| We hope your break was as awesome as it gets, filled with rest, rejuvenation, and all the good vibes. Now, if you're anything like me, you probably did some serious self-reflection, decided to shake things up a bit, and started some new habits on January 1st. I've chatted with friends rocking Dry January, embracing new diets, hitting the gym on the reg, or committing to daily journaling and nature escapades. Big cheers to all of us for taking on these new goals.
What if we slip up? What if we reach for that drink, miss a day of journaling, or skip the workout? Well, we play by the same rules we teach our kids and students. We don't let a stumble bring us down. We own it, learn from it, and get to try again. Here are some tips we give to our students and advice we need to remind ourselves about as we work on our goals.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-blame. Understand that mistakes are a part of the learning process.
- Remember that Set-Backs are Temporary: Setbacks do not define your overall journey. Acknowledge that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities.
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Create a Plan: Develop a plan to move forward. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Stay Persistent: Maintain your commitment to your goals. Persistence is often key to overcoming obstacles.
- Celebrate Progress: Celebrate small victories and progress along the way. Recognize that achieving a goal is often a series of steps.
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Use Failure as Motivation: Let failure fuel your determination to succeed. Use it as motivation to strive for improvement.
So here's to embracing the journey, rocking the resilience, and making 2024 our year of growth and success. SENIA peeps, you've got this! Cheers to us! Lori Boll SENIA International Executive Director Friendly Reminder: We have lots to share in our newsletter. When you see 3 dots, be sure to click "see more" so you don't miss out on anything.
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Have you switched departments? Transferred to a new school? Moved to a new country? Ensure we make the move with you by updating your contact details today! |
For more details about local events, please see the Local Chapter Facebook Group for your area. |
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| SENIA Vietnam: Designing for Inclusion March 1 - 3, 2024
International School Ho Chi Minh City |
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There is just 1 week left to register, and spots are filling fast! If you need a hand getting approval, try using this template to convince your boss. Learn more about what's included in your ticket and sign up here:
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Last weekend SENIA Cambodia helped host the 2nd annual Cambodia International Educator’s Conference (CIEC). During our keynote addresses it was fantastic to have Hannah Peters from SENIA International speak about the importance of inclusion, encouraging us to be the best we can be for a more inclusive world. The conference had over 300 delegates, half of which were Cambodian nationals. We had 13 workshops associated with the SENIA inclusion stream alone. Over lunch we hosted a ‘provider’s expo’, where seven providers of inclusive support were able to talk to delegates about the different services they offer. There was also a SENIA Cambodia table and many new connections were made. It was a privilege to have been part of an event that was so dedicated to learning together.
~ Submitted by Lex Hamilton |
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Come celebrate the SENIA Student Award and Honorary Award Winners for 2023. |
SENIA World Changer Award |
Join us in celebrating our 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipients |
Could you be a SENIA World Changer? Think about nominating someone today. |
SENIA Certification Scholarship |
SENIA Outreach Scholarship |
The SENIA Outreach Scholarship honors an individual or group who has a project with a financial need that will have a measurable impact in helping to promote inclusion in a current SENIA community. It celebrates the achievements of neurodiverse and disabled individuals, encourages awareness of the abilities and aspirations of neurodiverse and disabled individuals, and advocates for a more inclusive world. |
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In this 83rd episode of the SENIA Happy Hour Podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Max Simpson. Max has demonstrated a proven track record in the inclusion space from establishing 3 vocational training centers, modelling 11 inclusive and sustainable social businesses, and delivering essential consultancy services to organizations seeking enhanced inclusivity. Earlier this year, Max inaugurated a research center dedicated to advancing knowledge in this domain. A fervent advocate for the business case for disability and neuro-inclusion, Max extends an invitation to potential partners to collaborate on a shared mission of fostering an inclusive society.
In today’s podcast Max shares about an exciting collaboration between Steps, a vocational training program they founded in Bangkok Thailand, and St. Andrew’s 107, an international school in the area. Once you hear about this program, you’ll immediately want to start one at your school. |
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SENIA Youth representative, Sander van der Velden, composed a thoughtful piece about his school's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. An excerpt of Sander's piece is included here:
I’m in 11th grade at the United Nations International School, in Hanoi Vietnam. UNIS’ vision is that our learning community will be an inspirational role model for a better world. As a founding member of the SENIA International Youth Board, I am proud to be taking action to create an inclusive world for us all to live in.
My school’s HS drama department just put on a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. This play depicts Christopher/Christina (depending on the actor playing the role), a 15-year-old with an amazing brain, and their detective expedition to investigate the mystery death of Wellington, the neighbor's dog. This production was recommended for students from Grade 6 and above.
The school leadership discussed putting this play on with various community stakeholders, including the Parents’ Association’s Neurodiverse Families’ group, which supports caregivers of neurodivergent students to connect, exchange ideas, knowledge and stories, and provide each other with support, as well as SENIA Vietnam. Dr Jeff Leppard, our Secondary School principal said, “As a school, it is important that our students be able to put on a play that represents neurodiverse people, and it was equally important we ensure that the production not suggest that neurodivergent people are all alike and that our protagonist is merely one example of the beautiful variety and complexity of people.”
Please click the link below to continue reading the full article. |
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Why should your school become a SENIA Member School? |
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Annual Consultations with our Board Experts |
| | | | Share Employment Opportunities |
| Discounts on in-person events |
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What We Are Reading Mathematics for Dyslexics and Dyscalculics -
A Teaching Handbook by Steve Chinn and Richard Ashcroft |
Dyslexia is a way of describing how a brain works that comes with gifts such as creativity and highly developed holistic inspection abilities. It is also associated with challenges developing literacy skills. Yet, its impacts on mathematical development is an often overlooked area.
