Touch Math

This is a math program that may be helpful for our tactile learning or those finding math challenging. YouTube

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

http://www.amazon.ca/Nonverbal-Learning-Disabilities-Home-Parents/dp/1853029408

"Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at Home" is a good resource for parents wishing to learn more about Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.










"Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at School" is a good resource for teachers to assist with students diagnosed with a Nonverbal Learning Disability,

http://www.amazon.ca/Nonverbal-Learning-Disabilities-Home-Parents/dp/1853029408

Personal Space

A Special Education Video on Personal Space:
TeacherTube Special Education

iPad Apps for Elementary Math

There has been a request for some Math apps for students working at the K-1 level.
Here are a few you may wish to try:

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• Show Me
• Bugs & Numbers
• Learn to Trance Numbers
• Squeebles Math Bing
• Interactive Telling Time Lite
• Jumping Grasshopper
• Caboose Express:  Patterns & Sorting for Preschool and Kindergarten
• Math Numbers

You may also find some at the following Website under Math Apps:

http://andersoncarla.blogspot.ca/2013/07/recommended-ipad-apps-from-our-ipad.html

http://andersoncarla.blogspot.ca/2013/08/iphone-and-ipod-touch-apps-for-special.html

Assessment for/of/as Learning

From "Teacher Moderation:  Collaborative Assessment of Student Work"
by Curriculum Services Canada -Ministry of Ontario

Assessment for / of / as Learning
Assessment practices that are fair, equitable, ongoing, and varied have a
positive impact on student achievement. We know from research that with
effective instruction all students can meet provincial standards. To make this
happen, it is imperative that students and teachers become partners in the
assessment process, working together to identify needs, strengths, and next
steps.
The purpose of assessment for learning is to improve student learning.
Assessment for learning occurs during the instructional cycle, provides
immediate, explicit feedback and encouragement to students, and results in
targeted instruction. Students have a clear sense of what is needed to
improve their achievement.
The purpose of assessment of learning is for evaluation, to assign a mark or
grade, and may occur at any given time after students have had multiple
opportunities to practise and apply their new learning.
When assessment is truly integrated into the teaching/learning cycle, it
may be referred to as assessment as learning. Assessment as learning is a
process of developing and supporting metacognition for students. Assessment
as learning focuses on the connections that students need to make between
assessment and learning. Students engage in peer- and self-assessment
to gain insight into themselves as learners. They learn to analyse the
assessment, monitor their own learning, and determine next steps.

Mental Health Treatment for Teens

The article "5 Signs Your Teen Needs Mental Health Treatment" by Jared Friedman identifies possible signs to look for in teens who may be struggling with depression, ADHD, ADD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and more.

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/21/5-signs-your-teen-needs-mental-health-treatment/

How Leadership Coaching Has Enriched Our Teaching

In the article How leadership Coaching Has Enriched Our Teaching, Donald Wise & Ronald Leon share how their involvement with coaching has influenced their teaching practices. "We realized how very important it was to keep our work relevant and meaningful, that we establish and maintain close connections with schools and school leaders.  We knew that without this we would become increasingly isolated fro the real issues of schools." (Wise & Ronald, 2009)

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Question:  Do I lead purposefully?

Phases of the Teaching Profession

In "Phases of First Year Teaching", Ellen Moir outline the changing attitude that teachers go through in their first year of teaching.

http://newteachercenter.org/blog/phases-first-year-teaching

I would liken these to phases that I also experienced going into the role of Special Education Consultant. All of a sudden I was parachuted into a role with no training, mentoring or supports. It was challenging to get to know the School Teams at 13 different elementary and secondary schools. And this time I was operating as an island most days each month, but truly looked forward to the times when I could connect with colleagues to gain knowlege, and opportunities for reflection and support.

Turbo –charge your leadership through mentoring , Lois J Zachary

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"It’s been proposed that great leaders are made, not born. The same can be said about mentors but the association doesn’t end there. For many reasons, successful mentors and strong leaders rely on the same set of skills." Lois Zachary (Turbo-charge your Leadership through Mentoring)

The common skill set may include:
• Model the way.
• Inspire a shared vision.
• Challenge the process.
• Enable others to act.
• Encourage the heart.

