July 14: West Edmonton Mall

 


I will be honest by the time we got here I was beat but it was our last day before returning home so we spent an hour or so looking around. I didn't take very many pictures

The first thing I saw when I walked in was an Ice Rink and not a small one either, there was a hockey game going on. It was a peewee team but we didn't stop, it was cold in that hall.

I took a photo of the Map but it didn't turn out well so this one is from their website.


You can see how massive it is! 

There was so much to see that I was sad that I was too tired to really enjoy it, maybe next time we'll do it first instead of last.

I realize that this is nearly a year over due but it has been a very difficult time for me between dealing with the Cancer, GD #3's break down followed by my own, a bout of Covid and months stuck so deep in my head I wasn't sure I'd ever find my way out. I hope since then I have made some amends.

**The Power of Listening: 12 Essential Skills for Meaningful Connections**

In our fast-paced world, effective communication is key. Central to this is the often-overlooked art of listening. Listening isn't just about hearing; it's about understanding, empathizing, and truly connecting with others. Here are 12 essential listening skills to help you enhance your communication and relationships:

- **Active Engagement**: Show genuine interest in the speaker by using both verbal and non-verbal cues. Maintain eye contact, nod, and provide feedback to demonstrate your attention.

- **Empathetic Understanding**: Try to see things from the speaker's perspective and acknowledge their emotions. Reflecting their feelings back to them shows empathy and understanding.

- **Non-Verbal Awareness**: Pay attention to the speaker's body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These cues can convey more than words alone.

- **Respectful Silence**: Allow for pauses in conversation, as silence can be just as powerful as words. This gives the speaker time to gather their thoughts.

- **Avoiding Interruptions**: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can disrupt the flow of conversation and make the speaker feel unheard.

- **Clarifying Questions**: If something is unclear, ask for clarification. This shows your commitment to understanding the speaker's message.

- **Paraphrasing**: Summarize what the speaker has said in your own words to ensure understanding. This also demonstrates your engagement in the conversation.

- **Suspending Judgment**: Keep an open mind and refrain from forming opinions too quickly. Listen without judgment to fully understand the speaker's perspective.

- **Reflecting Back**: Repeat the speaker's words to confirm understanding. This can help clarify any misunderstandings and deepen the conversation.

- **Constructive Feedback**: If asked, provide feedback that is specific and constructive. Focus on behaviors or actions, and offer suggestions for improvement.

- **Being Present**: Stay focused on the conversation and avoid distractions. Give your full attention to the speaker to show respect and interest.

- **Practicing Patience**: Developing good listening skills takes time. Be patient with yourself as you work on improving your ability to listen effectively.

By honing these listening skills, you can enhance your communication, build stronger connections, and navigate conflicts more successfully. Listening is a powerful tool that can transform your relationships and enrich your life.

Adult Autism Awareness Day 17

 

Adult Autism Awareness Day

Help spread awareness about Adult Autism this April 2nd by joining in on the conversation for Adult Autism Awareness Day!

Introduction

On April 18, join in to celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day! This special day has been celebrated since 2006 and was created to raise awareness about adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also a chance to recognize the contributions that these individuals make in society, as well as show support for their families. The goal of this day is to educate people about autism and provide resources and support for those living with it. So let's come together on April 18th to help spread understanding and acceptance of ASD!

Adult Autism Awareness Day Timeline

1911
Initial Autism Identification
Eugene Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, first used the term "autism" to describe symptoms of schizophrenia.
1943
Autism Defined as Separate Condition
Leo Kanner, an U.S. psychiatrist, distinguished autism as a separate condition from schizophrenia.
1972
Research on Adults with Autism
The need for studies and resources focused towards adults with autism began to be recognized within professional circles.
1980
Autism Included in DSM
Autism officially included as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).
2006
First Adult Autism Awareness Day
First celebrated in 2006, Adult Autism Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Present Day
Continued Advocacy and Awareness
Advocacy groups continue to push for greater awareness and resources for Adults with Autism, further mainstreaming the discussion about ASD.

