Blog Archive

Friday, October 31, 2014

Teaching Strategies for for Blind or Low Vision Students

Teaching strategies for blind or low vision students may include:  assistive technology, personal care, personal safety, self advocacy skills, self-esteem, social skills, visual-motor skills, visual processing and more.  The Blind/Low Vision section of "Teacher's Gateway to Special Education" provides details for each strategy as well as additional resources.
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Classroom Strategies for Oppositional Defiance

School-Wide Strategies for managing Defiance/NonCompliance provides several strategies for anyone working with students who present with challenging behaviours.
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Autism Speaks

The Autism Speaks website focuses on helping parents, caregivers or concerned adults recognize developmental milestones, learn screening for possible symptoms of autism and  how to access services.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/early-access-care/parents

Autism Society Canada

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The Autism Society Canada site provides information to parents, caregivers, family members, educators, health care workers, individuals with autism and more with information about autism, services and resources.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

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Learning and understanding mathematical concepts requires student engagement.The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives provides computer-based mathematical manipulatives and interactive learning tools at elementary and middle school levels.
Thank you for sharing, Cathy!
Classroom Use: enrich curriculum, interactive approach to math


Monday, October 27, 2014

25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom

Judith Dodge gives examples of 25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom.

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Classroom Use:  Examples of how the following can be used as formative assessments:

  • Summaries and Reflections
  • Lists, Charts, and Graphic Organizers
  • Visual Representation of Information
  • Collaborative Activities 

Professional Learning Communities

The goal of Professional Learning Communities is to improve student achievement.  The Literacy Numeracy Secretariat (2007) presents Professional Learning Communities:  A Model for Ontario Schools.
Classroom Use:  Establishes a clear focus on student learning, ensures learning for all students, is results oriented.
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Using Inclusive Approach to Gender

In an attempt to increase teacher awareness, one District Trains Teachers In Using Inclusive Approach to Gender.
mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?DISPATCHED=true&cid=25983841&item=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.edweek.org%2Fteachers%2Fteaching_now%2F2014%2F10%2Fnebraska-district-trains-teachers-gender-inclusiveness.html 

How one boy with Autism became Best Friends with Apple's Siri

I enjoyed this story To Siri, With Love shared by the New York Times.  Siri may have an appropriate place in others lives as well.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/fashion/how-apples-siri-became-one-autistic-boys-bff.html?_r=1

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

BIGMack Switches

Big Mack Switches are an assistive technology device in which one can record a single message into the BIGmack Communicator.  The activation surface on the communicator can be pressed for playback.  The BIGmack is an excellent choice for individuals with visual impairments or who require a larger target area. These can be taken out on loan at our Terry James Resource Library.
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Monday, October 20, 2014

Power of Words

View the power of words.  "Change your words...change your world."


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Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is an excellent guide for teachers and includes information about understanding the various needs of students with FAS/E or FAS/D as well as several skills checklists 'via Blog this'.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

How to Create Better Web Seaches

How to create better web searches:
http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/74.125.5.18/en/18/educators/posters/poster_search_tips_final.pdf

Why Your Whole Staff Should Be On Twitter

Great ideas as to "Why Your Whole Staff Should Be On Twitter" to see how Twitter can bring your school community closer and open up classroom doors to develop stronger relationships.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2014/10/why_your_whole_staff_should_be_on_twitter.html

Monday, October 13, 2014

The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak

"The Book With No Words" is filled with "only words, in different fonts, colours and sizes" (http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/2014/09/bj-novak-the-book-with-no-pictures).  It's creative, smart and funny.  Watch how the kids get a kick out of it!
Thanks for sharing Andrea!

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How to Determine A Student's Prior Knowledge

Edudemic provides a few tips on How to Determine A Student's Prior Knowledge in order to get everyone on the same page.
http://www.edudemic.com/a-students-prior-knowledge/

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Suggested Strategies for Students with Needs in the area of Self Regulation


Some suggestions for the development of self regulatory skills are provided by ETFO's Special Education Handbook:  A Practical Guide for All Teachers.
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Suggested Strategies for Students with Needs in the area of Aggression

ETFO' s "Special Education Handbook:  A Practical Guide for All Teachers", provides practical strategies for experiencing difficulties with verbal and physical aggression .
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

IEPs, Behaviour Plans and Safety Plans: Why Consult with Parents?


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Parents/Guardians must be provided with opportunities to discuss issues, information, ask questions and influences outcomes before  decisions are made. Why Consult with Parents? (Behaviour Management Systems:  Practitioner Workbook).

"Your Child Does Not Belong in my Classroom"

We want all children to have a sense of belonging!  What parents feel when told:  Your Child Does Not Belong in my Classroom, by Doug Goldberg.
http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/your-child-doesnt-belong-in-my-classroom/