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Valentine’s Day a holiday that millions in love around the world celebrate. Dinner and a movie, flowers and chocolates—that is generally how many couples spend Valentine’s Day. But this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday of romance will look a little different. Most people will probably order-in and spend the evening at home.

While Valentine’s Day is a celebration for many, it can also be a holiday where some feel lonely or isolated. If you’re newly single, just lost a loved one, or just feel perpetually alone, it can bring up mixed emotions. It’s difficult for anyone to try and find love and companionship, but for adolescents with varying needs—like being on the autism spectrum or having a cognitive challenge—it can be more so.

If you haven’t seen the Netflix docuseries that debut last year called Love on the Spectrum, I would highly recommend it. The show gives you a glimpse into how adolescents and young adults navigate dating and relationships. If you are working with adolescents who are enrolled in a special education program, you know that teaching them critical life and social skills is essential to their development. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum offers a robust program that provides educators with the tools and resources they need to address topics like interpersonal interactions, dating, relationships, and sex education with their students.

As an educator, you understand that addressing these topics can be difficult and perhaps, at times, uncomfortable. At the core, issues like sex, dating, and relationships are deeply personal and unique to every individual’s life experiences. But, they are a part of the fabric of who we are and how we interact with one another. You need to be able to explain and teach these issues in a way that your students can understand.

Often, students with various needs are not taught these topics in a manner that they can understand or relate to. It’s important for them to learn how to date, what appropriate personal boundaries are, and what sex is. It would be naïve for all of us to think that students are not thinking about these things. Just because they may have varying needs, does not make them any less interested in all the aspects of being a teenager.

That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum specifically addresses these issues head-on. We know that you want to be able to have appropriate and direct conversations with your students. We have designed lesson plans that provide you will the tools and resources you need to be successful in teaching these issues. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I cannot think of a better time to address these topics with your students.

If you have questions about our program, feel free to email me. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

All my best,

Jen Falkowski, M.Ed.

Jennifer.Falkowski@wfspa.org

As an educator, I know I don’t have to convince you that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted special education students. These students require specialized resources when it comes to their academics, social skills, and various activities that they participate in. Students with varying needs may have a cognitive challenge, a learning disability, be on the autism spectrum, or perhaps they just require extra support. I know when I was working as a special education teacher having my students adhere to a routine was at the foundation of their success. Yet, the pandemic has disrupted everyone’s routine, especially special education students.

In addition to the disruption to routines, special education students frequently miss out on critical social and life skills, which impacts their ability to engage with others. That was already an issue for them, but the pandemic has exacerbated the issues they are now facing. Without a solid foundation, students with varying needs can face lifelong and unnecessary struggles when it comes to developing meaningful relationships.

Many school districts have adjusted their class schedule in an effort to keep both their students and faculty safe from the coronavirus. While we all understand why schools have taken this approach, the disruption of students’ routines cannot and should not be minimized. It is a difficult time for schools across the nation, as teachers now have to find innovative and unique ways to not only educate their students but keep their students engaged in what they are learning. Regardless of whether your school has implemented in-person instruction, online, or a hybrid format, it is essential that educators have the sufficient tools and resources they need.

As many of you know, it can be difficult to achieve requirements under IDEA and to fulfill IEP transition goals without face-to-face instruction. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum is made specifically for special education teachers and educators who work with students that have varying needs. When you use the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, you not only receive a program that can be taught virtually or in a traditional classroom setting, you have our support and can contact us with questions or concerns at any time. When you purchase our program, you will receive over 100 educational videos, 39 ready-to-use lessons, outcome measurement tools, and an online portal that connects you with us. Our online portal is also designed for you to connect directly with your students and their family—now more than ever, this type of interaction is a necessity.

I believe that this pandemic has illuminated the issues for special education students that were already existent across many school districts and states for years. Yet, by illuminating the issues, it has given everyone an opportunity to discover and find resolutions. I believe that the Healthy Relationship Curriculum could be the very program you have been searching for to help your students.

If you have questions about our program, feel free to email me. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and hear about your experiences.

