therapist, Cindy, worked on sensory issues and keyboarding skills. On Thursdays the two of them walked to our local city center to work out or played Foosball. She helped him devise a simple exercise plan that included using the treadmill and other equipment. They walked to a local eatery to order, count out money and pay for an item on his own. Through it all she has been his sounding board and counselor and helped him work through frustrations about being picked on at the pool this summer or worries about attending a new school.
On August 24th our family will be participating in our 11th annual AFA Family Fun Walk. If you feel led, please make a tax deductible donation here. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Family Fun Walk from the drop down list and type Felgenhauer in the Donation Notes bar.
Thank you to all who have supported us in the past and those who are able to help this year.
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Monday, July 15, 2019
Deep Thoughts From Noah #95
Noah: Mom, I have nothing to wear.
Me: How can that be? I've done all the laundry.
(I head upstairs to his room. Not only is his dirty laundry basket half full, but he has dirty clothes strewn all over his bedroom floor.
Me: Noah, you need to bring your dirty clothes down so I may wash them.
Noah: Oh. I forgot.
Me: Why are all of your clothes on the floor?
Noah: I don't know
Me: Noah, you have to have a better reason than "I don't know."
Noah: Well...because if I put them in the laundry basket I was afraid they would overflow.
Me: Touche
Me: How can that be? I've done all the laundry.
(I head upstairs to his room. Not only is his dirty laundry basket half full, but he has dirty clothes strewn all over his bedroom floor.
Me: Noah, you need to bring your dirty clothes down so I may wash them.
Noah: Oh. I forgot.
Me: Why are all of your clothes on the floor?
Noah: I don't know
Me: Noah, you have to have a better reason than "I don't know."
Noah: Well...because if I put them in the laundry basket I was afraid they would overflow.
Me: Touche
Friday, May 31, 2019
Letting Go of 15
Yesterday was Noah's birthday yet it has taken me a full day to process my 15 year old is now 16. Why? 16 is only 365 days older than 15. It's no big deal, right?
Not for me.
This month we had Noah's transitional IEP. Since Noah would be turning 16 before his next IEP, Special School District begins looking at his case a little bit differently. Things get real. The SSD case manager begins asking questions like what path/future do you see for your child. Do you see him working full time in a competitive job? Part-time? Volunteer work only? Does he have stamina to work a 4-5 hour shift?
Next came a question I've wondered about, but had never addressed formally with educators
Is Noah pursuing a high school diploma or a certificate of completion?
When the SSD case manager asked the question, I didn't answer immediately. Instead other members of Noah's educational team began wrestling with the question aloud.
"I don't know. This is so hard. I see so much potential in him. He is smart in so many ways." said Cindy, Noah's OT/counselor/friend. (She has been part of our journey since Noah was five years old.)
(I've heard this kind of talk for most of Noah's school career, yet, he's now 16 and test scores and his current output of work seem to point his future in another direction. In my heart I knew but my mouth remained silent)
Next came a voice from an educator, an expert and someone I consider my friend. Always kind, and patient, yet firm and convicted. She spoke up when I couldn't.
"I think he is 16 now and it's time. I think a certificate of completion is appropriate," said Mary, Miriam School Head of School.
When she spoke I knew it was true. In my mind I envisioned a set of heavy doors slamming shut. I began making a mental list of other things that were also true.
* Noah is almost 16, but he will never drive a car.
* Noah is 16, yet he isn't ready to leave our street without supervision
* Noah is 16, but I can't leave him home alone for more than an hour to run to the store.
It was like I was trying to punish myself for letting go. For giving up or giving in.
But, Mary spoke up again, her voice pulled me from the negative mental vortex I was dragging myself down into.
"I think Noah would be a good candidate for the Succeed program at UMSL."
(I had never heard of this before, however, the idea of Noah taking part in a college program gave me a flutter of hope -- his path may not be straight, but the opportunities are still wide open)
Hope floats, it raises you up so you can tackle another day.
Yesterday Noah turned 16, but I turned a corner. I'm less fearful for what lies ahead. I'm talking to God more. I'm letting go...of 15, anyway.
Happy 16th Birthday Noah!
I may need to look up - to look you in the eye and I may not be able to carry you in my arms, but...
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as your living, my baby you'll be."
Robert Munsch
Not for me.
This month we had Noah's transitional IEP. Since Noah would be turning 16 before his next IEP, Special School District begins looking at his case a little bit differently. Things get real. The SSD case manager begins asking questions like what path/future do you see for your child. Do you see him working full time in a competitive job? Part-time? Volunteer work only? Does he have stamina to work a 4-5 hour shift?
Next came a question I've wondered about, but had never addressed formally with educators
Is Noah pursuing a high school diploma or a certificate of completion?
When the SSD case manager asked the question, I didn't answer immediately. Instead other members of Noah's educational team began wrestling with the question aloud.
"I don't know. This is so hard. I see so much potential in him. He is smart in so many ways." said Cindy, Noah's OT/counselor/friend. (She has been part of our journey since Noah was five years old.)
(I've heard this kind of talk for most of Noah's school career, yet, he's now 16 and test scores and his current output of work seem to point his future in another direction. In my heart I knew but my mouth remained silent)
Next came a voice from an educator, an expert and someone I consider my friend. Always kind, and patient, yet firm and convicted. She spoke up when I couldn't.
"I think he is 16 now and it's time. I think a certificate of completion is appropriate," said Mary, Miriam School Head of School.
When she spoke I knew it was true. In my mind I envisioned a set of heavy doors slamming shut. I began making a mental list of other things that were also true.
* Noah is almost 16, but he will never drive a car.
* Noah is 16, yet he isn't ready to leave our street without supervision
* Noah is 16, but I can't leave him home alone for more than an hour to run to the store.
It was like I was trying to punish myself for letting go. For giving up or giving in.
But, Mary spoke up again, her voice pulled me from the negative mental vortex I was dragging myself down into.
