Asperger's in My Classroom ( 1 PLU) -
Just 20 years ago, we didn't see students with Asperger's Syndrome in our classrooms. But today, we teach children with Asperger's Syndrome right alongside their neurotypical peers. Reaching and teaching these students requires a delicate balancing act: understanding how their brains are wired, helping them turn challenges into opportunities, and learning to enjoy the rich perspective they bring to the classroom. If you've ever had a student who blurted out in class, screamed when someone patted his or her shoulder, or rocked back and forth in the chair, you'll appreciate the lessons ahead. We'll discover the neurobiology behind these disorders and the way it affects students' behavior, learning, and thinking. Most important, you'll learn creative, easy strategies to help these children succeed in the classroom and beyond. Participants will develop the skills to counter these students' social awkwardness, sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, problems with homework completion, language reciprocity issues, and fixations. Even if you don't have a student with high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome in your class this year, these strategies will equip you to deal with any student who exhibits these characteristics on a regular basis.

It Makes Sense (1 PLU)-
Basic information about sensory integration can be helpful for both teachers and the students they teach in their classrooms. It is easy to imagine how difficult life is for those who cannot hear or cannot see adequately. It is more difficult to imagine what it must be like for those who are unable to understand what they hear and see. It is more difficult still to imagine what it is like for those who cannot understand the input they get from their tactile (sense of touch) and vestibular (movement and gravity) systems. Children, even very young children, must be able to take in information through all channels and perform many skills automatically. Thus, children who are unable to process and use the sensory input they receive are not always easy to teach. Participants in this course will obtain an understanding of sensory integration terms and concepts. Strategies and techniques are offered so that teachers can help and support these children in their environment.

Motivating the Reluctant Learner (10 PLUs) -
This course is designed to provide participants with hands-on application strategies and information needed for maintaining student engagement and creating highly motivational classroom climates.

The Exceptional Student (5 PLUs) -
This instructional course is designed to help special and general educators gain a better understanding of inclusion. Topics include legal requirements, ethical implications, referral procedures, education strategies, assistive technologies, collaboration between regular and special educators, and current issues of teaching exceptional students in the regular classroom.

Chalk Pastels "Fruit" (1 PLU) -
Chalk pastels make great drawing tools. They add color and texture to designs which can be softened and blended with a simple smudge of your fingertip. This course will help staff become familiar with the use of chalk pastels and the various techniques and blending of color. The participants will understand the basic elements of art vocabulary to support their students in classroom art projects.

Slab Construction Ceramics (1 PLU) -
This class is designed for educators who have an interest in working with clay, and gives educators experiences in making functional as well as a sculptural piece, using a variety of techniques. Well thought out forms, designs and functional uses along with good craftsmanship are emphasized.

Bully Free School (5 PLUs) -
The goal of this course is to create a classroom/school environment in which all students feel safe. Bullying is often the number one non-academic issue that many educators will have to face during their teaching careers. Bullying is a major concern for most parents as their children enter school. Yet, many educators have never had a class about this issue. In schools where fear and anxiety are the norm, students can't learn and achieve. In this course, teachers review the causes and effects of bullying, as well as study best practices regarding bully prevention. In addition, teachers will learn strategies for meeting the underlying needs of bullies.