All my best,

Jen Falkowski, M.Ed.

Jennifer.Falkowski@wfspa.org

Finding a balance between school, work, and a social life can be hard for teachers, and it can be especially hard for students. Right now, our nation is in the throes of a public health crisis. Over 400,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19 and as many public health experts have warned us about, we are at the beginning of a dark winter.

Students are having to balance their schoolwork, possibly having a job, and trying to navigate a social life that is probably non-existent. Suffice to say, students are facing a lot of distractions and many might even be struggling with anxiety and depression. What we are all experiencing is very difficult and hard for adults to cope with, let alone students who have varying needs. The constant news cycle and apprehension we all have to do just the ordinary tasks of life—like grocery shopping—will make anyone lose focus and forget what their priorities are.

Due to the pandemic, many schools have stopped in-person instruction. If schools are providing in-person instruction, they are likely doing it through a hybrid model with students only attending a few days a week.  A traditional academic environment has somewhat disappeared, and virtual learning has become our new normal. Some students love school and learning, others despise it. So, having a well-rounded and highly adaptable program, like our Healthy Relationships Curriculum is crucial.

With all of the distractions your students are facing, they need to learn how and why prioritizing their schoolwork is important. Our program provides educators and special education teachers with the tools and resources they need to ensure their students understand what steps they must take to prioritize their schoolwork.

As you probably know, students with varying needs must understand each assignment completely and fully before they can even being to work on it. Sometimes it helps it they rank each task by importance and deadline, as well as give themselves ample time to complete the assignments. Students with varying needs require extra support and need things clearly explained to them step-by-step. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum not only teaches students how to prioritize their schoolwork, but it provides both them and educators with clear and concrete instructions

When you purchase our program, you will receive over 100 educational videos, 39 ready-to-use lessons, outcome measurement tools, and an online portal that connects you with us. Our online portal is also designed for you to connect directly with your students and their family. Our curriculum is centered around teaching your students critical life and social skills and regardless of the modality by which your students are learning. Thousands of educators and schools have used our program over the years, and that’s why we are confident your students will succeed with it.

If you have questions about our program, feel free to email Jen Falkowski, M.Ed. at Jennifer.Falkowski@wfspa.org.

 

Our nation is in the midst of a public health crisis, political turmoil, and social unrest. This past year and the beginning of 2021 have been difficult, emotionally taxing, and unsettling.

Like many of you, I worked as a special education teacher for years and I know this time of year—winter—can be particularly challenging.  It’s January and students are coming off the holidays. It can be tricky to get them to focus on their studies, and with many schools being closed for in-person instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this can seem nearly impossible.  Or, perhaps your school is offering in-person instruction but is operating on a hybrid model with students only attending a few days a week. This disruption to a traditional academic environment has meant that video calls, digital assignments, online quizzes and exams, and teaching in front of a laptop have become the new normal.

I don’t need to convince you, but the group of students who are feeling the greatest impact of having to learn in a virtual environment are students with varying needs. Students who are on the autism spectrum, have a cognitive challenge, a learning disability, or a unique need require specialized instruction and a curriculum. Working with students who require additional support is a central component of special education, and that’s why it is so important educators are prepared to teach critical life and social skills—regardless of the modality.

As many of you know, it can be difficult to achieve requirements under IDEA and to fulfill IEP transition goals without face-to-face instruction. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum is made specifically for special education teachers and educators who work with students that have varying needs. When you use the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, you not only receive a program that can be taught virtually or in a traditional classroom setting, you have our support and can contact us with questions or concerns at any time.

As a part of the program, you will receive over 85 educational videos, 39 ready-to-use lessons, outcome measurement tools, and an online portal that connects you with us. Our online portal is also designed for you to connect directly with your students and their family. Our curriculum focuses on topics on hygiene, social skills activities, cyber bullying, sex education, life skills, as well as helping your students navigate practical daily, home, and community activities. We have designed lesson plans that provide you with the tools and resources you need to be successful.

Now more than ever, your students need support, and that is why we are so passionate about our Healthy Relationships Curriculum. We know it’s made a difference in the lives of students and educators, and we’d encourage you to contact us and learn more about all the resources we offer.

