Tag: health

I want to start this Robotics Club because…

• I want to show my children that to make a difference to our environment, one should try and take a small step.
• The first step to do something is always difficult but not impossible.
• The robotic hardware and instructions already exist and the logical step is to use them. This is not rocket science.
• It is ok to ask for help. There are friends, local communities, experts, research groups and organisations that can help and achieve the goal.
• I educate myself within the Additional support needs (ASN) group about their needs and it would even help me to learn more about myself. So it is important to learn about different aspects of society.
• Playing with education robots is a great way to developing computational thinking, from age 4 onwards to 11.
• Be curious and find out how things will go, and even in failure be persistent and dust yourselves down and try again in a slightly different way for a different outcome.
• I want to show my children that it is possible to create something valuable the inspiration for a child and the clear difference between impossible and improbable.

Considerations for the Initial Launch club.

The Robotics Club sessions can be highly customisable which means the current forecast will be ideal for small groups. Educational robots can be a great option for ASN groups. Every child is different so parental involvement is important. The value is potentially discovering a new interest for the child. My aim is to provide a (1) calm environment, (2) functional robots (not a box of parts), (3) clear instructions and learning goals. The initial period is about finding the mean time between failure (MTBF) and mean time to be inspired (MTBI) for the children. The two variables, the price of the robots, experts’ time and venue costs will make provide all the numbers needed a viable robotics club that can lasts a long time.

For Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the following 10 points are taken into considerations.

1. Clear structure and routine: Use of existing documentation to establish a consistent schedule and routine for the robotics club, including designated times for activities, breaks, and transitions. Use visual schedules or visual timers to help participants understand and anticipate what will happen next.
2. Sensory considerations: Be mindful of sensory sensitivities and provide a sensory-friendly environment for participants. Use soft lighting, minimize noise, and have another room ready where children can retreat if they become overwhelmed.
3. Structured activities: Design robotics activities that are structured and goal-oriented, with clear instructions and expectations. Break tasks into manageable steps and provide visual supports such as diagrams or step-by-step guides to assist participants in completing tasks successfully.
4. Small group settings: Keep group sizes small to provide a more intimate and supportive setting for children with autism. This allows for more individualized attention and facilitates meaningful social interactions with peers and mentors.
5. Visual supports: Use visual supports such as visual schedules, visual instructions, or pictograms to aid communication and comprehension. These supports can help children with autism better understand tasks and activities and reduce anxiety or confusion.
6. Peer modeling and collaboration: Encourage peer modeling and collaboration by pairing children with autism with neurotypical peers who can serve as role models and mentors. This provides opportunities for social learning, imitation, and cooperative problem-solving.
7. Individualized support: Provide individualized support and accommodations based on the unique needs of each participant. This may include personalized instructions, adaptations to activities, or additional assistance from mentors or support staff as needed.
8. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement and praise to motivate and encourage participants throughout the robotics club. Celebrate achievements and progress, no matter how small, to build confidence and self-esteem.
9. Social skills development: Incorporate social skills activities and group discussions into the robotics club to help participants practice and improve their social communication, teamwork, and cooperation skills.
10. Parent involvement: Foster collaboration and communication with parents or caregivers to ensure continuity of support and reinforce learning outside of the robotics club setting. Provide resources and strategies for parents to continue supporting their child’s interests in robotics at home.

And for AHDH children, the following will be considered.

1. Structured routine: Establish a consistent schedule and routine for the robotics club, including clear start and end times for activities, as well as scheduled breaks. Use visual schedules or timers to help participants understand the flow of the club and anticipate transitions.
2. Engaging and hands-on activities: Plan hands-on robotics activities that are engaging and interactive, with opportunities for exploration and creativity. Incorporate elements of choice and autonomy to allow participants to pursue their interests and maintain engagement.
3. Clear instructions and expectations: Provide clear and concise instructions for activities, and break tasks into manageable steps. Use visual aids such as diagrams or demonstrations to help illustrate concepts and expectations. Check for understanding and provide reinforcement for following directions.
4. Flexible learning environment: Allow for flexibility in the learning environment to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. Provide options for movement and physical activity, such as standing desks or fidget tools, to help participants stay engaged and focused.
5. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement and praise to motivate and encourage participants throughout the robotics club. Recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence and self-esteem.
6. Peer collaboration: Encourage peer collaboration and teamwork by pairing participants together to work on projects or solve problems. Provide opportunities for cooperative learning and shared decision-making, which can help foster social skills and build relationships.
7. Break tasks into manageable chunks: Break larger projects or tasks into smaller, more manageable components to prevent overwhelm and promote success. Set clear goals and deadlines for each step, and provide support and guidance as needed.
8. Sensory considerations: Be mindful of sensory sensitivities and provide a sensory-friendly environment for participants. Minimize distractions such as noise and visual clutter, and offer sensory breaks or quiet spaces where participants can recharge if needed.
9. Encourage movement breaks: Allow for frequent movement breaks to help participants release excess energy and maintain focus. Incorporate opportunities for physical activity or stretching throughout the club to support concentration and engagement.
10. Flexibility and patience: Be flexible and patient with participants, recognizing that they may have different needs and challenges. Provide support and encouragement, and be willing to adjust activities or approaches as needed to ensure that all participants can fully participate and enjoy the robotics club experience.