2007 Hidden Curriculum Calendar

Daily Tips on Unstated Rules in Social Situations

The 2007 Hidden Curriculum calendar was written with a specific audience in mind—children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)—but the content could be useful to any educator working with students who need additional coaching on how to behave around others.

Each daily "hidden curriculum" tip—an unstated rule or custom that some children find confusing—provides a good springboard for talking about social situations. To get more mileage out of the calendar, the 4" x 5" pages could be cut up, laminated, and used as discussion starters for future classes.

It's not just people with ASD who need to review the rules. Read a couple of entries and see if you agree:

Sunday, April 22, 2007
Do not share hurtful information about someone unless it will be helpful in some way. For example, it is generally not helpful to say to a person that she is fat or unattractive. However, it is probably helpful to tell someone quietly that his shirt is buttoned wrong.

Thursday, August 30, 2007
Waiting is a life skill. No matter where you are or what you do, you will have to wait sometimes. Learn how to wait by bringing a book to read, music to listen to, a game to play, etc.

This book is available for purchase from the Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Related Links

The Puzzle of Autism—A succinct informational guide for all education personnel who work with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Early Diagnosis of Autism—A CDC campaign to help caregivers act early.

Do the Right Thing—A Web site promoting thoughtful, respectful behavior. (NEA)