Steve Chinn and Richard Ashcroft’s 2017 4th edition of Mathematics for Dyslexics and Dyscalculics - A Teaching Handbook is an excellent resource for practitioners. Both general education Math Teachers and Learning Support Teachers will find useful insight and strategies in this comprehensive resource. The text has been around for many years but the new edition offers some important updates from the field.
It begins with a theoretical framework for understanding what dyslexia and dyscalculia is and how these might contribute to learning challenges in maths, approaches to testing and diagnosis, and an overview of current approaches to mathematical instruction. Some may find these first chapters a bit dense. Feel free to skim through if this does not suit your current interests.
Chapters 5-15 delve into specific aspects of the maths curriculum, e.g. the concept of number, time, fractions, etc. It identifies the types of challenges that an individual with dyscalculia or dyslexia might have with that topic, breaks it down, and offers strategies for successful instruction and intervention in that area. These are chapters that one can dip in and out of as you are planning to engage in that concept with your students. |
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The final chapters address some big ideas around problem solving and error analysis and correction as well as developing a comprehensive approaches to teaching and the curriculum. It is an excellent resource for both understanding why our students might be experiencing some of the challenges in maths that we commonly observe and how we might approach to reducing those barriers to understanding.
Whether a novice teacher or a more experienced educator, you will surely find some new strategies, insights, or approaches to helping our students find success in developing their mathematical thinking. I know that I did.
~ Reviewed by Laura Cox |
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What We Are Watching ChatGPT Masterclass:
Reimagining IBDP Assessments and Feedback by Toddle |
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Educators consistently grapple with the multifaceted challenges of delivering meaningful feedback, creating purposeful classroom assessment opportunities, and developing assessments that cater to the diverse needs of all learners. To address these complexities, Toddle presents a 60-minute session featuring the expertise of ChatGPT 3.5 (now upgraded to version 4.0). This session delves into various assessment areas, including:
Designing exam-style assessments in practice: encompassing essay writing, diverse writing tasks, short and long-answer questions (with stimulus material), and multiple-choice formats Formative assessment ideas: engaging activities like Escape Room challenges, Misconception checks, and subject-specific skill assessments Scaffolding: simplifying definitions and summaries, incorporating vocabulary exercises tailored to specific reading levels, providing translations, and offering scaffolding strategies for Extended Essay
Although this session is focused on the IB continuum, it offers suggestions and ideas that can be applicable to any curriculum. Facilitators note the importance of the teacher’s expertise in this process. Teachers know their content and most importantly, their students, best and must ensure content is appropriate and helpful for students in their class.
Explore this invaluable session by clicking the button below to access the recording. ~ Reviewed by Emily Easterday |
Level 1 Educator Certification & Coursework |
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Next Course Begins February 12th |
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| This coursework is perfect for the beginning to intermediate level Learning Support teacher or general educators who want to learn more about supporting students with learning differences. We've had parents participate and have gotten good feedback from them as well. Take one course or all six. Educators who take all six earn a SENIA Level One Educator certification. Sign up for all 6 courses now and get one course free. |
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Teaching Assistant Certification |
Are you ready to supercharge your impact in the classroom? Step into the world of SENIA's Teaching Assistant Certification Course! Unleash your passion for empowering students and unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and skills. Delve into the fascinating history of inclusive practices, unravel the mysteries of educational diagnoses, and become a pro at data collection and confidentiality. Master the art of behavior management, discover the secret sauce for positive transitions and routines, and become a friendship-building guru.
Are you up for the challenge? Join the SENIA Teaching Assistant Certification Course and embark on an unforgettable learning adventure. Let's make a lasting impact in the lives of our amazing students! |
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Want regular updates on SENIA Academy? Join our mailing list. Bonus: Sign up for the SENIA Academy mailing list and we'll share 6 hands-on tips for using AI as an Educator! |
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Remfrey Educational Consulting |
Our Spring Semester courses are right around the corner and we’d love for you to join our next cohort of passionate educational professionals.
Kyle, a learning support teacher in Paris, France, recently graduated from our MARIO Educator Level 1 Course in December. Here’s what he shared about his course experience: |
We invite you to join other educators, like Kyle, on this learning journey with us. Sign up for our MARIO Educator Level 1 or Assistant Level 1 course today to reserve your spot! |
Lindamood-Bell believes that all children and adults can learn to read and comprehend to their potential. With evidence-based sensory-cognitive instruction, learning challenges like dyslexia need not be a lifelong struggle. On our latest podcast, Jacquelyn, a 17-year-old learning disability advocate, shares her transformative journey of overcoming dyslexia and dyscalculia. The episode explores her perseverance, academic achievements, and the value of evidence-based instruction on her journey. Click the button below to listen on Lindamood-Bell Radio.
Lindamood-Bell offers professional development workshops in reading, comprehension, and math for teachers, parents, and educators. We are thrilled to participate in SENIA’s conference in March. Visit our booth and enter to win a free workshop and program kit! |
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Webinar Invitation
"Learn to Teach Executive Functions"
Join us for a free webinar on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Mitch is presenting on how to teach executive functions. There are two time slots to choose from, 9:00 am PST (5:00 pm GMT) or 3:00 pm PST (11:00 pm GMT). Click the button below to reserve your spot. |
Changing Perspectives specializes in providing customizable services to educators, school leaders, and educational communities to create equitable, empathetic, and inclusive learning environments. We offer a range of services, including online curriculum resources, professional development training, family workshops, virtual coaching, and on-site visits to help integrate different communities and ensure the best possible outcomes. |
Accessibility notice: At SENIA, we are working towards making all of our spaces and materials more accessible for all of our community. Should you require any accommodations to ensure resources or events are fully accessible to you, or if you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Hannah Peters at hannah@seniainternational.org.
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