Download class descriptions - The Central Pennsylvania Aphasia Center

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA APHASIA CENTER
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Meet & Greet:
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and welcome fellow Aphasia Center members.
News Forum:
Discussion of personal, local, national and international news headlines. In this class we
use newspapers and the internet to find news articles of interest and pictures associated
with the news.
Writing Mechanics:
This class focuses on written spelling and grammar. Members practice writing at the
single word, phrase and sentence level.
Communication Strategies:
Learn various methods to both convey and receive messages. In this class talking is not
the most important skill, the focus is on successfully communicating the message
regardless of the method used (i.e. gesture, writing, communication notebook, etc.)
Practice using these strategies for improved communication at home and in your
community.
Sit & Be Fit:
Seated exercise in a group following along with a DVD. The exercise programs are
specialized for individuals who have suffered stroke or brain injury. You can participate
even if you have weakness or paralysis on one side of your body.
Computer Lab:
The Center has 3 computers and an ipad for the members to use at any time. Log in to
Parrot Software to practice speech & language skills, check email or facebook, practice
typing, play a challenging computer game or surf the internet. Volunteers are available to
help as needed.
Word Attack:
This class focuses on retrieving words, understanding word meanings, naming pictures or
objects and using homonyms, homophones, etc. This class is great for those who have
trouble thinking of the right word to use!
Conversation Corner:
This group allows for guided casual conversation. Topics may be chosen by the Aphasia
Center members or by the speech-language pathologist. Members do not need to be able
to speak in complete phrases or sentences to participate. The speech-languagepathologist helps members to understand and express thoughts or opinions.
Math & Numbers:
If you have difficulty with numbers, this is the class for you! Members practice listening
to and writing numbers used in everyday interactions such as shopping, telling time,
taking phone messages, and scheduling appointments. This class also focuses on
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as they relate to managing finances and
performing certain work tasks.
Art:
Local artist Gary Prall teaches this class. No need to be artistically talented to
participate! Members have an opportunity to express themselves through art instead of
words and explore their creative side. The class may focus on pencil sketching, charcoal
drawing, use of color, painting or whatever the members would like to try.
Reading Fundamentals:
This group focuses on reading comprehension and letter identification at the word, phrase
and sentence level. It more directly addresses significant reading difficulties than the
book club or the News Forum groups.
Newsletter Production:
Members have the opportunity to be a part of writing, editing, and producing our
quarterly newsletter with support from the speech-language pathologist. Participants
work alone and in groups to decide on the content of the newsletter, choose photos to use
and write articles they wish to include if desired. Assistance is provided for the writing.
Brain Teasers:
Think outside the box and challenge your mind with this class in mental exercise! This
class includes critical and lateral thinking puzzles, trivia challenges, mind-benders, and
optical illusions. Members have fun solving problems together!
Book Club:
Participants in this group read a chosen book together throughout the course of each 10
week session. Some read the text, others listen to the book on tape, and some do a little
of both. We meet each week to discuss the assigned chapters and help each other to
understand better. A study guide is provided.
Cards & Games/Wii:
The Aphasia Center has many board games that members can play, decks of cards, and a
wii gaming system. Participants can play as one large group or break-up into small
groups doing different activities.
Member’s Choice:
This is a time set aside for members to work with either the speech-language pathologist
or a volunteer to improve a particular skill, use the computers or just hang out and visit
with one another.
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