How to Celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day

2 Volunteer

Look for volunteer opportunities in your area where you can help adults with autism. This could be anything from helping out with a local event, to providing support in a classroom setting.

3 Reach out

If you know someone who is living with autism, reach out and let them know that you are there for them. Offer your support and let them know that you care.

4 Donate

Support organizations that advocate for adults with autism. Donating money or time will go a long way to help those who are affected by the disorder.

5 Spread awareness

Talk to your friends and family about autism in adults and spread this important message as far and wide as possible.

Why Adult Autism Awareness Day is Important

A) Raising awareness of autism in adults

Adult Autism Awareness Day is an important day for raising awareness about autism in adults. Many people are unaware that autism isn’t just a disorder that affects children – it continues to be a disabling condition in adulthood too. Raising awareness helps people understand the unique needs and challenges faced by those with autism into adulthood.

B) Encouraging acceptance

The world can often be less than understanding of people with disabilities, yet understanding breeds acceptance. Adult Autism Awareness Day aims to educate society so that those living with autism can feel accepted and embraced for who they are instead of faced with ignorance, stigma or discrimination.

C) Improving resources

Raising awareness also allows us to better understand the needs of those with autism to provide more appropriate resources and support. Adult Autism Awareness Day hopes to bring attention to the unique issues faced by adults on the spectrum and continue improving the resources available to help them navigate their lives successfully.


It's still poetry month

 In my reflections, I've realized a startling truth—I've been inadvertently starving myself. It's not a deliberate choice, I assure you. Cooking has become a rarity in my routine; instead, I rely on Meals on Wheels and Walmart Grocery delivery for sustenance. My diet has dwindled to two meals a day, which might seem sufficient, except these meals only meet half of my daily caloric needs.

Living on a fixed income, finances are always a concern. The soaring prices of fresh produce make it challenging to meet my nutritional requirements. The frozen dinners from the local grocery store offer a more affordable alternative, though I wonder if they match the nutritional balance of Meals on Wheels.

My solution? Combining fresh produce with frozen meals. This way, I can ensure a more balanced diet, even if there's no guarantee I'll receive everything I order. This mix-and-match approach provides a variety that Meals on Wheels doesn't offer, allowing me to eat more properly, even in the face of uncertainty.

Okay :) A prose poem without a title, merely my thoughts arranged more neatly. I penned an extensive narrative and requested the ChatGPT transform it into poetry. Writing is the only method I use to channel distracting emotions and thoughts. It is my hope that they are also words others can read and gain insight from. The 6 days I've missed I will try to make up and I'm sorry to anyone who planned to use my themes for their writing that I messed up on the publishing. Each poem below is in a different poetry style. Enjoy!

The theme list for this month:

I left off at Embracing Imperfection.

April showers fall, In each drop, nature's renewal, April showers fall. Life's cycle, a constant call, Reviving the earth, its annual accrual, April showers fall.

Lilac Budding, fragrant Blooming, growing, thriving Nature's delicate beauty Tree

Spring's Awakening,                                                     Nature's vibrant renewal.

In a child's eyes, Easter's joy reflects, A time of wonder, belief, and delight, In simple joys, their happiness projects.


Tax time blues, a hue of gray, Forms to fill, bills to pay, Numbers dance in disarray.

Receipts scattered, a paper storm, Calculations, a mind forlorn, April's burden, a financial norm.

But amidst the blues, a silver lining, Taxes done, a sense of refining, A fiscal landscape, slowly aligning.

5 Senses/Poetry Month Words on paper, colours dancing, imagination soaring, Fresh ink, like flowers, and the smell of old books, Sweet verses, like honey, and the taste of rhymes, Whispers of stories, and laughter of characters, The sound of dreams, and the rhythm of hearts, A warm embrace of words, like a cozy blanket.

Time

 I've missed a couple of days because I am not feeling well at all. I want to blame the rain but that I think is only part of it.