"I think Noah would be a good candidate for the Succeed program at UMSL."
(I had never heard of this before, however, the idea of Noah taking part in a college program gave me a flutter of hope -- his path may not be straight, but the opportunities are still wide open)
Hope floats, it raises you up so you can tackle another day.
Yesterday Noah turned 16, but I turned a corner. I'm less fearful for what lies ahead. I'm talking to God more. I'm letting go...of 15, anyway.
Happy 16th Birthday Noah!
I may need to look up - to look you in the eye and I may not be able to carry you in my arms, but...
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as your living, my baby you'll be."
Robert Munsch
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Deep Thoughts From Noah #94
I just walked in from having my hair cut into a new 'do. Upon seeing me Noah said, "Mom! You look so cute!" then he joked that he almost thought "stranger danger" when he first saw me.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Deep Thoughts From Noah #93
Noah: Mom, I named my voice crack.
Me: You did...what do you call it?
Noah: Jimmy
Me: As in Jimmy Cracked Corn? Noah, you are too much.
Noah: Who is that? No, I just named it Jimmy because I can.
Me: You did...what do you call it?
Noah: Jimmy
Me: As in Jimmy Cracked Corn? Noah, you are too much.
Noah: Who is that? No, I just named it Jimmy because I can.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Pacemaker
As much as I try to be a process person...I'm just not. I can't help but love results. I need them...to feel centered and "on track". It's so hard for me to enjoy the right now without leaping into a time table for completing a task or project. Whether it's a favored activity like drawing, baking or party planning or one that sucks the life out of me like kids' homework, laundry and dirty dishes - it doesn't matter.
Without even trying I set challenges and goals for myself. Because time is important. There are only so many hours in the day. This is probably why I enjoy baking so much. Follow the recipe and you'll be rewarded for your efforts. In a previous life I worked in marketing for a franchise called Benjamin Franklin - The Punctual Plumber. Let's just say -- I fit right in. Then along comes Noah. My firstborn. The one who made me a Mommy. TIME MEANS NOTHING TO HIM. Actually, that's not completely true. He gets the concept of "five minutes"...
* We're leaving for school in five minutes.
* Dinner will be ready in five minutes.
* In five minutes, you need to get into the shower.
Raising a child with special needs has challenged me to honor the process. When Noah was a toddler, a mother raising her autistic teenage boy, shared that our journey would not be a sprint race... rather, a marathon. I did not like her words...but over the years I've learned to embrace them.
A few weeks ago our family participated in Action for Autism - STL 6th Annual Family Fun Walk. Thanks to generous family and friends, our team brought in nearly $700 to fund camps, therapies and education for area children and their families affected by autism.
Normally, the walk involves lots of cajoling and begging on our part to get Noah to complete it. However, this year we heard ZERO complaints from our freckled-face funny man. In fact, when he finished the race, he turned to Steve and said, "Thanks for taking me, Dad."
It has certainly been a process...but dang! I love the results.
Without even trying I set challenges and goals for myself. Because time is important. There are only so many hours in the day. This is probably why I enjoy baking so much. Follow the recipe and you'll be rewarded for your efforts. In a previous life I worked in marketing for a franchise called Benjamin Franklin - The Punctual Plumber. Let's just say -- I fit right in. Then along comes Noah. My firstborn. The one who made me a Mommy. TIME MEANS NOTHING TO HIM. Actually, that's not completely true. He gets the concept of "five minutes"...
* We're leaving for school in five minutes.
* Dinner will be ready in five minutes.
* In five minutes, you need to get into the shower.
Raising a child with special needs has challenged me to honor the process. When Noah was a toddler, a mother raising her autistic teenage boy, shared that our journey would not be a sprint race... rather, a marathon. I did not like her words...but over the years I've learned to embrace them.
A few weeks ago our family participated in Action for Autism - STL 6th Annual Family Fun Walk. Thanks to generous family and friends, our team brought in nearly $700 to fund camps, therapies and education for area children and their families affected by autism.
Normally, the walk involves lots of cajoling and begging on our part to get Noah to complete it. However, this year we heard ZERO complaints from our freckled-face funny man. In fact, when he finished the race, he turned to Steve and said, "Thanks for taking me, Dad."
It has certainly been a process...but dang! I love the results.
 |
| Natalie spreads her smile and wings at the event. |
 |
| Noah and Natalie stand at Noah's foot marker. |
 |
| Ninja Noah |
 |
| We made it! |
Friday, June 20, 2014
Postcards From the Peanut Gallery Wk. 3
6/9/14 I'm doing a happy dance as today marks the first day of camp! Noah is returning to Camp Happy Day - a place that has not only served to keep him from falling behind in his schoolwork during the summer, but has encouraged him to try so many new things like climbing a 30 foot ladder and playing basketball! During the five week course, he'll receive 1 on 1 speech and language support, reading and math instruction, swimming lessons twice a week and weekly field trips. We could have never sent him to this camp without the generous support of Action for Autism. For Natalie, she is enrolled at Camp COCA for a 5 day session called "Best of Broadway.
6/13/14 TGIF! Natalie had a wonderful experience. At the end of each day she hugged her teacher, Ms. Boneau and told her she would miss her. I was really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of both her instructors. Janne Boneau, has been working at COCA for 15 years and holds a Masters degree in music and Jess Ruhlin, professional ballerina, painter and writer for Alive Magazine and Bodies Never Lie, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy. Natalie and her fellow campers enjoyed showing off the songs and dance skills they learned throughout the week.
That evening, we invited my folks to join us for Webster Groves' 10th Annual Gazebo
series. For six consecutive Fridays in the summer, the events offer
free live music followed by a movie. On this evening, the air was
actually a bit cool. Another bonus -- no mosquitos! We brought blankets
and chairs, but didn't have time to pull together a cheese tray.
McDonald's is located across the street -- we made do with a couple
orders of the Golden Arches finest fried potatoes. The band was called
Bible Belt Sinners - a rockabilly group with lots of personality and
lyrics that really made you LOL.