— Jen Falkowski, M.Ed

We recently spoke with Jen Falkowski, M.Ed., from the Healthy Relationships Curriculum to learn how and why the program has been beneficial for special educators and schools across the nation during the pandemic.

Question: The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult on so many individuals, especially educators, as they’ve had to adjust the way they teach. Tell us what you’ve been hearing from them.

Answer: The impact that the pandemic has had on our educators, students, and schools is truly nothing educators thought would happen in their lifetime. We’ll be feeling the effects of this pandemic long after it’s over. But, we’re about eight months into the pandemic and at this point, educators are in a routine. Obviously, many are exhausted and rightfully so. It’s hard to worry about your students’ health, the health of your colleagues, the parents, and your own health—while ensuring that your students with varying needs continue to receive quality education. While the modality of learning and school may have changed, I can affirm that the drive and motivation from the educators I’ve been working with has never been stronger.

Question: The Healthy Relationships Curriculum has been designed for students with varying needs in mind. Can you tell us why the pandemic has been especially difficult for them?

Answer: As a former special educator, I know that students with varying needs must have consistency and a routine. Our program contains planned activities for students and these activities meet them at their cognitive level and can be adjusted. Students with varying needs must have a learning environment that while structured can address concerns, issues, and questions as they arise.

Question: The Healthy Relationships Curriculum is a unique program because it can be taught in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid model. How has this format benefited both educators and teachers?

Answer: Many school districts are adjusting their class schedule to their local environment in an effort to keep students safe and going beyond the typical academics. If the virus is skyrocketing in a particular community, then that school district may cancel in-person classes for a few days, or even a few weeks. That’s why our program works so well. It’s highly adaptable and can be taught regardless of the school’s format. Our lesson plans, videos, and student activities can be taught whether a class is meeting in-person or the special educator is meeting with a student on a virtual format.  

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. We all know that bullying can have serious and lasting effects and that’s why students need to have the tools and skills to navigate bullying if they encounter it. Bullying is just one of the countless topics that our Healthy Relationships Curriculum covers.

There are many distractions in school, but by far the biggest distraction is being picked on by your peers. Bullying can take many forms, but the result is always the same for the victim, feelings of sadness, confusion, despair, anger, and powerlessness. These feelings make learning an afterthought. Bullying can cause students to be less engaged in lessons, decline to speak up in class, and less likely to participate in classroom discussions out of fear of being bullied.

It can be difficult for students to recognize and comprehend a situation in which they are being bullied. It is especially difficult for those students with unique challenges such as cognitive impairments, on the autism spectrum, or a learning disability.

The Healthy Relationships Curriculum is geared towards enhancing the student’s social skills and preparing them for independent life. In a world that is unfortunately plagued with bullying, how to handle oneself when being bullied is a crucial skill. Our program is designed to provide educators with the tools and resources they need to teach their students who have various needs.

 

The Healthy Relationships Curriculum is a highly adaptable program that provides teachers and special education directors with the resources they need to teach their students critical life and social skills. The shift to online learning has caused a lot of difficulty for educators, students, and families. Maybe the biggest challenge is the students’ inability to easily communicate with their peers and more importantly their teachers. There are scheduled class times where students get some face time with their teachers but how can they reach out for help when not in class?

Along with a plethora of education tools included in the Healthy Relationships Curriculum, the myHRC portal allows students to easily access their teacher for help. The portal also allows parents or guardians to communicate with teachers to gain a better understanding of the virtual learning environment.

Virtual learning has also taken teachers out of their workplace, eliminating opportunities to brainstorm with colleagues. Fortunately, the portal allows you to connect with colleagues and even other special education professionals across the country, providing you insight into what others are doing to best serve their students.

A student’s progress is at the front of every parent’s mind. With the outcome measurement tools included in our curriculum, individual progress can be monitored by parents as well as administrators in real-time. If parents want to get involved in their child’s education, our curriculum even provides home supplements to reinforce skills learned in class and encourage family participation.

