Thursday, April 26, 2018

7 Picture Books on Autism and Acceptance

Happy Thursday everyone! As the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month, comes to an end (whaaaat??), I thought it would be fitting to share my 7 favorite picture books on the subject. Even though April is coming to an end, it is always a great idea to share with your kids/ class about what autism is and how we should treat people who are different than us.

As a special education major, I notice a lot of kids in general ed classes who don't know how to approach kids with autism, or don't know why they are acting the way they are. Picture books are a great way to introduce the conversation and shift this dynamic. If you as a teacher or parent don't explicitly teach your kid how to treat others, society will!

I love this book and how it shows that anyone can have a friend like Simon, who has autism. The images are really cute and touch on the characteristics of autism and how it's okay to be different. Kate Gaynor has written some other great books about other exceptionalities including dyslexia, hearing difficulties, etc.. If you are a teacher or parent, you need her books!


This is a really sweet and short rhyming story about a grandmother explaining what autism is, to her autistic grandson. This is a book that I feel is great for all kinds of students to read or hear, including those with autism. 



This is a book similar to the first one I mentioned. I don't think you could ever have enough books promoting positive relationships with kids who have autism. This book is a win for me!


This is a sweet book on not necessarily autism but disability as a whole. This is a great way to show your kids that you shouldn't assume something about someone just because they have a disability. LOVE!


Julia Cook is one of my favorite children's book authors. She has great life skills books that special education teachers love. This one however is about Autism and does a great job at introducing autism and how to treat kids that are different. Instead of viewing their differences as negative, this book views them as gifts, and I love that! Julia Cook is great!!


All My Stripes by: Shaina Rudolph 
This one has to be one of my personal favorites. This is the sweetest story about a Zebra with autism and how he feels that his "autism stripe" is the only stripe anyone ever sees. This is great to show kids that autism isn't the only thing that defines them.


Where Oliver Fits by: Cale Atkinson 
This is a sweet book about a puzzle piece that tries it's hardest to fit in everywhere it goes but it just can't find where it fits. This is not a story necessarily about autism specifically but I think it is a great book to share with students who might feel really different or like they don't fit in. 


There you have seven great books you NEED in your home or classroom. I would love to hear more about your favorite books for your class! Have a great weekend!

xoxo
Thursday, April 12, 2018

My Favorite Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Recipe

Happy Thursday y'all! I am so excited to share my favorite recipe with you today that I eat almost every other day. I love smoothies because they are filling, delicious, and are often very healthy. Let's dig in!


Ingredients:
1/2 Cup of Frozen Strawberries
1/2 Cup Frozen Bananas
1 TBSP of Almond Butter
1/2 Cup of Almond Milk
Handful of Spinach (optional)

Directions:
I just throw the ingredients in my Nutribullet and add more almond milk if necessary.


I love this recipe because you can also add in spinach and you won't taste a difference. The almond butter makes it smooth and creamy without the added taste and calories of regular peanut butter. #WIN

Have a great day, talk to you soon!

xoxo