I do not like where I am in my head right now so I figure if I write it down maybe it will stop bothering me.

E once again denied me permission to move back in with him even though he says that he misses me when he is back there. At this point I have had enough, he says he loves me but that is not shown in his reactions.

I am aware that I really don't have the right to live with him and I understand that after I left twice he doesn't trust me but if that is so why does he not just kick me out of his life once and for all.

I have tangled him tight in the family drama I live with but he is more than capable of backing off and going his own way. Some days I wish he would, other days I don't know what I would do without his financial protection especially when it come to medications and stuff. I would manage without the phone I think as that is the major hold he has over me, he pays my phone bill.

I am a kept woman just not a well kept one and until recently I accepted that. Until recently I was happy for that but these days... I feel trapped in a place I do not want to be in, a town I do not want to be in, a life devoid of meaning for the most part. The tears always seem close and I do not cry often.

Last night between E and Nessa I felt like I had no control over my life at all, merely pushed by one or the other in the direction they want to take me in, no thought if I wanted to be where they want me to go.

tears, tears and more tears as I sit here and try to figure my way out of this situation. My whole mind and body say run but that takes money and mine is all spoken for at least until January of next year because of the stupid Adobe stuff. Do not ever sign up for one of their packages you are stuck with it for a whole year unless you are willing to pay some kind of penalty amount, which I might just do to have it gone but again money I don't have.

I have been giving some thought to getting the hell out of here, just hop a bus and see how far I can go before I run out of money but that means leaving bills unpaid. Some of course I can cancel at any time like the internet but again that stupid adobe stuff...

I am hesitant to post this but E says he likes to know where my mind is at and what I'm doing, so here you go E, make of it what you will. I am too tired to fight and too fed up to stay still so if one day I don't answer the phone or call you back you will know I have left and I have no idea where I'm going to end up.

Its poetry month

 Embracing imperfection

Embracing imperfection, we find our true art,
In the flaws and the cracks, we reveal our heart.
For perfection is cold, rigid, and stark,
But imperfection is human, a light in the dark.

In the beauty of chaos, we learn to let go,
To embrace the unknown, to let our true selves show.
For it's in our mistakes, our quirks, and our flaws,
That we find our true beauty, our strength, and our cause.

So let us embrace imperfection, with all its grace,
For in its impermanence, we find our true place.
In the tapestry of life, we are but a thread,
Imperfect, yet perfect, in the story we tread.

International Day of Pink April 10

 https://pinkshirtdaycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PinkShirt2024.png

How to Observe International Day of Pink

Students, educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone who wishes to promote acceptance and equality can participate in the day. The simplest way to take part is to wear pink and to share the story about why you are doing so if given the opportunity. Encouraging others to wear pink is also important.

Some other ways to take part include:

  • Sharing the International Day of Pink website.
  • Sign up for the International Day of Pink newsletter.
  • Donate to support the day.
  • Download and explore resources for the day.
  • If you are a politician or community leader, you can become a Day of Pink Ambassador. Send an email for more information on how to become one.
  • Organize an event such as an office lunch, fundraiser, bake sale, speaking engagement, documentary film showing and discussion, or flash mob.
  • Volunteer for a 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in your community.
  • Attend the gala that The Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity holds on the day.

Or you can wear pink which is what I will be doing. I will also looking into ways to volunteer as both I and my daughter and GS#1 need to get out in public more and volunteering is a way to do that.


It's poetry month

 I considered adding images for these poems but I think the words speak for themselves. A Place I Love and Metaphorical Journey are both done in free verse as it is always the easiest choice for me.

Seasonal Change

Here's a diamante for "winter to spring":

Winter
Cold, icy
Freezing, chilling, snowing
Transition, change, awakening, rebirth
Blooming, warming, flourishing
Spring

And here's one for "spring to summer":

Spring
Blooming, blossoming
Warming, refreshing, growing
Transition, change, evolution, growth
Brightening, warming, shining
Summer

Sadly my mind went blank when I tried to describe the changing of the seasons, this is as the AI made them. And yet it still managed to echo my own thoughts on the changes within the verses it truly is amazing.