6/14/14 We had an exciting morning. After many months of preparation, Edgar Road School can now boast to have not one, but two, Buddy Benches on its grounds. I learned about the concept back in December when I read this in the Huffington Post. Thankfully our principal and fearless leader, Dr. Retzlaff, agreed.
But how?
Serendipidiously, Mark Curtin, a former ERS student came to visit Dr. R and happened to mention he was seeking Eagle Scout status.
Hmmm...you don't say?
About the same time, I contacted my friend/Webster Groves Garden Club member, Sarah Whitney, to see if her group had any grants available.
They did.
And, our proposed project was completely in line with their group's mission. It was truly wonderful because it offered an opportunity for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to work together. While Mark learned how to manage a team project and earned his wings, the girls devoted their time to learning all they could about gardening. Under the direction of, Sarah, they examined the proposed Buddy Bench areas to decide which flowers would be best suited for the therapeutic gardens that would hug each bench. They considered color, height and blooming seasons. They selected lavender and lilac for their sweet smelling properties and velvety leaved lamb's ear along with butterfly bushes to attract a fluttery friend or two.
That afternoon we headed out to Gray Summit, MO for Purina Farms Blue Grass Festival and Kids Country Carnival. While we had been out there a few years ago for their annual Easter Village, the kids had no memory of the visit so everything was new again for them. We arrived just in time for the dog agility show but missed out on the opportunity to milk a cow. After the show we listened to the band and enjoyed a snow cone. Later we headed to the barn to visit a few furry friends. We finished our tour with a tractor ride around the grounds. Good times.
6/13/14 TGIF! Natalie had a wonderful experience. At the end of each day she hugged her teacher, Ms. Boneau and told her she would miss her. I was really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of both her instructors. Janne Boneau, has been working at COCA for 15 years and holds a Masters degree in music and Jess Ruhlin, professional ballerina, painter and writer for Alive Magazine and Bodies Never Lie, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy. Natalie and her fellow campers enjoyed showing off the songs and dance skills they learned throughout the week.
 |
| Pre-party duel |
 | ||||||||||
All the kids loved jumping and crawling around Bob Cassilly's apple chairs. I think it would have made him happy.
|
But how?
Serendipidiously, Mark Curtin, a former ERS student came to visit Dr. R and happened to mention he was seeking Eagle Scout status.
Hmmm...you don't say?
About the same time, I contacted my friend/Webster Groves Garden Club member, Sarah Whitney, to see if her group had any grants available.
They did.
And, our proposed project was completely in line with their group's mission. It was truly wonderful because it offered an opportunity for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to work together. While Mark learned how to manage a team project and earned his wings, the girls devoted their time to learning all they could about gardening. Under the direction of, Sarah, they examined the proposed Buddy Bench areas to decide which flowers would be best suited for the therapeutic gardens that would hug each bench. They considered color, height and blooming seasons. They selected lavender and lilac for their sweet smelling properties and velvety leaved lamb's ear along with butterfly bushes to attract a fluttery friend or two.
We even
received a little press. I hope it serves to inspire more Scouts to build Buddy Benches on playgrounds across the planet!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Webster Groves Garden Club without whom none of this would have been possible.
And,
I'm happy to report that the Buddy Bench movement has
really gained momentum. Today five other countries now have benches and there are more than 300 confirmed benches in more than 40 states! Christian's parents now have a website
providing step by step instructions for other schools to attain a Buddy Bench.
 |
| The Dirty Knees Club |
 |
| This is one of my favorite cakes. I love Charlie Houska's art - so bright and fun. |
6/15/14 Happy Father's Day! My brother and I gathered our families to celebrate at our parent's house. With our Dad's birthday on the 19th - we also observed his special day with cake, ice cream and an exchange of gifts. Steve and I bought him a poker table topper and Brian taught us all to play Texas Hold 'Em. It was a good time but we learned a few things. 1. Jack has no poker face. 2. If we had a farm...Natalie would risk losing it any chance she got!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Building a Community of Friends...One Brick at a Time
Do you remember your child's first day of kindergarten?
...how that morning you entered into a sort of wrestling match as they fought you to get dressed. They begged to stay home and needed to be carried to the car --all the while kicking and screaming and undoing their seat belt as fast as you could belt them back in?
...how they held onto the back of the driver’s headrest with a death grip while you tried to yank them out of the car by their feet?
Remember doing that on the first day...on the second day and the 30th day?
Imagine if you had the desire, but lacked the skill to make it possible.
And on those days when my son, now almost 11 years old with normal intelligence and “high functioning autism” comes home and shares he is “lonely” and kids don’t “get him”…that he feels “stupid” – my heart sinks…
One solution to level the playing field and get kids who struggle “in the game” is to capitalize on a love children the world over share…
Settling In LEGO Challenge Ideas:
1. Divide children into pairs. Provide them with two bags containing 10 identical bricks and two LEGO plates. Instruct them to sit back to back. One child builds bricks onto his LEGO plate and then communicates where he placed each brick and the type of brick used to his partner. The goal is for the partners to end up with pieces that look identical to each other.
2. Have each child grab a handful of bricks. Then go around the room and for every brick the child has chosen, he has to share something about themselves. For example: their name, favorite food, favorite game to play, etc.
3. Have the kids try to move a LEGO mini-figure several floor tiles without touching the mini-figure. Provide some items for students to use such as: matchbox cars, sling shots, ramps and rubber bands.
4. Have each child grab a handful of bricks and see what their imagination builds – their design must include all bricks they grabbed.
LEGO Club Circle Talk Ideas:
For students K-2, the circle talk portion could begin with reading a short story related to the theme as a means to extend learning and invite questions and sharing among students.
For students 3-5th, circle talk may involve inviting a parent or someone from the community who works in a related field, share about their occupation and answer questions from the group. For example, if the club meeting theme is bridges -- invite an engineer to speak.
