Increasing Interdependence with Fun Holiday Lesson Plans

This time of year also brings some fun new happenings in the symposium Facebook group! We recently had a fake Friendsgiving potluck, where members shared what they’d bring to a holiday meal. It was a great way to connect and get to know each other better. As we approach the symposium, I have some awesome ideas to build our community even further. If you haven't checked out the symposium agenda yet, make sure to do so—this year’s event is shaping up to be the best yet, with participants from all over the world. For me, this global opportunity is one of the best ways to connect with others in the most efficient and meaningful way possible.

As an introvert, I’m all about finding ways to balance my love for connection with my need for space. But as a mom of two, the logistics of attending conferences can be tricky—especially when I have to travel far from my family. That’s why the symposium's virtual format is so exciting. I can attend presentations, connect with others, and interact with my local group of friends all from the comfort of my home or office. Even better, the presentations are available afterward, so I never have to worry about missing out.

While we're looking ahead to all the holiday fun, December is also a time for reflection and growth. With shorter days and colder weather, we tend to cozy up and lean into the season of giving and celebrating. For us as educators, this is a perfect time to get creative and help our learners grow outside the boxes we may have kept them in.

This month, in Clarity, we’re focusing on soliciting assistance and social skills, two areas that are key to helping our students achieve independence while still recognizing the importance of interdependence. When we travel, we may be able to get where we need to go independently, but once we arrive, we often need to interact with others and seek help if necessary. Teaching students to do this politely, without feeling sorry for themselves, is an essential skill. After all, as Helen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do little. Together, we can do so much.” We all depend on each other—whether it's to lend a hand when we need help or to work together toward common goals.

This month, I’ll be hosting a workshop and community call in Clarity, all focused on improving social skills and helping students break free from feelings of learned helplessness. It’s important to recognize that this is a pattern that often develops from well-meaning family members and friends who want to protect the student but may inadvertently hinder their independence. If your students are excelling in social skills, don't worry—you can still join us and get support for any other questions you have. The community is here to help.

In today’s episode, I want to give you some structure to help you make the most of this December. We'll explore three stages of development—dependence, independence, and interdependence—and how we can support our students in growing these skills. Thanks to Isaac Mila, who wrote a great article on this topic, we’ll break it down simply.

The Three Stages of Development

1. Dependence
   This is the earliest stage of development where a person relies on others for all their primal needs. Dependence is essential for infants and young children, but as we age, this stage needs to give way to more self-sufficiency. In this stage, a person may believe that the world owes them everything they need, which is normal for younger years but becomes a hindrance if it continues into adulthood.

2. Independence
   The second stage of maturation is when we start to take responsibility for our lives. This is where teens and young adults—typically between the ages of 15 and 20—begin to realize they are responsible for the choices they make and the consequences that follow. This stage can be tricky as independence doesn't mean never asking for help. It means finding a balance between doing things on your own and knowing when to seek support.

3. Interdependence
   The final stage of maturation occurs around the age of 20 and beyond. Here, we recognize that we can accomplish far more by working with others. Interdependence is about building a network where we help others, and they help us. It’s not just about being self-sufficient; it’s about creating partnerships and knowing how to ask for and offer help. This is a critical stage for our students to reach as they enter adulthood, as it helps them navigate relationships and careers.

Lesson Plan Ideas: Making December Fun While Learning

Now, let’s get to the fun part—lesson plans that will help your students develop essential life skills while celebrating the holidays!

1. Plan a Party

Planning a party is a fantastic way to teach students essential skills like time management, budgeting, and social interactions. Break the planning process into multiple days:

• Day 1: Have students help plan the event, setting a date and deciding on the theme (holiday celebration, birthday party, etc.).
• Day 2: Work on invitations, incorporating skills like address systems, postage, and maybe even Braille.
• Day 3: Go shopping for party items. This can include budgeting, navigating the store, and soliciting assistance when needed.
• Day 4: Prepare food. Simple snacks like popcorn, chips, or hot cocoa work well, and students can practice kitchen skills.
• Day 5: Throw the party! Celebrate everything your student has worked on, from planning to execution.

2. Buying Gifts for a Good Cause

This activity not only helps students with social skills but also encourages empathy and self-determination. Take your students shopping for a toy drive or food bank, or even to buy gifts for their own family members. Include budgeting lessons and help them navigate the store, recognizing the importance of thoughtful gift-giving.

Bringing it All Together

In December, take the time to reconnect with your students, focus on heart-centered activities, and make learning fun. As the holidays approach, remember that we can always be working on increasing our students’ social, independence, and interdependence skills. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun along the way!

As always, I’m here for you—whether it’s in our community calls, through lesson planning, or simply connecting on Instagram. Reach out anytime!

Looking ahead to January, I’m excited about some new developments, including the symposium and a potential retreat on the west coast! Stay tuned for more details.

Take care, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.