The second poem prompt I have is: A Place I Love

In the evergreen haven, a child's retreat,
A peaceful, perfect playhouse, a quiet seat.
Beneath boughs of green, a sanctuary found,
A little fort, a haven, on peaceful ground.

Safe, serene space, solace from noise,
Nature's nurturing, a haven of joys.
A peaceful, perfect playhouse, a quiet seat,
In the evergreen haven, a child's retreat.

its instructions (just so you can see I don't always allow ChatGpt do all the writing for me): "when i was a child, there was a special place I went that was a safe haven for me. it was a clearing under a bunch of evergreens that was just the right size for a playhouse. I needed the space to rest from my loud annoying family , it was perfect and provided many hours of solace.  

I will leave the form to you but I would like you to use some alliteration and repetitive words to show the peace and comfort I found within my little fort. if possible keep the beats per line to 10" 

The third one today because it seems that is how many I missed with the other stuff I've been doing is : Metaphorical Journey

In the garden of innocence, we are born,
Pure and fearless, like a new dawn.
Our hearts beat with the rhythm of adventure,
As we dance through life's fields, without censure.

With each step, we climb higher, unafraid,
Conquering mountains, in the dreams we've made.
Like a river, we flow, unbounded and free,
Embracing the unknown, with unbridled glee.

But time is a thief, stealing our youth,
Leaving behind fragments, shadows of truth.
The mountains we once climbed, now loom tall,
As we navigate life's valleys, feeling small.

Like a flower wilting, we shrink and fade,
In the twilight of life, where shadows cascade.
Fear creeps in, a silent, chilling guest,
Robbing us of sleep, of peace, of rest.

Yet, in the dusk, there's a glimmer of light,
A reminder of the child, once bold and bright.
For in our hearts, the spirit of youth remains,
A flicker of hope, amidst life's strains.

So, let us embrace the journey, with all its fears,
For in facing them, we conquer our tears.
From childhood's fearlessness to old age's fear,
The journey is ours, to cherish and steer.

it's instructions: "Metaphorical journey using lots of metaphors describe the journey from childhood and fearlessness to old age and fearfulness"

Autism Speaks

 You might wonder why I advocate for Autism, it is simple my oldest grandson was born with it. It is hard to say because I can't completely blame his parents, not completely I could have fought harder for him.

He has reached the age of 15 without basic self care training. By my daughters choice he and his brother were not encouraged to become independant in any way until he reached this year and started having real difficulty dealing with high school.

His aroma can be quite pungent as he does not like showers and he can't really fit in the tub, he is about 5' 5" and over 150 lbs. One of the things that has occured to me since my daughter came to me to ask with help to get him to finish his education is that he can't learn what he isn't shown and our personal care could be much better. If we are to model the expected behaviour we have to make things like showering regularly as a necessity for us and through up to him.

I am designing a program that will allow him to complete his academic requirements as well as his RL needs and better prepare him for the next step. I have done this before for my GD#1. I forgot how much I like planning things like this. E will say is that why you don't have travel plans made yet? No!

Well, maybe... I have been learning Stable Diffusion and ChatGPT so that takes up some time, lets see what else am I working on right now?

  1. my GS#1's education
  2. two AI paths one for art and one for writing
  3. photography
  4. photo-manipulation (Photoshop)
  5. my own Healthy Living
  6. my own self-care 

This is not a complete list but I am seeing why my travel planning isn't happening and yet I don't want to quit any of it. I don't do well with planning my time this is known so each week I make a list of assignments in my journal and schedule them however the travel stuff was put on hold due to me being sick so I didn't do it figuring it would be a long time before we did any real travelling again. It kept being put off but I am quickly running out of time to plan and put into motion our plans for this summer/fall.