Additionally, circle talk could include a short slide show consisting of 10 or more images of LEGO creations that fit with a particular club meeting theme.
LEGO Club Themes/Book Ideas:
Transportation – planes, trains, automobiles, trucks, sailboats, submarines, ships
“Transportation inventions: from subways to submarines” by Sandra Will
“From the Model T to hybrid cars: how transportation has changed” by Jennifer Boothroyd
“Transportation inventions: moving our world forward” by Robert Walker
“Terrific transportation inventions” by Laura Hamilton Waxman
“Transportation planner” by Nel Yomtov
“Green ways of getting around: careers in transportation” by Diane Dakers
Animals – marine life, land animals, farm animals, wild versus domestic animals, service animals, therapy animals
“Service animals” by Julie Murray
“Therapy cats, dogs, and rabbits” by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
“Winter's tail : how one little dolphin learned to swim again” by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Craig Hatkoff
“Farm animals” by Wade Cooper
Space – planets, aliens, space ships, rockets, astronauts, stars
“Space – A visual encyclopedia”
“Space” by Alan Dyer
“Astronauts” by Carmen Bredeson
“Alien worlds: your guide to extraterrestrial life” by David A. Aguilar
Buildings & Bridges– skyscrapers, homes, stores, monuments, castles, treehouses
“Record breakers : the biggest” by Claire Llewellyn and Thea Feldman
“Iggy Peck, architect” by Andrea Beaty
“High-rise workers” by Tony Hyland
“First Food fight this Fall and Other School Poems” by Marilyn Singer
“Fun Food Inventions” by Nadia Higgins
“Middle Eastern Food” by Wendy Blaxland
“French Food” by Wendy Blaxland
“The food of Mexico” by Byron Augustin
“Buddy and the bunnies in Don't play with your Food” by Bob Shea
Seasonal – Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, Christmas tree, presents, snowman, penguin, flowers, jack ‘o lantern, witch, Frankenstein, hearts, apples, pumpkins, cornucopia
“Llama Llama Holiday Drama” by Anna Dewdney
“Trick or treat, Marley!” by John Grogan
“Five Little Monkeys Trick-or-Treat” by Eileen Christelow
“The Legend of the Candy Cane : the inspirational story of our favorite Christmas candy” by Lori Walburg
“Olivia and the Christmas Present” by Farrah McDoogle
“Charlie and the Christmas Kitty” by Ree Drummond
20 LEGO Bases $100
Two, 1000 piece LEGO mix sets $400
30 assorted LEGO mini-figures $ 90
Notebook/binder and color copies for documentation $ 40
and use with club meetings
Total $750
...how that morning you entered into a sort of wrestling match as they fought you to get dressed. They begged to stay home and needed to be carried to the car --all the while kicking and screaming and undoing their seat belt as fast as you could belt them back in?
...how they held onto the back of the driver’s headrest with a death grip while you tried to yank them out of the car by their feet?
Remember doing that on the first day...on the second day and the 30th day?
What?
Wait…you don’t recall doing that?
Ah…probably not.
But, for those of us raising a child on the Autism spectrum…it’s easy to remember days like that.
Chances are good when your child started school, it was YOU who was shedding tears as they stepped into a new developmental milestone without hardly a glance back. Unlike my son who has Autism, my neuro-typical daughter couldn’t wait to start kindergarten and barely let me stop the car before she was racing ahead through the school doors without me.
As a parent I can provide for my children’s basic needs – I can feed and clothe them. I can give them a home…a safe haven, but when you have a child who lacks the skills or confidence with navigating social circles…who has trouble recognizing facial cues – such as noticing when someone begins to look away while you are talking, it is a hint they may not be interested in learning about the names and functions of all the droids featured in Star Wars the Clone Wars.
Engaging in reciprocal language…small talk –
is no small feat. Which makes it difficult to grow and reach
the next level as shown in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: BELONGING. It is an intrinsic desire and the heart of
what makes us human. Wait…you don’t recall doing that?
Ah…probably not.
But, for those of us raising a child on the Autism spectrum…it’s easy to remember days like that.
Chances are good when your child started school, it was YOU who was shedding tears as they stepped into a new developmental milestone without hardly a glance back. Unlike my son who has Autism, my neuro-typical daughter couldn’t wait to start kindergarten and barely let me stop the car before she was racing ahead through the school doors without me.
As a parent I can provide for my children’s basic needs – I can feed and clothe them. I can give them a home…a safe haven, but when you have a child who lacks the skills or confidence with navigating social circles…who has trouble recognizing facial cues – such as noticing when someone begins to look away while you are talking, it is a hint they may not be interested in learning about the names and functions of all the droids featured in Star Wars the Clone Wars.
Imagine if you had the desire, but lacked the skill to make it possible.
And on those days when my son, now almost 11 years old with normal intelligence and “high functioning autism” comes home and shares he is “lonely” and kids don’t “get him”…that he feels “stupid” – my heart sinks…
While he receives language support from a
licensed Speech & Language Therapist there is no substitute for the real
world. The challenge is finding an arena. I know we are not alone – there are many children who do not even have a
diagnosis, but struggle with making friends.
Maybe they are shy. Maybe they
lack the coordination or desire to play team sports…which is tough when sports seems
to be one of the most popular ways for children to strengthen social skills and
solidify friendships. While high school offers many after school clubs...there are few options for elementary school children.
One solution to level the playing field and get kids who struggle “in the game” is to capitalize on a love children the world over share…
LEGOS!
Who knew something so simple could not only rein as a top toy for more than 50 years, but offer dozens upon dozens of cooperative learning opportunities for children.
How
popular? Did you know?Who knew something so simple could not only rein as a top toy for more than 50 years, but offer dozens upon dozens of cooperative learning opportunities for children.
· The LEGO company
estimates that
some five billion hours a year are spent playing with them and believe that on average, every person on the earth
owns 86 LEGO bricks!
