Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner

What is Social Thinking®?

Social thinking is a term for social cognition. Successful social thinkers consider the points of view, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, prior knowledge and intentions of others (this is often called perspective-taking - considering the perspectives of others).

Social thinking can be a challenge for individuals with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, nonverbal learning disorders and others with social and communicative challenges.

While most of us develop our communication skills as we grow up, many people have great difficulties with this process. Difficulties with learning and applying social information is often considered a social learning disability.

Over a decade ago, Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, coined the term Social Thinking and developed the related treatment approach for individuals with high-functioning autism, Asperger's and similar challenges. In 2008, she received an award of Special Congressional Recognition for her on-going innovation of the Social Thinking curriculum and treatment approach. The SERC Library has many of her wonderful resources!

New Tests!

While we know that it is the end of the school year, we want to let you know about some new tests that we recently cataloged that you can consider for September!

Recently we updated editions and added several new Brigance tests:

Brigance Comprenehsive Inventory of Basic Skills II - Classroom (CIBS II-Classroom) T 587 - which by the way is already out.

Brigance comprehensive inventory of basic skills II - Standarized (CIBS II Standardized) - T 162

Brigance early childhood screen II, 0-35 months - T 737

Bigance early childhood screen II - K & 1 - T 738

Brigance early childhood screening kit: 3-5 years - T 374

Brigance transition skills inventory - T 670

For more information on the tests, please visit our catalog by clicking on the link on the right or visit Curriculum Associates at http://www.curriculumassociates.com/.

Oh Fudge!

No, I really mean Ohhhhhhh Fudge! June 16th is National Fudge Day!!!!!! Okay, maybe I should have said Mmmmmm Fudge, well either way, what a day to celebrate! While the origins of fudge are disputed (check out the websites) most histories agree it was an American invention, and what an invention! So go out and enjoy an American invention! Check out these websites for Fudge history and even some recipes! http://woodstockcandy.com/history-of-fudge.html, www.bbgees.com/History_of_Fudge_Explained.html, http://www.heavenlyfudge.net/THE-HISTORY-OF-FUDGE.html, and www.punchbowl.com/holidays.fudge-day.

World Oceans Day

Do you know what is being celebrated on Wednesday, June 8th? WORLD OCEANS DAY! The Ocean Project has declared June - GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE MONTH --- in addition every year across the 5 continents, aquariums, research centres, museums, associations and institutions with a marine environment outreach role celebrate the 8th of June. Check out The Ocean Project website at www.theoceanproject.org, the SEAS the Day website at www.theoceanproject.org/action/2011/june.php and two great sites that have activities at http://worldoceansday.org/?page_id=33 and http://worldoceansday.org/?page_id=36. Oh and by the way ------ WEAR BLUE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8TH!

Sneaker Recycling!

In conjunction with World Environment Day, Sports America Kids Month, Great Outdoors Month, Student Safety Month, and the beginning of Summer ---- the SERC Library will be Recycling Sneakers!

From Monday, June 6th thru Wednesday, June 22nd the Library will be collecting sneakers to recycle!

Only athletic shoes (all brands) are acceptable! (BUT no metal - such as eyelets, cleats or spikes) Shoes must be dry ----- Please do not tie shoes together.

Nike recycles old sneakers into a material called "NIKE Grind". This product is used for a variety of athletic surfaces including basketball courts, running tracks and playground surfacing.

See now you know why we are "tying" it into all the activities going on this month! SO ---- Bring in those sneakers!

World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED) is a day that promotes awareness of the environment. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973 and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted by a a different country with a different theme and is commemorated with an international exposition, this year the Republic of India is the host country. June 5th is World Environment Day and this year's theme is Forest: Nature At Your Service. Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Forests play a key role in our battle against climate change, release oxygen into the atmosphere and store carbon dioxide. World wide activities are organized. For more information check out the United Nations Environment Programme website at http://www.unep.org/wed/.