Double/triple dose of poetry tomorrow. I am worn out from waiting and seeing an eclipse and being social, cripes maybe I need the same kind of help he needs... naw I'm totally toilet trained. Sorry Nessa couldn't resist the poke.


World Health Day 2024, “My Health, My Right” April 7

The right to health is a universal right of all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or another status. 

Below are three sheets which describe your rights to health care if you are female, disabled or other.





Poetry Month Day 6

 An Ode to an Object: My Computer

Horatian Ode:
O computer, silent sentinel of the digital age,
With keys that dance beneath my fingertips,
You bring the world to my fingertips,
A window to realms both near and far.
In your circuits hums the pulse of progress,
In your screen, the stories of our time unfold,
You are more than a machine, you are a gateway,
To knowledge, to connection, to infinite possibility.

Irregular Ode:
O computer, you magical box of wonders,
With your silicon heart and plastic shell,
You sit upon my desk, a modern marvel,
A tool, a toy, a treasure trove of knowledge.

In your depths, electrons dance and swirl,
Creating images, sounds, and words,
You connect me to the world beyond,
To people, to ideas, to endless information.

O computer, you are more than a machine,
You are a companion, a confidante,
In your pixels, I find solace and inspiration,
In your memory, I store my dreams and aspirations.

Its Poetry Month Day 5

I have two for you today because well one is a journal entry called Springtime Senses written using a Five Senses form and the other is called Lost and Found in Acrostic form

Springtime Senses

See:
Flowers bloom in vibrant hues,
Trees adorned in fresh green leaves,
Nature's canvas painted anew,
Spring arrives, a sight to perceive.

Hear:
Birds sing melodies in the air,
Bees buzz as they gather nectar,
Soft rustle of leaves, a gentle flair,
Nature's orchestra, a sweet spectre.

Smell:
A bouquet of blossoms in the breeze,
Fresh grass after a morning rain,
Earth awakening from its winter freeze,
Spring scents, a fragrant domain.

Taste:
The first bite of a ripe, juicy fruit,
The sweetness of a floral infusion,
Nature's bounty, fresh and acute,
Spring flavors, a delightful conclusion.

Touch:
Soft petals, delicate and light,
Cool breeze on a warm afternoon,
Grass underfoot, a comforting sight,
Spring's textures, a sensory boon.


Lost and Found

Looking for answers, I wandered alone,
O
ctober's chill echoed my inner groan,
S
elf lost in shadows, a heart turned to stone,
T
ime seemed to freeze, in a world overgrown.

And then came a moment, a flicker, a spark,
N
udging me forward, through the dense, endless dark,
Determined, I rose, found a new, hopeful arc.

Finally, clarity, a path brightly shown,
O
vercoming the past, in my heart it was sown,
U
nderneath the scars, a strength I have grown,
N
ow I stand tall, in my essence, my own,
D
ecidedly me, in every step that I've known.

 

_Below is the AI version using my theme_

Living in shadows, a heart in despair,
O
ut in the wilderness, searching for air.
S
eeking a path through the depths of the night,
T
rudging through darkness, in search of the light.

Amidst the confusion, a glimmer of hope,
N
avigating turmoil, learning to cope.
D
eeper we delve, into the depths of the soul,  

Finding our footing, regaining control.
O
pening our hearts to the lessons around,
U
nveiling truths in the silence profound.
N
ow we emerge, with a newfound sight,
D
iscovering strength in the darkness of night

 


 

 

It's Poetry Month Day 4

 Title: Dreamscape    Poetry form: Tanka

 


In dreamscape's embrace,
Monochrome corridors stretch,
Cash boxes and files,
One opens, light spills forth,
Illuminating memories.


Walk for Health April 4

 


Walking Program for Seniors

Day 1:

  • Distance: 10 minutes
  • Intensity: Easy pace, focus on good posture
  • Notes: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after the walk.

Day 2:

  • Distance: 15 minutes
  • Intensity: Maintain a steady pace, slightly faster than Day 1
  • Notes: Notice any improvements in stamina or comfort compared to Day 1.