· In 2012, 45.7 billion LEGO bricks were produced at a rate of 5.2 million per hour. · Laid end to end, the number of LEGO bricks sold in 2012 would stretch round the world more than 18 times. · The first mini-figure was produced in 1978. Since then more than 4 billion have been made – making it the world’s largest population group! A few weeks ago I became a finalist for a grant to fund a start-up LEGO Club at my children's school. I didn't receive the grant, but haven't given up hope. Please contact me at andrea at therapyonwry dot com if you know of another organization interested in funding this sort of project. Proposed LEGO Club Model: Monthly or twice monthly after-school meetings Meetings lasting 60-75 minutes, that revolve around a theme One facilitator, three parent volunteers per group of 15-20 students Meeting components: settling-in challenge – 10 minutes circle talk - 15 minutes building time – 30 minutes student presentation – 15 minutes clean-up – 5 minutes Popularity would dictate whether more than one group is needed, if so groups would be divided by grades and would require more volunteers. The program would be billed as a creative social outlet for all students as a means to build confidence, team building and expand learning experiences. I would coordinate with a teacher and our school librarian to conduct LEGO Club and showcase creations in the library each month. In time, and as the group matures and develops - I would love to see the older groups create stop action animation PSAs using LEGO mini-figures to promote everything from healthy eating to anti-bullying. The sky is the limit. |
1. Divide children into pairs. Provide them with two bags containing 10 identical bricks and two LEGO plates. Instruct them to sit back to back. One child builds bricks onto his LEGO plate and then communicates where he placed each brick and the type of brick used to his partner. The goal is for the partners to end up with pieces that look identical to each other.
2. Have each child grab a handful of bricks. Then go around the room and for every brick the child has chosen, he has to share something about themselves. For example: their name, favorite food, favorite game to play, etc.
3. Have the kids try to move a LEGO mini-figure several floor tiles without touching the mini-figure. Provide some items for students to use such as: matchbox cars, sling shots, ramps and rubber bands.
4. Have each child grab a handful of bricks and see what their imagination builds – their design must include all bricks they grabbed.
5. Sort out an identical set of LEGO pieces
for each student and watch how each one comes up with a unique creation.
6. See who can build the tallest tower in 5 minutes.
7. Take pictures of simple LEGO structures,
and have the children try to duplicate it. You can also do it step-by-step. Or,
do one as a race.
8. Students form a circle and are each given 5 LEGO pieces. The first child has 10 seconds to build something with his 5 pieces and when the timer goes off, pass it to their right and the next child builds upon the first child's creation with their 5 pieces, until all children have added on their pieces.
9.
Give each child a LEGO base and ask them to try and create their name in LEGOS.8. Students form a circle and are each given 5 LEGO pieces. The first child has 10 seconds to build something with his 5 pieces and when the timer goes off, pass it to their right and the next child builds upon the first child's creation with their 5 pieces, until all children have added on their pieces.
LEGO Club Circle Talk Ideas:
For students K-2, the circle talk portion could begin with reading a short story related to the theme as a means to extend learning and invite questions and sharing among students.
For students 3-5th, circle talk may involve inviting a parent or someone from the community who works in a related field, share about their occupation and answer questions from the group. For example, if the club meeting theme is bridges -- invite an engineer to speak.
Additionally, circle talk could include a short slide show consisting of 10 or more images of LEGO creations that fit with a particular club meeting theme.
LEGO Club Themes/Book Ideas:
Transportation – planes, trains, automobiles, trucks, sailboats, submarines, ships
“Transportation inventions: from subways to submarines” by Sandra Will
“From the Model T to hybrid cars: how transportation has changed” by Jennifer Boothroyd
“Transportation inventions: moving our world forward” by Robert Walker
“Terrific transportation inventions” by Laura Hamilton Waxman
“Transportation planner” by Nel Yomtov
“Green ways of getting around: careers in transportation” by Diane Dakers
Animals – marine life, land animals, farm animals, wild versus domestic animals, service animals, therapy animals
“Service animals” by Julie Murray
“Therapy cats, dogs, and rabbits” by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
“Winter's tail : how one little dolphin learned to swim again” by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Craig Hatkoff
“Farm animals” by Wade Cooper
Space – planets, aliens, space ships, rockets, astronauts, stars
“Space – A visual encyclopedia”
“Space” by Alan Dyer
“Astronauts” by Carmen Bredeson
“Alien worlds: your guide to extraterrestrial life” by David A. Aguilar
Buildings & Bridges– skyscrapers, homes, stores, monuments, castles, treehouses
“Record breakers : the biggest” by Claire Llewellyn and Thea Feldman
“Iggy Peck, architect” by Andrea Beaty
“High-rise workers” by Tony Hyland
“First Food fight this Fall and Other School Poems” by Marilyn Singer
“Fun Food Inventions” by Nadia Higgins
“Middle Eastern Food” by Wendy Blaxland
“French Food” by Wendy Blaxland
“The food of Mexico” by Byron Augustin
“Buddy and the bunnies in Don't play with your Food” by Bob Shea
Seasonal – Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, Christmas tree, presents, snowman, penguin, flowers, jack ‘o lantern, witch, Frankenstein, hearts, apples, pumpkins, cornucopia
“Llama Llama Holiday Drama” by Anna Dewdney
“Trick or treat, Marley!” by John Grogan
“Five Little Monkeys Trick-or-Treat” by Eileen Christelow
“The Legend of the Candy Cane : the inspirational story of our favorite Christmas candy” by Lori Walburg
“Olivia and the Christmas Present” by Farrah McDoogle
“Charlie and the Christmas Kitty” by Ree Drummond
Dinosaurs –
“How do dinosaurs eat their food?” by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
“If Dinosaurs Lived in My Town” by Marianne Plumridge
“Dinosaurs Roar, Butterflies Soar!” by Bob Barner
“Dinosaurs Galore!” by Giles Andreae
“Edwina, the Dinosaur who didn't Know she was Extinct” by Mo Willems
“How do dinosaurs eat their food?” by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
“If Dinosaurs Lived in My Town” by Marianne Plumridge
“Dinosaurs Roar, Butterflies Soar!” by Bob Barner
“Dinosaurs Galore!” by Giles Andreae
“Edwina, the Dinosaur who didn't Know she was Extinct” by Mo Willems
Proposed Budget (to support 30-40 club members)
Two, LEGO Storage Towers $120 20 LEGO Bases $100
Two, 1000 piece LEGO mix sets $400
30 assorted LEGO mini-figures $ 90
Notebook/binder and color copies for documentation $ 40
and use with club meetings
Total $750
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| Clones and aliens mixing it up and cheering on the little boy trying to reach the next level. Belonging: It takes a village |
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Strength in Numbers
Five years ago...
