my project4peace

Homeschooling in the Desert with Intention and Hope and Special Needs


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Creativity | Motivational Magic

So glad I landed on this little treasure.  I can’t wait to explore all the cool sites that have been shared here.  Hoping stoke the coals and build a tiny flame.

Creativity | Motivational Magic.


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Aidens Waltz by Victoria Marin

 

Aidens Waltz by Victoria Marin. I ran across this book as I searched for information regarding the benefits of  ballroom dance as it relates to occupational therapy.  My son who is 13 with global apraxia loves to dance, loves to watch dancing, movies with dancing, and watch his friends Dance.  Since he has been practicing ballroom dancing his social grace and courtesy skills and awareness are improving, he his more attentive to his movements and being in control of them.  He stands taller, is asking to learn different steps, enjoying the social interaction, and enjoying being the leader. He is learning to control his movements more precisely, and temper his energy because he must be mindful of his partner. The benefits have been numerous. Even his personal grooming habits are improving. (at 13 that’s a miracle for any boy) Here is an article written by Victoria Marin on the benefits of dance for children with Autism. http://www.fredastairewestwood.com/autismanddancing.htm

We enjoy (LOVE) the welcoming atmosphere of the Fat Cat Ballroom in Phoenix on 32nd and Thunderbird.  You can dance there every night of the week. You could not feel a more welcoming environment anywhere. http://fatcatballroomdance.com/


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Online Reading for Kids | StudyDog

 

Online Reading for Kids | StudyDog.

We are loving this supplement to our language material.  Not to many online language programs really put as much attention on memory and auditory skills.  He spent 3 or more hours at it today.  He especially loved that he could see his success, it was fast paced, not too juvenile, and he could see the goal, and what was next! Perfect for us.


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21 Exceptionally Valuable Asperger’s Sites

This was included in one of our group emails and thought I would pass it on to anyone else.  It looks like there is much to be gained from the insights shared in these beautiful blogs.  I hope one day this blog will be note worthy and helpful to as many as these are. Enjoy the hunt and the moments spent with your children especially when you remembered to laugh! 21 Exceptionally Valuable Asperger’s Sites. The photo here is from quirkyandlaughing.wordpress.com, a blog written from this perspective as well. I am reminded by observation, that I forget to laugh at antics that I would normally think were funny if they were they were performed by my typical son.  I get frustrated by the filters through which I am constantly looking and how those particular filters can, if I’m not conscious color my world in ways I would not otherwise intend.  Mindfulness practice, I think would serve me well to stay in a place where I can see things for what they are in the moment and not judge them by how they will be perceived by others ALL the time.  This thinking lives in my fears about the future, stories of mis-judgements that lurk in my thoughts.  I can’t make them go away but I can put them in their place with mindfulness and a perspective check.  I am grateful to those around me that have given me that insight without really even knowing how valuable.  The young man at Hubbard Swim school who recognizes that unencumbered play is just as important as learning swim strokes!  I have learned so much about my son just by watching him with this teen.  Noticing that my worries don’t exist for others who enjoy my son’s energy and enthusiasm and good will.  I often wish to be them, for a moment, and seek to find that mindful space where I too, can enjoy his beautiful nature without the fears of the future or concerns that win my attention. One thing to be sure of is we are always learning.