Day 3:

  • Distance: 10 minutes
  • Intensity: Easy pace, focus on breathing deeply
  • Notes: Use this day as a recovery day if needed, listen to your body.

Day 4:

  • Distance: 15 minutes
  • Intensity: Steady pace, aim for consistent strides
  • Notes: Pay attention to your surroundings, enjoy the walk.

Day 5:

  • Distance: 20 minutes
  • Intensity: Moderate pace, challenge yourself slightly
  • Notes: Note any changes in energy levels or mood after the walk.

Day 6:

  • Distance: 15 minutes
  • Intensity: Steady pace, focus on walking with purpose
  • Notes: Reflect on your progress so far, celebrate achievements.

Day 7:

  • Distance: 20 minutes
  • Intensity: Moderate pace, maintain a steady rhythm
  • Notes: Congratulations on completing the first week! Reflect on how you feel after a week of walking.

This is an easy repeatable schedule and is the one I plan to use for the rest of the month.

It's Poetry Month Day 3

This is a diamante poem, it is a 7 line poem about opposites and since today's prompt was "Changing Emotions" it seemed like a good fit. This is what happens when you give the chatbot specific words to use.

 Sad
tearful, downcast
weeping, sleeping, longing
shift, alter, change, transform
smiling, dancing, rejoicing
joyful, blissful
Happy

 Just for fun I asked it to rewrite it in other words  and this is what it gave me: 

Gloomy
tearful, somber
weeping, sighing, reflecting
transition, turmoil, awakening, hope
glowing, smiling, celebrating
joyful, radiant
Blissful

I must admit I prefer it's choice of words as it flows much more smoothly than my effort and they are essentially my words only placed in a different order and using words that are the same but not.

Yeah I can't remember the word though I know there is one for when you substitute a word with another word with a similar meaning. Moving on.

Its Poetry Month! Day 2

A Memory

A Memory

In the hazy corridors of memory, there lingers a moment from my childhood, a fragile age of four. It was a time of innocence, of tender steps into the world, where the simplest of interactions could shape the contours of a young heart.

I remember the sun-dappled yard, where laughter danced like butterflies, and the promise of adventure beckoned from every corner. My cousin, a beacon of playfulness and generosity, offered me her trike, a shining chariot of freedom. Excitement bubbled within me as I eagerly accepted her offer, my eyes wide with anticipation.

But fate, it seemed, had a different script in mind. As I skipped towards the promised trike, my joy was abruptly halted by a voice, sharp and cutting. It belonged to my cousin's step-father, a man whose disapproving gaze could pierce the thickest veil of childhood bliss. "No," he said firmly, "you can't borrow it. You break everything you touch."

In that moment, the world seemed to still. The words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over my eager spirit. I stood there, frozen, as his words wrapped themselves around my fragile sense of self. Suddenly, the sun seemed dimmer, the air heavier, and the laughter of moments before felt like a distant echo.

Those words became a mantra, echoing in the chambers of my mind long after the moment had passed. They whispered in moments of doubt, amplified in times of failure, and colored every interaction with a shade of insecurity. I began to see myself through the lens of his words - clumsy, unworthy, and untrustworthy.

But time, the gentle healer, has taught me a different truth. I am not defined by the words of others, no matter how deeply they may cut. I am resilient, capable, and worthy of trust. And though the pain of that moment still lingers, it no longer holds me captive.

I am free to rewrite the narrative, to reclaim my sense of self from the shadows of the past. And so, I choose to remember that moment not as a wound, but as a testament to my strength and resilience. For I am more than the words spoken in a fleeting moment of ignorance. I am me, unbroken and whole.

This is not a cheerful poem it is as the prompt said a memory from my childhood. This is the first time I ever wrote down what happened that day but it lingered in my psyche for 60 years. Today I cried and released it thanks to ChatGPT taking my story and making it into poetry for me.
 