We discovered Action for Autism St. Louis -- a newly formed organization dedicated to helping families like ours, affected by autism. At the time Noah was in kindergarten and either melting down or shutting down nearly every day. Initially I was nervous to meet with the founders to discuss Noah's challenges and our family's circumstances. However, within the first few minutes of talking to AFA President, Brad Buechler and VP, Sheila Charlton, I felt my anxiety slip away. During that interview, I learned they not only talked the talk...but they walked it, too. Two of Buechler's grandchildren are affected by autism.
Five years ago...
Statistics showed that one in 110 children had an autism spectrum disorder.
Today...
Statistics show that one in 88 children have an autism spectrum disorder.
Today...
My family and I were among more than 250 people who came out to participate in Action for Autism's 5th Annual Family Fun Walk. Since 2009 we've enjoyed the tradition of having our picture taken next to the foot marker featuring Noah's sweet freckled face. We look forward to devouring pancakes and a generous helping of egg casserole and fresh-squeezed orange juice, compliments of The Original Pancake House. We celebrate how far Noah has come and with each step...we realize how grateful we are for this group of caring people.
A special thank you to all of our family and friends who made a donation to Action for Autism. This year you helped us raise $962! So much good will come from your generosity. We know...because we've experienced it firsthand.
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| A bit jealous at seeing Noah's face on the foot marker...Natalie asked, "When I grow up will I have austism?" |
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| Way Cool Balloons enertained the kids with, well...you know -- way cool stuff. |
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Know It All
Okay...I admit it. I can be a bit of a "know it all". But, in my defense, I always try to use my powers for good. I love nothing more than to help a friend -- whether it's finding the best deals for "back to school" supplies, sharing where free family events are happening in our area or providing the name of a trustworthy plumber. In fact, I actually enjoy coming up with creative solutions...for other people's problems.
So...your kid is 4 years old and will only poop while wearing a pull-up? Have you tried having him/her wear one while sitting on the toilet (but don't let on that you've cut a hole in the bottom of their pull-up?)
So...you've forgotten to play tooth fairy and now your kid is a crying heap? May I offer up some reasons for a tardy tooth fairy: perhaps her wing got tangled in a cobweb, or maybe she got caught in a rainstorm and can't fly with wet wings, or you've heard on the news that the price of glitter has skyrocketed -- forcing many fairies to use grasshoppers and dragonflies to complete their tooth missions. But, those silly bugs can be so unreliable!
My bestest bud, who always follows recipes to the letter, calls me when her cupboards don't hold all the ingredients she needs. I am a maven-at-making-do. While another friend likes to challenge my party planning capabilities. A typical instant message from her on a Saturday morning, "Andrea - I have 15 family members in town for the weekend -- I need a plan!"
I love it!
What I don't love? Not having all the answers for my own dang problems. Sometimes I'm such a hypocrite. I tell my kids - if you don't ask for what you need, how can you expect others to help you? Sigh...I'm still a work in progress with this.
In the fall of 2008, I began a journey in asking for help from others. At the time, I was at an impasse -- I felt like I'd exhausted all of my resources in terms of books, teachers, therapists and what I could physically do for Noah. I was in a race, not only to reduce the gap between him and his peers, but also to close the emotional distance occurring in my marriage in part to the added stress. I was introduced to Action for Autism St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization created to help families fill in some of the gaps. They offer financial support to families seeking therapies, summer camps and social skills classes not otherwise covered by insurance, but very much needed to address their children's developmental delays.
And, thanks to the generosity of people like you -- who have supported Action for Autism St. Louis and other charities like it -- children are thriving. Though Noah still has a long road ahead of him, his future and that of more than 200 children helped by Action for Autism, is also brighter.
On Saturday, August 24th, our family will be participating in Action for Autism's 5th Annual Family Fun Walk & Kid's Carnival to help give back to an organization that has given so much to us. If you are interested in joining us email me at andrea at therapyonwry dot com Cost is $25 per person and includes a t-shirt and pancake breakfast compliments of The Pancake House. Our family's fun walk goal is to raise $500 to help more children with developmental disabilities in our community. If you would like to make a donation, message me or make a secure, online donation here. Please put "Felgenhauer" in the comments section.
Thank you.
So...your kid is 4 years old and will only poop while wearing a pull-up? Have you tried having him/her wear one while sitting on the toilet (but don't let on that you've cut a hole in the bottom of their pull-up?)
So...you've forgotten to play tooth fairy and now your kid is a crying heap? May I offer up some reasons for a tardy tooth fairy: perhaps her wing got tangled in a cobweb, or maybe she got caught in a rainstorm and can't fly with wet wings, or you've heard on the news that the price of glitter has skyrocketed -- forcing many fairies to use grasshoppers and dragonflies to complete their tooth missions. But, those silly bugs can be so unreliable!
My bestest bud, who always follows recipes to the letter, calls me when her cupboards don't hold all the ingredients she needs. I am a maven-at-making-do. While another friend likes to challenge my party planning capabilities. A typical instant message from her on a Saturday morning, "Andrea - I have 15 family members in town for the weekend -- I need a plan!"
