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RPM Basics: A Beginner's Course

RPM ABC’s Absolute Beginners Course is a free self-learning resource designed to teach the basic principles of RPM, dedicated to Christopher Finnes. The course includes eight modules covering topics such as lesson creation, effective communication, and skill development, along with an appendix of video examples and further resources. It aims to help individuals unlock their potential and improve their learning experience through RPM.

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Bindu Sripad
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views3 pages

RPM Basics: A Beginner's Course

RPM ABC’s Absolute Beginners Course is a free self-learning resource designed to teach the basic principles of RPM, dedicated to Christopher Finnes. The course includes eight modules covering topics such as lesson creation, effective communication, and skill development, along with an appendix of video examples and further resources. It aims to help individuals unlock their potential and improve their learning experience through RPM.

Uploaded by

Bindu Sripad
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

RPM ABC’s A bsolute B eginners C ourse

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Sue and Christopher Finnes

This google document is a free self-learning course which covers all the
basic principles of RPM. It can be viewed on a phone/ipad but you may
find it easier to follow using a laptop. The course is dedicated to
Christopher Finnes and included a foreword written by him in 2020. It was
always his desire to help others to learn RPM and unlock their hidden
voices and intelligence.
You can access the menu/tabs by clicking on the left arrow at the top. The course
modules are:

Module 1 - Introduction
Welcome
Basic principles behind RPM
Sensory Learning Channels
What you are working towards - what an effective RPM session will look
like
What a session may look like for a new student
Optional : History and development of SomaRPM

Module 2 - Preparing for Success - laying the foundations


Your attitude and beliefs
Environment and equipment
Video storage
Exposure to written words
Tolerance to your voice
Teach pointing and choosing
Lesson resources
Record Keeping

Module 3 - Creating and delivering beginner choice-based lessons


Why use choices
How to create a short choice-based lesson using the fable, ‘the hare and
the tortoise’
How to deliver the choice-based lesson
Common mistakes/problems with choice-based lessons

Module 4 - Creating and delivering choices and spelling practise lesions


How add spellings to previously created lesson - hare and tortoise
Performance Field
Prompting
Motor Modelling
Tactile feedback
How to create a new lesson from a children's book - Satellites
Things you need to know before delivering this lesson:
Common mistakes/problems when you start using stencils

Module 5 - Creating and delivering lessons with no choices - just spellings

When to begin with spelling key words (no choices)


How to amend /create lesson in this format - Satellites
Common mistakes/problems
Practise opportunities
Nelson Mandela lesson creation

Module 6 - How to make your lessons more effective

Sensory activities
Tiger lesson created from from video
Mozart lesson created from text
How to analyse your sessions
How to build skills .eg. move from stencil to laminated letterboard
Tutorial videos Sue and Alex - complete list

Module 7 - Building the skill of open communication

Steps towards open-ended communication during lessons


Why we don’t ask questions relating to Episodic Memory
Ensuring the responses are authentic:
Cautions re word prediction
Cautions re. influencing

Module 8 - Next Steps

Readiness: Motor, Emotional and Sensory


How to stay motivated
Training others
School involvement
Skill development outside lessons
Final thoughts

Appendix - Video examples


Further learning resources

Common questions

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The course suggests using sensory activities to engage different learning channels, thereby enriching the learning environment. Such activities include using videos or tactile elements to reinforce lesson content and enhance understanding .

Questions related to episodic memory are avoided in RPM sessions to focus on real-time communication and understanding rather than recalling past events, which may not be reliable or relevant in fostering communication skills initially .

The course's final thoughts emphasize RPM as a valuable method for enabling individuals with different learning needs to communicate effectively. It highlights the importance of adapting strategies to each learner and maintaining a positive, encouraging approach .

Transitioning from stencils to laminated letterboards signifies a shift towards more advanced motor skills and communication efficiency in RPM. This progression allows for more fluid communication as the student gains confidence and skills in indicating letters more independently .

To prepare the environment for successful RPM sessions, the course recommends having a supportive attitude, a quiet environment free from distractions, and the appropriate equipment like letterboards. Exposure to written words and developing a tolerance to vocal prompts are emphasized to set foundations for effective communication .

'Next Steps' in advancing RPM skills include assessing readiness across motor, emotional, and sensory dimensions, encouraging skill development outside lesson times, involving schools, and maintaining motivation for continuous improvement .

Choice-based lessons in RPM are foundational as they provide structured decision-making opportunities for the student. These lessons help build initial communication skills by allowing the learner to make choices, thus fostering autonomy and active participation .

Building open communication in RPM involves structured steps such as gradually increasing question complexity and ensuring responses are student-initiated. It cautions against using word prediction or unintentionally influencing responses, promoting authenticity and student agency in communication .

The course suggests incrementally adding spelling exercises to already established choice-based lessons, using methods like motor modeling and tactile feedback. Common pitfalls include over-reliance on prompts and inadequate preparation, which can lead to misunderstandings or communication breakdowns .

The basic principles behind RPM include utilizing sensory learning channels to unlock hidden voices and intelligence. The course emphasizes creating an environment conducive to effective communication sessions with individualized strategies depending on the student's needs .

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