Back to School Stress: Establishing Good Habits

Edutopia

A great read to begin the new year - Back to School Stress: Establishing Good Habits from Edutopia.  This is a good reminder for myself about establishing a work/life balance and remembering to stay healthy!  I was just talking about this with some of my Speech and Language Colleagues.

Stretch Your Mind

http://mrscompion.wordpress.com/

Stretch Your Mind is a website that has been created by a colleague to address educational enrichment needs.  Check it out!

French iPad Apps

As per request, here is link to French Apps For Kids.

One of the 10 Biggest Educational Trends -Online Resources

Over 100 European and North American teachers were surveyed about their interests in Educational Technology Trends.  According to Edudemic, "Online Educational Resources – 99% are very interested, interested, or somewhat interested, only 1% not interested or might be interested".

Edudemic

Organization & Math Technology Tools for Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities

Here is a chart of Math Tools that may be helpful for students with Learning Disabilities.

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Making a Difference....Mental Health

Child and Youth Mental Health Website

Making a Difference is an educator's guide to child and youth mental health problems.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks provides research, information on family services and a resource guide to assist with better understanding autism.

Autism Speaks Website

Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

POPFASD Website

POPFASD provides information to assist with meeting the learning needs of children with FASD.

Supporting Success for Students with Hearing Loss

Supporting Success Website

Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss is a good website for anyone looking for information on learning and social issues for students with hearing loss.

Visual Supports

PictureSet Website

PictureSet is a collection of downloadable visual supports.

Alternate Education Resources Ontario (AERO)

AERO provides alternate format texts for students with perceptual disabilities. You may find formats such as braille, digital audio, electronic texts, large print, and MP3 format.

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The IEP Resource Guide

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The IEP Resource Guide provides information on what an IEP is, how to gather information, establish a collaborative approach and develop an IEP.

The Association for Bright Children of Ontario

ABC Website

The Association for Bright Children (ABC) of Ontario is dedicated to providing information and support to parents of bright and gifted children.  Newsletters, networking and conference/workshop infomation can be view here.

Google Docs

Google Docs can be created anytime, anywhere.
You can work on the same document at the same time from different locations.
Documents,.spreadsheets, form, presentations and more can be uploaded and shared with others.
YouTube

Using YouTube in the Classroom

10 Reasons for Using YouTube Videos in Your Classroom:


YouTube

Ontario Ministry of Education -Special Education

The Ontario Ministry of Education website boasts information for parents, teachers, and administrators about Special Education.

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21st Century Education

Are we gearing our teaching to meet the needs of today's students?
The New Brunswick Department of Education begs this stimulating discussion among educators and other stakeholders in public education.


YouTube

QR Code Generator

A QR or 'Quick Response' is a readable barcode that can be scanned.  To generate your own QR Code click here.
Classroom Use:  Scavenger Hunt Activities, Students can check their answers, eliminate the frustration of long web addresses, takes students directly to a designated website, save time, reduce paper use, create interactive bulletin boards,

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How to Use the Livescribe Pen

Amanda Hodgins presents "How to use the Livescribe"


YouTube Video

Classroom Use:  Assist with ESL Students, efficient note-taking, limitless access to teacher directions, replay lesson for more clarity

Teacher's Gateway to Special Education

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The Ontario Teacher's Federation has composed this website to offer strategies and resources for students with learning needs. The Teacher's Gateway to Special Education provides charts that are quick and easy to use.

Tech2Learn

Brenda Sherry shares her technology resources with teachers in our board and beyond on Tech2Learn. Information is on a variety of topics such as iPads and iPods, digital storytelling, Kurzweil & Assistive Technology, OSAPAC software, voicethreads and more!

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Tools For Life

Tools For Life  is a program that assists in developing students' understanding, management, communication and relationship problem-solving skills. View some of the Tools by clicking here.

Classroom Use: Enables students to work on skills for character development, conflict resolution and peacemaking.

Getting Started with Student Inquiry

The Ministry of Ontario has released a Capacity Building Series which includes an edition on Student Inquiry.

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Classroom Use:  This article provides a definition of student inquiry, and tips for how to get started.