I love it!
What I don't love? Not having all the answers for my own dang problems. Sometimes I'm such a hypocrite. I tell my kids - if you don't ask for what you need, how can you expect others to help you? Sigh...I'm still a work in progress with this.
In the fall of 2008, I began a journey in asking for help from others. At the time, I was at an impasse -- I felt like I'd exhausted all of my resources in terms of books, teachers, therapists and what I could physically do for Noah. I was in a race, not only to reduce the gap between him and his peers, but also to close the emotional distance occurring in my marriage in part to the added stress. I was introduced to Action for Autism St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization created to help families fill in some of the gaps. They offer financial support to families seeking therapies, summer camps and social skills classes not otherwise covered by insurance, but very much needed to address their children's developmental delays.
And, thanks to the generosity of people like you -- who have supported Action for Autism St. Louis and other charities like it -- children are thriving. Though Noah still has a long road ahead of him, his future and that of more than 200 children helped by Action for Autism, is also brighter.
On Saturday, August 24th, our family will be participating in Action for Autism's 5th Annual Family Fun Walk & Kid's Carnival to help give back to an organization that has given so much to us. If you are interested in joining us email me at andrea at therapyonwry dot com Cost is $25 per person and includes a t-shirt and pancake breakfast compliments of The Pancake House. Our family's fun walk goal is to raise $500 to help more children with developmental disabilities in our community. If you would like to make a donation, message me or make a secure, online donation here. Please put "Felgenhauer" in the comments section.
Thank you.
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| "We're finishers!" said Natalie 2012 AFA Family Fun Walk |
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| Noah proudly shows off his medal 2011 AFA Family Fun Walk |
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| Our family was chosen to help lead the walk. 2010 AFA Family Fun Walk |
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| Stopping to give thanks and admire Noah's picture featured on one of the mile markers. 2009 AFA Family Fun Walk |
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| My team...my family...my everything 2009 AFA Family Fun Walk |
Sunday, June 9, 2013
I Believe I Can Fly
I am not a quitter by any stretch of the imagination. Once I begin a project -- I see it through to the end. No matter how much blood, sweat and tears are required. My biggest roadblock is often in the starting. As a parent, raising a child with special needs, I'm conditioned to come up with creative ways to help my child learn and do all the things I see his peers doing. But sometimes, the road stretched before me seems all uphill.
It's those times that I'm reminded of the words from American Poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson:
"We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision."
And, it's also about this time I must remind my hard-headed self that I'm not supposed to be doing this alone.
A couple of months ago Noah's occupational therapist asked me why Noah wasn't riding a bike. Her question caught me off guard and I responded with something like, "Are you crazy?"
Seriously, we're talking about a kid who regularly stubs his toe or bumps his head walking from his bedroom to the kitchen. The idea of teaching him to ride a bike on two wheels seemed like a prescription for an ER visit. But, then she told me about a program called "I Can Shine" (formally known as Lose the Training Wheels). I was hesitant, but decided to investigate the program. When I went online I learned that together the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL) and the Lydia Faith Cox Foundation would be hosting the five day bike camp in my area. I spoke with Erin Suelmann, DSAGSL's Program Director, who shared some encouraging stats...the "I Can Shine" program boasts an 80% success rate.
I liked those odds.
The program costs $150 but because of the generosity of both the DSAGSL and the Lydia Faith Cox Foundation, included a brand new bike and custom-fitted helmet for each camper.
On the first day Noah was a little apprehensive. "Why are we doing this?" he asked.
"Because it's going to be great! YOU are going to learn to ride a bike!"
Noah was really worried about falling. I assured him that he would have two spotters, one on either side of him, who would be making sure he was safe. Camp was held at South Technical High School in Sunset Hills. After we signed in and he received his official "I Can Shine" t-shirt, we headed over to the bike helmet-fitting area. Two representatives from Children's Hospital were on hand to make sure each camper had a perfectly fit helmet. While Noah waited in line, he was introduced to Steph and Heather, the two volunteers who would be spotting and cheering Noah on all week. Immediately, Steph began breaking the ice by finding ways to interject Star Wars into their conversations. I'd forgotten that earlier, when I'd initially signed Noah up for camp, that I had provided them with a list of Noah's likes.
I breathed a sigh.
We were off to a good start. After Noah received his helmet, the three of them headed to the gym and the team put Noah on one of their special "roller bikes". Each roller bike has been handcrafted and designed by retired, mechanical engineering professor and program founder, Richard Klein. That first day, I watched Noah's confidence grow with each lap he made around the gym -- all the while his two spotters were running alongside him -- laughing and eager to listen to Noah share his vast knowledge of Star Wars trivia during the 75 minute session.
That evening at dinner, when it was Noah's turn to say what he was thankful for, he shared, "I'm thankful for bike camp."
I pushed down the lump that had suddenly taken over all the space in my throat and squeaked, "me too."
The next day, Noah was excited about going to camp and eagerly jumped on a bike. By day three, he was up on two wheels! Between running (literally) his spotters ragged as he pedaled with more confidence and speed!...Noah really enjoyed leaving his mark as he squeezed his brakes hard to make tire tracks at the end of the straightway.
"How long was that one?" he inquired.
Boys...everything is a competition.
Day four was devoted to turning. He fell once and I held my breath but kept my feet planted to the spot as the volunteers were quick to get Noah back up on his bike to try...try again.
As I watched Noah ride and Steve snap enough pictures for us to create a stop action movie...I spent a little time talking to Suzie Risher, founder of the Lydia Faith Cox Foundation, named after her daughter who died three years ago.
I marveled at this woman. She could have easily (and I wouldn't blame her a bit!) curled up and let her grief swallow her up. I cannot imagine a grief larger than when a parent loses a child. But, she didn't. And, because of her vision to see beyond today and even tomorrow --she has given myself and many other parents the opportunity to watch our children soar.