World Autism Awareness Day April 2

The theme of World Autism Awareness Day this year is 'Empowering Autistic Voices' which aims at providing more support and power to the individuals with this condition, in order to ensure they lead a meaningful life and even pursue successful careers.

I have a grandson who is 15 and diagnosed as Autistic, I am trying to figure out a way to help him succeed in his life because right now he doesn't have a chance in hell

1. Priming: This prepares the student with autism for a situation or task. They may feel anxious if exposed to a sudden change or a new addition to their routine. A surprise class quiz or test, for example, can result in emotional meltdowns. However, if informed well in advance, they tend to take any test with utmost sincerity. Similarly, deciding on a signal for time to pause when in group conversations allows them to maintain unsaid social protocols.

2. Managing sensory stimulation: This is critical to keep the learning environment less stressful. It helps to understand the student's discomfort with flickering lights, unpleasant sounds, specific textures, etc., and address them as needed. Driven by senses, they might want to sit closer to the teacher who smells like their mother, in a quiet corner in a library, or might want to hum while working, etc.

3. A list of potential behaviours: List of a short and unambiguous list of expected behaviours can keep students with autism in control of their actions in a group setting. It’s more effective if this list is available visually in front of them.

4. Flexibility: Flexible approach to reading and comprehension of text ensures that students continue to be engaged in intellectually stimulating content, which might be the subject of their intense interest too.

5. Direct instructions: Explicit and direct instruction in the usage of figurative language will help students in their conversations with their peers. They tend to interpret expressions like metaphors, idioms, etc., literally, and thus familiarising them with the most commonly used figurative terms and phrases is important.

6. Teach as per their style: Working with the students on their frequency helps them reduce their outbursts. For example – not forcing them to write legibly, letting them take as much time in completing their work, allowing them to walk out of the class when it becomes overwhelming, etc.

7. Maintain a positive vibe: Facilitate a positive social environment for them by praising them for their unique strengths in front of their peers; awarding them with a certificate for something they are good at, along with their peers for their achievements; giving them responsibilities in events, etc.

8. Encourage them to speak out: Allowing them to verbalise their understanding of the concepts rather than in a conventional written format also encourages them to focus on the value of learning rather than a rigid form of expression.

Hindustan Times

 

 

 

 

It is Poetry month

 Please join me. Write a poem about Natures song and add it to the comments if you want to play. Can't promise a prize but I would love to see them.

Todays prompt was:

Nature's song

Nature's song sings in my soul,
A melody that makes me whole.
Each note a whisper, pure and clear,
Nature's song sings in my soul.

In every breeze, I feel it near,
A harmony that's always here.
Nature's song sings in my soul,
A melody that makes me whole.

It has been so long, I've missed its cheer,
Nature's song sings in my soul.

Yesterday turned into a wonderful day! Not only did I get to meet this little guy while I was putting Easter Eggs out but I also met a bunch of littles and spent time with them.

The group to the right consists of from left to right: my niece Tori, Mordecai, Jackson, Damien, Athena & Tori's friend Aria 

GS #1 and #2 (14 & 15) were also there but didn't want to get a picture taken still they enjoyed the egg hunt as much as the littles did

To complete the afternoon we took this crew to McDonalds for lunch. A good time was had by all including me. My day wasn't complete though as later in the afternoon I heard children out back playing so I said hi, turns out they live in the second last house behind me. I miss the sound of the song of children's voices.

The next part of this entry is a bit of a heads up as I will be talking about Autism ( & other brain diseases) as well as poetry this month. But the thing I'm not sure about is if I should share my stable diffusion creations here or someplace else. Last month I did it on Pinterest and I am seriously considering that again. I just keep thinking there has to be a way to make them do something besides look pretty and be an example of AI art this prompt system I am using is single words or phrases which is great for a one-off but it isn't really a creative expression of me so this month I might just ignore the single word prompts and actually create something from all those bits and pieces I've collected





Permission to Play

Lately I've been thinking a lot about permission. Not the kind someone else gives us. The kind we give ourselves. Somewhere along the wa...

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