While the coronavirus pandemic has uprooted many school systems and forced a divide between educators, students, and parents, innovative solutions work to bolster communication between all parties and ensure a quality education. Our Healthy Relationships Curriculum has all the tools necessary for you to teach and effectively communicate with your students.

It is a difficult time for schools across the nation as teachers now have to find innovative ways to educate their students regardless of how their school districts decided to implement school—in-person instruction, online, or a hybrid model. Many educators are searching for solutions and seeking out new instructional methods.

Educators should not waste hours and hours searching or creating curriculums from scratch. Our Healthy Relationship Curriculum can be used for online or in-person instruction and is well-equipped with all the tools needed to provide a high-quality education.

With many schools moving online, staying connected with your students, their parents, and  your fellow educators has become one of many difficulties with online instruction. To address that issue, the Healthy Relationships Curriculum has a built-in myHRC interactive online portal. On the portal, teachers can remain in contact with their students, parents, colleagues, and us! It’s a space where you can seek advice, brainstorm, or simply ask questions.

A large number of students are visual learners, especially those with varying needs. They need to be shown how to do things and why.  To further connect with parents or family members, home supplements are included in order to reinforce the learning and encourage family participation. For experiential learners, there are role-plays and demonstrations to apply lessons to actual interactions. And to measure a student’s progress the curriculum is equipped with outcome tools and quizzes.

Don’t exhaust valuable time reinventing your lesson plan for the situation this fall. Get our Healthy Relationships Curriculum and ensure a successful future for your students.

One of the most important aspects of special education is preparing students for an independent life. There are many facets to living an independent life, but being able to interact and communicate with others is crucial.

Developing social skills is difficult even with in-person learning, and with the move to online learning, teaching student social skills has been made more difficult for students with varying needs. With many schools moving entirely online last year, many students have lost the progress they had made prior to quarantine. Students have trouble staying focused and discerning social skill cues over video chat is tough.

Anxiety around the spread of coronavirus has caused a massive change in how students and adults interact with one another Conventional greetings like handshakes or hugs are being thrown by the wayside, as limiting contact with one another is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Things may never be the same, the handshake may no longer be the standard greeting, school and work may be conducted virtually for longer than most of us expected. As learning and social environments shift, educators and students must adapt. Teaching students how to communicate over Zoom may be as valuable as learning to communicate face-to-face. That’s why our Healthy Relationships Curriculum can help.

Our curriculum provides outcome tools, video lessons, quizzes, and even a portal that connects educators to parents to communicate with one another—all of this is available online! In addition to teaching students social skills that will help them live an independent life, our curriculum is equipped to fulfill IEP requirements and would make teaching a lot easier for you!

No one likes a bully. But unfortunately, bullying in the US has become an epidemic. Cyberbullying is the most prevalent form of bullying with experts estimating that nearly 60 percent of teenagers have experienced some type of cyberbullying or harassment online. And, with many schools having shifted completely to an online format, we can only anticipate these incidents to increase.

Cyberbullying often occurs in chatrooms, on message boards, on social media, or through text messaging. More often than not, educators and parents are not aware that their students and children are being bullied.

It is very important to teach students how to navigate cyberbullying and build the social skills needed to work through negative situations. Our curriculum has extensive video lessons designed to assist students with unique challenges such as cognitive impairments, on the autism spectrum, or a learning disability with understanding and processing bullying.

Unfortunately, the internet has given a platform for bullies to pester their victims with little oversight and it can sometimes be very difficult to recognize when a comment or post is in fact bullying. Here are some indicators for educators, parents, caretakers, or educators to recognize when a child is being cyberbullied:

• When the student/child uncharacteristically stops using their device.
• Refuses to talk about their technology usage/interactions online.
• If the student/child appears nervous, angry, or sad when using technology.

To prevent your student from being cyberbullied it is crucial that they know how to stay safe online, and if they are being bullied when to tell a trusted adult.  Our curriculum provides in-depth lessons for students with disabilities to learn about how to navigate bullying, stay safe online, and ultimately build the social skills they need to live an independent life.