Customer Reviews

Hidden Curriculum 2008 Calendar: Items for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations

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The Hidden Curriculum are all the unstated cultural rules that "everybody knows" but no one tells you. It can include such things as social expecations, idioms and slang. I've heard one of the authors of this calendar, world-renowned autism expert, Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, say that it's like the knowledge that drops out of the sky and hits the "cool" kids, but misses our kids on the spectrum. Although Dr. Myles is primarily known for her work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, this calendar is an excellent teaching tool for ALL individuals. However, teaching all of the unspoken rules and social expectations seems like an overwhelming task. This is where the Hidden Curriculum Calendar comes in. By providing one HC a day it reminds us to take a moment to talk about and reflect on it. What a wonderful opportunity to talk about something meaningful every single day with our children! This is something that individuals can do on their own, with their family's help, or even as a class activity. Many teachers have mentioned including the calendar in their morning routine with their classroom. It's a great tool for any family or classroom. And my husband, who wasn't born or raised in this country, is absolutely fascinated with it, so it would also be an excellent addition to any ESL program. Also, it has been recommended by the NEA: National Education Association.


Last year I bought several Hidden Curriculum calendars and gave them to my children's teachers and therapists. As a result, my kids were exposed to the concept everywhere they went and developed a great awareness of "unspoken rules". Well, they've done it again THIS year, 365 more Hidden Curriculums to teach our kids (and husbands!) I hope that the kids' teachers aren't reading this before I've given them their Christmas gifts because guess what they are getting? I've bought TEN calendars this year (so far). There isn't a place my kids will go that they won't bump into someone somewhere who has a Hidden Curriculum calendar on their desk. Plus, it's a delightful little gift simply because it's FUN.

I made ONE mistake last year...I gave them all away! This year I bought one extra so that I'll have one too! So, don't forget yourself when you're picking up these wonderful calendars. Give yourself the gift of taking a moment to learn (and often share a laugh) with your child.

Kristi Sakai,parent of three children with autism spectrum disorder and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

I ordered this calendar for my 13 year old Aspie son. The concepts are great in the calendar but the calendar we received was defective -- parts of April & October are missing and parts of March & September are repeated. I emailed the publisher to get a replacement calendar but received no response (or acknowledgement) from them. On the 3rd email request, I added in additional email addresses (info@..., webmaster@... and the newsletter editor -- who is the poster of the other review) and provided a link to a 1-star Amazon review that I had posted (and have since deleted). I received an immediate follow up to the third request, including a phone call explaining that my requests must have hit their spam filter. I have updated my Amazon review as I indicated I would but I would definitely advise that buyers carefully check their calendars to make sure the calendar is complete.

This day by day calendar is a must for ALL primary classrooms, even though it was designed to help autistic children learn appropriate social behaviors. Children come from many different types of homes and not all are exposed to what is socially correct in the "real world." Each day a tip is written in easy to understand words to help make students aware of what is socially acceptable. For most adults, the advice may seem like common sense but if children are never told or exposed to these circumstances, we should not assume they will know what to do or what to say in different situations. Excellent tool to use as part of a daily routine! I can also see the benefits of using with small children in your home as a springboard for discussions and even role playing.

What a treat was this 2nd year of HIDDEN CURRICULUM One-A-Day Calendar. Learning social skills is so subtle that most of us barely ever even consider it, but for those on the Autism Spectrum, learning social skills is sometimes a huge challenge. Taking 365 social skills and putting them on a "bite size" one a day calendar, those with autism can learn a bit at a time. Teachers can also utilize these tid bits, by reading and discussing them each morning or simply writing them in a special area on the board for kids to view at their leisure. I think this calendar is a wonderful idea for a gift for a teacher, parent or student connected with social skills challenges.

Another great thing is that the index breaks down the ideas into subject matter (teacher/classroom, social/relationships, idioms and general), yet they are all mixed up within the year to provide a variety of social topics.

Although, the calendar appears to be published each year, the calendar is reusable by flipping it on an ongoing basis, or upon year end, you could remove the pages and create your own pile of social skills topics to review. Carry them in the car, purse or backpack to review during idle time. Or place it on the bathroom sink for your child to read each day after grooming. Or at the dinner table, discuss one topic each day.

The flip calendar is constructed in a sturdy manner with a large spiral top. The hundreds of pages are compiled by many contributors giving a wide variety of suggestions and social situations.

As the calendar quotes and suggests..."A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step..."

This is a wonderful product and is also interspersed with fun illustrations when each new month starts.

Overall, a wonderful and simple product!
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism Author, Joanna Keating-Velasco