I believe Lydia's spirit was with us at camp, giving each one of our children invisible wings...now it's up to us not to clip them with thoughts of doubt.
Today, after another successful ride with his Dad, Noah came in to tell me that he rode down our hill for the first time..."and I went FAST!" He told me he kept thinking, "I believe I can fly."
Suzie is hoping to grow her camp so as to offer, twice as many children the opportunity to learn to ride a bike. More money and more volunteers are needed. She is always looking for bike spotters. Children as young as 12 can work as spotters when riders are starting out on the roller bikes. However, spotters must be at least 16 to work with riders who have moved outside the gym training area and are up on two wheels. To find out about ways you can help support this charity, please visit the Lydia Faith Cox Family Foundation website.
Visit the I Can Shine website to learn more about programs happening in your area or to host a program yourself.
It's those times that I'm reminded of the words from American Poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson:
"We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision."
And, it's also about this time I must remind my hard-headed self that I'm not supposed to be doing this alone.
A couple of months ago Noah's occupational therapist asked me why Noah wasn't riding a bike. Her question caught me off guard and I responded with something like, "Are you crazy?"
Seriously, we're talking about a kid who regularly stubs his toe or bumps his head walking from his bedroom to the kitchen. The idea of teaching him to ride a bike on two wheels seemed like a prescription for an ER visit. But, then she told me about a program called "I Can Shine" (formally known as Lose the Training Wheels). I was hesitant, but decided to investigate the program. When I went online I learned that together the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL) and the Lydia Faith Cox Foundation would be hosting the five day bike camp in my area. I spoke with Erin Suelmann, DSAGSL's Program Director, who shared some encouraging stats...the "I Can Shine" program boasts an 80% success rate.
I liked those odds.
The program costs $150 but because of the generosity of both the DSAGSL and the Lydia Faith Cox Foundation, included a brand new bike and custom-fitted helmet for each camper.
On the first day Noah was a little apprehensive. "Why are we doing this?" he asked.
"Because it's going to be great! YOU are going to learn to ride a bike!"
Noah was really worried about falling. I assured him that he would have two spotters, one on either side of him, who would be making sure he was safe. Camp was held at South Technical High School in Sunset Hills. After we signed in and he received his official "I Can Shine" t-shirt, we headed over to the bike helmet-fitting area. Two representatives from Children's Hospital were on hand to make sure each camper had a perfectly fit helmet. While Noah waited in line, he was introduced to Steph and Heather, the two volunteers who would be spotting and cheering Noah on all week. Immediately, Steph began breaking the ice by finding ways to interject Star Wars into their conversations. I'd forgotten that earlier, when I'd initially signed Noah up for camp, that I had provided them with a list of Noah's likes.
I breathed a sigh.
We were off to a good start. After Noah received his helmet, the three of them headed to the gym and the team put Noah on one of their special "roller bikes". Each roller bike has been handcrafted and designed by retired, mechanical engineering professor and program founder, Richard Klein. That first day, I watched Noah's confidence grow with each lap he made around the gym -- all the while his two spotters were running alongside him -- laughing and eager to listen to Noah share his vast knowledge of Star Wars trivia during the 75 minute session.
 |
| Day 1 was centered on developing trust and growing confidence |
I pushed down the lump that had suddenly taken over all the space in my throat and squeaked, "me too."
The next day, Noah was excited about going to camp and eagerly jumped on a bike. By day three, he was up on two wheels! Between running (literally) his spotters ragged as he pedaled with more confidence and speed!...Noah really enjoyed leaving his mark as he squeezed his brakes hard to make tire tracks at the end of the straightway.
"How long was that one?" he inquired.
Boys...everything is a competition.
Day four was devoted to turning. He fell once and I held my breath but kept my feet planted to the spot as the volunteers were quick to get Noah back up on his bike to try...try again.
 |
| Steph and Zack had to work hard to keep up with my little speed demon. |
I marveled at this woman. She could have easily (and I wouldn't blame her a bit!) curled up and let her grief swallow her up. I cannot imagine a grief larger than when a parent loses a child. But, she didn't. And, because of her vision to see beyond today and even tomorrow --she has given myself and many other parents the opportunity to watch our children soar.
I believe Lydia's spirit was with us at camp, giving each one of our children invisible wings...now it's up to us not to clip them with thoughts of doubt.
Today, after another successful ride with his Dad, Noah came in to tell me that he rode down our hill for the first time..."and I went FAST!" He told me he kept thinking, "I believe I can fly."
Suzie is hoping to grow her camp so as to offer, twice as many children the opportunity to learn to ride a bike. More money and more volunteers are needed. She is always looking for bike spotters. Children as young as 12 can work as spotters when riders are starting out on the roller bikes. However, spotters must be at least 16 to work with riders who have moved outside the gym training area and are up on two wheels. To find out about ways you can help support this charity, please visit the Lydia Faith Cox Family Foundation website.
Visit the I Can Shine website to learn more about programs happening in your area or to host a program yourself.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Blue & Gold Banquet 2013
On February 9th we attended Noah's first Blue & Gold Banquet. Held at the Masonic Temple in Webster Groves, the circus themed room pulsed with testosterone and the smell of fried chicken. The kids and I met Steve there as he was in charge of picking up 300 pieces of King Edward's finest for the event. It was a fun evening punctuated with lots of laughs thanks to our entertainer, Juggling Jeff. But, the best part was seeing the look on Noah's face when he heard his name called during the award ceremony. As it turns out, you don't have to build the fastest car to win at Pinewood Derby. Noah earned a 1st place trophy for his entry in the category of "Original Design".
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| Smorgasbord of side dishes. |
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| Juggling Jeff is always a good time. |
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| Each den was charged with making a cake for the cake decorating contest. This one was done by Noah's group. I can only imagine what the poor Den mother's kitchen looked like after a dozen boys had been through it. |
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| Noah looks a bit shellshocked. |
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| The A Team |
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| Noah with his buddy, Jacob |
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