Today was laser tag! We started off in the office and worked just to talk a bit and review what would occur. The original plan had been to head off to laser tag in Sherman Oaks then have lunch at Hamburger Hamlet. As it turned out, they preferred In N' Out nearby, so we had one laser tag game, went to lunch, then returned for a second game. It all went extremely smoothly and they appeared to have good time. Going to laser tag represent a highly stimulating experience for some and can be a bit frightening for others. None of the kids had a significant challenge and no one seemed bothered by the noises, dark environment, or flashing lights.
Lunch went smoothly. Juggling orders for 14 teens would seem a challenge, but the group cooperated so well together that it went very smoothly. In the early sessions, I had the counselor interspersed with the kids. But now, they sit on the side or at the end and just "rabbit punch prompt" as needed. This form of prompting (my term for it) means they go over, facilitate the opportunity for a desired behavior to occur, then get out of the way. Same for reinforcement, which is typically social praise or in the form of a ticket (we just tell them and check it off on our clipboard when we're out of the office.)
The bus ride to and from went smoothly as well. Nearly all of the kids were socializing and, even though a couple had never ridden a public bus before and expressed some trepidation, no problems arose. The wait for the bus on the way back (came right away on the way there) was considerably, perhaps 20 minutes, and some of the teens showed more signs of impatience, which addressed with them. Upon returning to the office, there was just enough time for them to get water and head out for the pickup.
Definitely a busy, hectic, fun day!
Bruce
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Summer Session 09 - 2
The teens are incredibly well behaved, for the most part, and this is allowing us to target a number of behaviors more successfully, mostly having to do with executive functioning and communciation. Typically Positive Practice is the method we use. This is where we have them "back up the the tape" of what they just did and demonstrate the behavior in a more positive way. We also make use of both the "blue tickets" and "hero tickets." Blue tickets are given whenever a child exhibits a positive behavior that we want to see occur more often. Hero tickets are given for behaviors that require more motivation and effort.
As for group today, it was certainly a bit hectic, but there was quite a bit going on. We started off by shopping at Gelsons for frozen fruit to make our own smoothies (I purchased a high powered blender to do the job). Practically all of them them tried it and they generally gave it a "thumbs up" (frozen strawberries, mango, apple juice, and little orange sherbet). Lunch slightly delayed to coincide with the parent meeting from 1:15pm-2:15pm. The teens worked on first project, which came about when one of them seemingly asked a question, but proceeded to give unneeded advice without waiting for someone to answer his question. You can view the project (7/9/09) by clicking here.
During the parent meeting, we mostly covered what strategies parents need to employ to support the program and plan for generalization of gains. Major areas included: types of consequences used, an explanation of how to prompt and remind kids, use of social rather than tangible reinforcement, and avoiding any "promises for being good in group." We also reviewed the LUNCH Points program, which is our home/community behavior generalization system and this will go live over the weekend.
While the parents met, the teens were outside with four counselors (Rina provided backup) eating what they had purchased at Gelsons then came inside for more activities.
There will be a parent dinner for both groups next Tuesday and another parent meeting, just for the Teens' Group in two weeks. Consult the calendar. Teleconferences have not presently been scheduled, but if you wish to review how to use the web site or need assistance with other technology, email us and I will set one up.
Next Tuesday we'll be going for laser tag. Have a great weekend!
As for group today, it was certainly a bit hectic, but there was quite a bit going on. We started off by shopping at Gelsons for frozen fruit to make our own smoothies (I purchased a high powered blender to do the job). Practically all of them them tried it and they generally gave it a "thumbs up" (frozen strawberries, mango, apple juice, and little orange sherbet). Lunch slightly delayed to coincide with the parent meeting from 1:15pm-2:15pm. The teens worked on first project, which came about when one of them seemingly asked a question, but proceeded to give unneeded advice without waiting for someone to answer his question. You can view the project (7/9/09) by clicking here.
During the parent meeting, we mostly covered what strategies parents need to employ to support the program and plan for generalization of gains. Major areas included: types of consequences used, an explanation of how to prompt and remind kids, use of social rather than tangible reinforcement, and avoiding any "promises for being good in group." We also reviewed the LUNCH Points program, which is our home/community behavior generalization system and this will go live over the weekend.
While the parents met, the teens were outside with four counselors (Rina provided backup) eating what they had purchased at Gelsons then came inside for more activities.
There will be a parent dinner for both groups next Tuesday and another parent meeting, just for the Teens' Group in two weeks. Consult the calendar. Teleconferences have not presently been scheduled, but if you wish to review how to use the web site or need assistance with other technology, email us and I will set one up.
Next Tuesday we'll be going for laser tag. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Summer Session 09 - 1
Hi Parents,
The Teen Group started off extremely smoothly. Your kids, both new and returning, acted as though they knew exactly what to do. We started off the session by explaining how the program works, letting our Alumni members do much of the explaining. They progressed to choosing nicknames and discussing what they wanted to earn. We talked about where we would each, and the group decided upon Chinese for today, so it was off to Uncle Chen's around 11:45am. It was impressive to see many kids, who had never met one another prior to today, engaging in conversations.
Upon returning from lunch, we talked about the kinds of "big" projects we might do and they each identified behaviors they wanted to change. I am constantly amazed how your children can present one way during the interview (sometimes more inhibited, even oppositional) and yet, when they spend extended time around their peers, slowly more spontaneous social and conversational behaviors emerge.
The day ended uneventfully (that's a good thing!) and every seemed to enjoy themselves.
The Teen Group started off extremely smoothly. Your kids, both new and returning, acted as though they knew exactly what to do. We started off the session by explaining how the program works, letting our Alumni members do much of the explaining. They progressed to choosing nicknames and discussing what they wanted to earn. We talked about where we would each, and the group decided upon Chinese for today, so it was off to Uncle Chen's around 11:45am. It was impressive to see many kids, who had never met one another prior to today, engaging in conversations.
Upon returning from lunch, we talked about the kinds of "big" projects we might do and they each identified behaviors they wanted to change. I am constantly amazed how your children can present one way during the interview (sometimes more inhibited, even oppositional) and yet, when they spend extended time around their peers, slowly more spontaneous social and conversational behaviors emerge.
The day ended uneventfully (that's a good thing!) and every seemed to enjoy themselves.
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