INCLUDING STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES AND

BEHAVIOR CHALLENGES IN ARTS EDUCATION

Introduction of Speakers

Deb Shoemaker Betsy LudwigArts Access

YOUNGER STUDENTS (PRESCHOOL-ELEMENTARY) WITH BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES AND EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES

What is Challenging Behavior?

Any action produced by a child that:

• results in self-injury or injury to others;

• causes damage to the physical environment;

• interferes with learning new skills;

• socially isolates the child (Doss & Reichle, 1991); and/or

• is problematic to the child’s family. (Boulware, Schwartz, & McBride, 1999)

Factors That Influence Behavior

• Relationships• Culture• Early Experiences• Expectations of Adults• Biological Factors• Development

Prevention To prevent challenging behaviors from happening in the first place, create an environment that supports positive behavior.

Planning and Preparation• Don’t be too ambitious

• Utilize aides and assistants

• Get to know the children!• verbal and non-verbal responses and actions

• Ask questions and utilize your resources.• Talk with the teachers and aides prior to time with students about:

• help you might need• set-up and structure

Positive Behavior Strategies

• Build Relationships

• Give Praise

• Be Organized and Prepared

• Be cautious of “waiting” time

• Give directions one step at a time

• Keep children engaged

• Provide choices

• Be conscious of physical space

• Ignore “nagging” behaviors

• Visual Object Schedule

Lesson Plans – Structure and Strategies

• Arrival:• Have an activity ready• Arrival routine• Transition Object

• Circle Time:• Movement activity to invite to circle• Interactive• Plenty of physical room• Do not make children be quiet – vocal opportunity

Lesson Plan -Structure and StrategiesStory Time:

• Movement activity• Interactive• Object to hold• Answer all questions and elaborate on them

Art Activities• Go over rules• Explain-all kids have different gifts- no right way to do art!• Smocks• Activity when finished• Adaptive objects• Sensory challenges – plan options

Lesson Plans – Structure and Strategies

Transitions:• Rules-Where are you going?• Line-Up songs/activities• Timers/warnings• Space in line• Noise Makers• Picture Schedule• Jobs

Communication Strategies

Use symbols and pictures

Can be more complex/computer generated

*This was made using Boardmaker software

Communication Strategies• Sample Software

• Boardmaker (Mayer-Johnson, www.mayer-johnson.com, $399)

• Sample Internet Resources

• Quick Pics (http://patrickecker.org/home/)

• SEN Teacher (http://www.senteacher.org/Worksheet/6/PECS.xhtml)

• Search for PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Systems). There are too many resources to list!

Examples of Adapted Art Supplies• Painting• Texturing

Examples of Adapted Art Supplies• Painting• Texture

Examples of Adapted Art Supplies• Dramatic Art Kit from Tadpole Lending Library

Examples of Adapted Art Supplies• Dramatic Art Kit from Tadpole Lending Library (more….)

Ideas for Creative Writing

• Utilize word and/or picture boards

• Allow choices regarding subjects

• Plan group/collaborative activities

OLDER STUDENTS (ADOLESCENTS AND TEENS) WITH EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES AND BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES

Presenter: Elise AdroynoHaven House

Issues that Impact Behavior

• Trauma History• Physical, sexual or emotional trauma. Ongoing and complex

trauma or single event.

• Mental Health Diagnosis• No presentation the same, try to not pathologize adolescence.

• Basic Needs• Hunger, clothing, medical needs. When basic needs are not met,

behaviors emerge.

What might I see?

External

• Significant difficulty focusing on task at hand

• Presentation of boredom or indifference

• Disrespectful language or behavior

• Isolation or sharing of an inappropriate level of personal information

Internal

• Mental health issue or trauma history or hungry

• Lack of confidence or social anxiety

• Feeling unsafe; can be particular to situation or generalized

• Challenges with appropriate boundaries

The need behind the behavior

The A.R.C.Attachment: The capacity to form and maintain a healthy emotional bond with another person which is a source of mutual comfort, safety, and caring.

The A.R.C.

Self-regulation: Developing and maintaining the ability to notice and control feelings such as frustration, anger, and fear.

The A.R.C.

Competency: Mastering the developmental tasks of adolescence and developing the ability to plan and organize for the future.

De-escalation

NOT THE TIME TO PROBLEM SOLVE!

Monitor your own breathing, tone and affect

Provide choices in a brief and concise manner

Physical space and respect

Artist Scott Renk

Artist Braima Moiwai

Resources• http://

www.indyweek.com/indyweek/helping-raleighs-at-risk-youth-through-african-art/Content?oid=1205491

• http://www.edutopia.org/bill-strickland-how-to

• https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/engaging-at-risk-students

• http://www.nea.gov/research/arts-at-risk-youth.pdf

• http://capone.mtsu.edu/jhausler/atrisk.htm

• http://www.arts.gov/resources/accessibility/rlists/children.html (list of disability and arts resources complied by the NEA)

Assistive Technology Resources• Tadpole AT Lending Library (NC only) – www.tadpole.org (a loan

program for low-tech assistive technology)

• Toys for Special Children/Enabling Devices – www.enablingdevices.com

• AbleNet – www.AbleNetInc.com

• Flaghouse – www.flaghouse.com

• TFH – www.specialneedstoys.com

Art Supply and Lesson Resources• Dick Blick – www.dickblick.com (they also have great FREE lesson

plans!)

• Lakeshore Learning – www.lakeshorelearning.com

• Discount School Supply – www.DiscountSchoolSupply.com

• Incredible Art – lesson plans – www.incredibleart.org (visual arts, drama and more)

• BigCeramicStore – www.bigceramicstore.com (lesson plans for clay and glass)

Contact Information (NCDPI and NCDCR)

Paula Crawford, Ed. D.

Exceptional Children Division

http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/

Christie Lynch Ebert

Arts Education Consultant (Dance and Music) and NCDPI Liaison to the A+ Schools Program

christie.lynchebert@dpi.nc.gov

919-807-3856

Slater Mapp

Arts Education Consultant

(Theatre Arts and Visual Arts)

slater.mapp@dpi.nc.gov

919-807-3758

Catherine Lavenburg

ADA Coordinator

NC Arts Council

catherine@ncdcr.gov

919.807.6501

Banu Valladares

Arts in Education Director

NC Arts Council

banu.valladares@ncdcr.gov

919.807.6502

Contact Information Arts Access

Betsy Ludwig Program Director, Arts Access

betsy@artsacccessinc.org

919-833-9919

Barbara Olson Executive Director, Arts Accessbarbara@artsaccessinc.org919.833.9919