Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 26: Back to School: How to Strive and Thrive During the Transition
On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.
Back-to-School Tips
 A Note from Nicole: End of Summer, Start of School, Support for the Whole Family
Idea of the Week: Fun with Color
Feature Article: Back to School: How to Strive and Thrive During the Transition
The Horizons Team Recommends: Parent Success Cards; Horizons Academy Program
Upcoming Events: Parent Teleseminar on Homeschooling; First Day of Horizons Academy; Sibshop
 
Hi Everyone!
I’m back in town after a wonderful three days up north with my family. We enjoyed lots of time outside, as the weather was beautiful. It’s an annual tradition that my children look forward to for months, and every year we make great new family memories. It was the first time ever that we haven’t had a child under the age of 2 while on this trip, so we’re looking forward to new adventures that can be had as the kids get older.
With the summer winding down, we’re gearing up for the start of the school year. At the same time, it’s important to enjoy the last couple of weeks of this season. If there are some things you’ve wanted to do with your kids before the summer ends, make a point to schedule them now. You’ll be glad you did!
As you get ready for the transition into another school year, make sure to read Courtney’s tips this week. Many of them will be a good reminder of the things we all know we should be doing to get back into the swing of a school-year schedule. This applies just as much for homeschool families, who often take a break from formal lessons / planning in the summer and enjoy a more laid-back summer pace. If you are still looking for a schooling option that will best meet the needs of your child for this upcoming year, we have a space left in our Horizons Academy program (spotlighted below). Let us know if you’re considering it so we can get all your questions answered.
It’s also important to find ways to support yourself and get back into the swing of things as parents. Check out the new Parent Success Cards (spotlighted below) for help in getting yourself back on track after the summer months. Enjoy the week ahead!
Looking to the horizon,
Fun with Color!
Begin by folding a paper coffee filter in half and placing it on a paper plate. Make designs with a variety of different markers on the coffee filter (washable markers work the best). Once a design has been made, dip fingers into a cup of water to sprinkle on the coffee filter. Watch how the colors blend and change color as the water is added. It is very important not to get the coffee filter too wet. Once the water has been added, slowly unfold the coffee filter to dry!
Back to School: How to Strive and Thrive During the Transition
By: Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.
Summer is almost over, and we will soon be seeing the flashing lights of school buses during the morning and afternoon commutes. Now that August has arrived and the summer is quickly coming to an end, it is time for parents to begin thinking about getting ready for school. Gearing up for the new school year can be very difficult for families. Buying supplies, going to orientations, and getting the kids to bed earlier can make those last few weeks before school stressful, especially for parents. Here are several suggestions to make this time of year more enjoyable for all.
Parent Success Cards
For RDI® Program families, these cards provide reminders of the main principles of RDI® such as the importance of experience sharing, guiding, slowing down, staying focused on the marathon, finding small moments for remediation, and much more. You will find them an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance as you focus on remediation.
Set of 50 heavyweight full-color cards in a sturdy box with lid – $24.95
Purchase the set or view more samples here
Horizons Academy
Many parents express concerns about educational options available to their children with impairments. It seems there are few ideal educational settings, and even fewer that take a developmental approach to working on the core deficits of student difficulties.
Our instructional program, available for children ages 3 and older, is individualized to meet the unique and specific needs of each student. Parents and the instructional team work together to determine priority goal areas, which often include communication, problem solving / flexible thinking, socialization, sensory-motor development, academic skills, and self-care skills.
A certified Special Education teacher / RDI® Program Certified Consultant oversees the program. This program runs from September through June and is limited to a small number of students each year.
Schedule a Free Consultation:
To learn more about our Instructional Program, call us for more information at (616) 698-0306.
Please join us!
For more information on Summer CAMPS and Collaborate and Create, click here.
- CORE Approach Parent Teleseminar – Homeschooling
Horizons Families Only
Tuesday August 19, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Horizons Academy First Day
Tuesday September 2
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday September 13, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Beginning CORE Approach 4-day Parent Seminar – Chicago, IL area
November 10-13
Registration and Location Information To Be Announced…
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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