#VillageEngagementMatrix 3/4

THE VILLAGE BLOG

Helping My Child Read Emotions and Social Cues | Episode 24

Episode 24: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Helping my child read emotions and social cues. In Episode 24, we discuss emotions, facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and other social cues that my son needed explicit support learning to recognize and interpret. As he developed, we practiced looking beyond the words someone said to consider the other information present in an interaction. What was their facial expression? What did their tone communicate? W

My Child Takes Things Very Literally | Episode 23

Episode 23: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman My child takes things very literally. In Episode 23, we discuss being acutely literal, a characteristic of autism, and how taking language exactly as it is spoken can impact humor, sarcasm, social interactions, and everyday communication. As my son developed, we spent time practicing how to recognize when what someone says may be different from what they actually mean. We also talked about how saying exactly what is in you

Teaching My Child How to Make Good Decisions | Episode 22

Episode 22: Teaching my child how to make good decisions. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are beginning to understand cause and effect, solve simple problems, and make age-appropriate choices. During Architect Phase I, parents and caregivers intentionally scaffold experiences that help children develop sound judgment and increasing independence. In Episode 22, we discuss why I chose to teach decision-making instead of co

Understanding Pica and Honoring Individual Needs | Episode 21

Episode 21: Understanding pica and honoring individual needs. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are learning to regulate their bodies, emotions, and attention in ways that are unique to their individual development. During Architect Phase I, parents and caregivers intentionally create environments that support those individual needs while helping children build confidence and trust. In Episode 21, we discuss pica and one o

Building Life Skills Through Everyday Activities | Episode 20

Episode 20: Building life skills through everyday activities. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Sapling Stage (3rd–7th grade) are developing increasing independence through meaningful experiences, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase II, intentionally designing opportunities that strengthen confidence, decision-making, and everyday life skills. In Episode 20, we discuss how everyday activities can become opportunities to build transferable

Giving My Child Space to Discover What He Loves | Episode 19

Episode 19: Giving my child space to discover what he loves. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Sapling Stage (3rd–7th grade) are developing a stronger sense of identity, interests, and abilities, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase II, intentionally creating opportunities that help children discover and develop their unique strengths. In Episode 19, we discuss the importance of giving children the freedom to explore their interests before

My Child Knew He Was Protected | Episode 18

Episode 18: My child knew he was protected. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Seedling Stage (Pre-K–2nd grade) are developing confidence, emotional awareness, and a stronger sense of who they are, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase I, helping children build secure relationships, confidence, and a positive sense of self. In Episode 18, we discuss one of my son’s favorite childhood memories and what it taught me about secure attachment. Whe

Developing Independence and Life Skills | Episode 17

Episode 17: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Developing independence and life skills. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Young Tree Stage (8th–12th grade) are learning to make decisions, set goals, and navigate the world with increasing independence, while parents and caregivers are in the Navigator Phase, shifting from directing to guiding as their child prepares for adulthood. In Episode 17, we discuss how intentionally creating opportunities to

Pouring Into Your Child’s Love Bucket | Episode 16

Episode 16: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Pouring into your child’s love bucket. Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children in the Sapling Stage (3rd–7th grade) are becoming more independent, developing problem-solving skills, and growing in confidence, while parents and caregivers are in Architect Phase II, intentionally creating experiences that strengthen their child’s growth, relationships, and emerging identity. In Episode 16, we discuss the importance o

Gross Motor Skill Development for Children on the Autism Spectrum | Episode 15

Episode 15: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Gross Motor Skill Development for Children on the Autism Spectrum Within the Village Engagement Matrix™, children between the ages of 2–4 years old are in the Sprout Stage, while parents and caregivers are in the Explorer Phase. During the Explorer Phase, the role of the parent or caregiver is to discover who their child is as an individual by observing their interests, preferences, strengths, sensitivities, communication

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ABOUT THE VILLAGE BLOG

The Village Blog is a living record of engagement strategy in action.

Here, I share field stories, practical strategies, and original frameworks from my work with Head Start programs, school districts, community action agencies, and child- and family-service organizations across the country.

Each post explores how adults can strengthen relationships, become mission-aligned, and show up well for children and families. I work with adults and work for children—because every child deserves to be loved and cared for well.

Raising Superman

Raising Superman is co-authored by Dr. El and her son, Ricky II. Together, they weave their voices into one story that highlights the three characters of a Top-Notch Village: the child, the family, and the village members.

The book gives families and village members tips and strategies drawn directly from Dr. El’s Village Engagement Matrix™—a framework designed to help both work together so that children have every opportunity to maximize their personal potential.

At its core, Raising Superman shows what becomes possible when children grow up surrounded by belief in themselves, a positive identity, and a village committed to turning dreams into reality.