Kia ora koutou
I am running a termly group for Secondary SENCos and LSCs. Do any of you have any suggestions for topical discussion groups? I usually invite the group for topic suggestions but I am hoping you all may have some suggestions. So far we have:
Transitions - Systems and supports eg. Travellers programme
Scribo
Kia ora Justine. Thanks for not just adapting this document for the secondary setting but also for sharing it with us. I think that it is amazing.
Kia ora team,
This resource stems from some mahi I have been working on with a colleague around executive functioning. We were in the privileged position to speak with Dr Andre McLachlan, and that kōrero really highlighted how you simply cannot separate the learner from their environment.
This insight led me to create a sensory audit for secondary classrooms. While I am currently using it to support one specific student, I am sharing the sensory questions with the whole class to benefit everyone.
Please feel free to tweak and use this resource in your own space. I would also love to have further conversations about it if you want to connect!
This looks great Tim, thanks for sharing!
Some colleagues and I are using some resources from The Neurodiversity in Education Project site
(https://www.neurodiversity.org.nz/sensory-friendly-spaces)
We are asking kaiako to reflect on their own Sensory systems and then ask ākonga about their sensory needs using the two attached docs. I think the questions that you have on your questionnaire will be really helpful to support them to think about framing the questions within the audit for their ākonga.
Ngā mihi!
Kia ora koutou,
I’m currently working in a secondary setting with three students who are experiencing ongoing challenges during break times. A common thread is the lack of structured support and opportunities to build social skills and positive peer relationships outside the classroom.
I’ve requested time with the Year and House Deans next term to collaborate on possible solutions, particularly around peer interactions both in class and during breaks.
In the meantime, I’d really value any ideas or examples of what has worked in your settings. I’m particularly interested in:
ways to provide safe, purposeful spaces at break times
opportunities for students to practise social skills in authentic contexts
Kia ora Fi,
I have had a hui with the Deans and also the Year 10 teachers. This has become a slower process than I anticipated. We are still navigating the commitment and who will be responsible with the teachers. They all agree that social skills and executive function skills would be beneficial for this cohort (Y10), however no actions have been agreed upon yet. I will update as I proceed with the case. I definitely agree with you regarding the clubs Fi, these are perfect ideas for the students I'm working with.
Suzy
Star Contributer
This looks fantastic Justine. Also great to see Travellers mentioned - such an incredible support for transition mahi. I wonder if they'd be interested in looking at the digital tools kaiako can use to support inclusive design? Also CPS can be super impactful for secondary students.