The EA Edit

For educational assistants, supporting inclusive education involves:

1. Understanding Individual Needs: Recognize and respect the unique needs and strengths of each student.
2. Providing Appropriate Supports: Use tailored instructional strategies and resources to help each student succeed.
3. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Foster a classroom atmosphere where all students feel valued and included.
4. Collaborating with Teachers: Work closely with teachers to implement inclusive practices and adapt lessons as needed.
5. Encouraging Peer Interactions: Promote positive interactions among students to build a supportive community.

Creating a visual schedule can be a great way to help students understand and manage their daily routines. Here are some simple steps an educational assistant can follow:

1.Identify Daily Activities: List out the key activities and routines that occur throughout the day, such as arrival, class time, lunch, and dismissal.

2.Choose Appropriate Visuals: Select images, symbols, or words that clearly represent each activity. Make sure these visuals are easy for the students to understand.

3.Create the Schedule: Arrange the visuals in the order that the activities will occur. You can use a board, a binder, or a digital app to display the schedule.

4.Introduce the Schedule: Explain the schedule to the students and show them how to use it. Demonstrate how to move from one activity to the next by referring to the visual schedule.

5.Start Simple: Begin with a few activities and gradually add more as the students become comfortable with using the schedule.

6.Use Visual Prompts: Alongside the schedule, use visual prompts to help students complete tasks independently. For example, a bedtime schedule might include visuals for brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a story.

7.Reinforce and Adjust: Regularly review the schedule with the students and make adjustments as needed. Provide positive reinforcement when they follow the schedule correctly.

8.Keep it Accessible: Place the schedule in a location where students can easily see and refer to it throughout the day.

By following these steps, you can create an effective visual schedule that helps students navigate their day with more independence and less anxiety. If you need more detailed guidance, there are resources and templates available on ePD.

For more information click here: Using Visuals | ConnectABILITY

Children will do what you ask when they care what you think - they will care what you think WHEN they are appropriately attached to you.

1. Collect BEFORE you DIRECT

a. Collect the eyes

b. Collect the smile

c. Collect the nod

2.Engage the ATTACHMENT REFLEX

*Provide something for the child to "hold onto"

• You friendly tone of voice

• Your physical proximity

• Your sameness (play 'samesies')

• Your words - offer something KIND and TRUE

• Your REFLECTIVE listening

• Your genuine delight/engagement/warmth (works like superglue)

3.Generously invite DEPENDENCE - the DO what you SAY you will do.

*Remember that independence springs from dependence like tree roots

“I'm here for you"

"You can depend on me to care about your needs"

"You are important to me"

"It's okay to lean on me - I'm bigger - I can take it"

"Here is a notebook - if you can't see me right away - write or draw to me"

"It's okay to depend on me"

“It's okay to be confused or frustrated - it's my job to help you when that happens"

"How about if we work together on that"

From the work of:

Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Developmental Psychologist

Vancouver, BC

Are you an Education Assistant looking to take the next step in your career? St. Mary's University's Bachelor of Education (BEd) after-degree program could be the perfect fit for you! Here's why:

• Cohort Learning: From day one, you'll be placed in a cohort — a group of fellow students who will support each other throughout the program. You’ll take the same classes and build lasting connections, forming an invaluable support system.

• 25 Weeks of Practicum Experience: Our program offers more practicum hours than most, with 25 weeks of real classroom experience. You'll build your skills from observing in the first practicum to leading the class by the final one, ensuring you're fully prepared to teach.

• Optional French Stream: Interested in teaching in French? We offer an optional French stream to enhance your bilingual teaching skills.

• International Practicum Placements: Take your education global! In your third practicum, you can choose from placements in Mexico, Taiwan, or British Columbia to gain international teaching experience.

• Experienced Faculty: All our instructors were teachers first. With real-world classroom experience, our faculty are uniquely positioned to guide you in becoming a successful educator.

• Professional Preparation: Our BEd program is designed to equip you for a long and fulfilling career in teaching.

Applications are open until July 1, 2025, but with limited seats available, it's best to apply soon. Take the next step toward your future as a teacher with St. Mary's University!

For more information, visit stmu.ca or reach out to our admissions team (admissions@stmu.ca).