Modifying Activities for Active Learning
Teaching Active Learning is a tough job… and knowing what exactly to do with a class full of Active Learners is even tougher. So what… Read More »Modifying Activities for Active Learning
Teaching Active Learning is a tough job… and knowing what exactly to do with a class full of Active Learners is even tougher. So what… Read More »Modifying Activities for Active Learning
I have seen the power struggle first hand. A teacher, thinking they are doing the right thing and wanting to be in charge of a classroom, tells a kid with Autism to take their hands off their ears and work on an assignment in front of them. They students doesn’t comply. The teacher tries to coax or plead or force compliance… and they don’t succeed.
I think if teachers really thought about the answer to that question, they would address students in the classroom differently and really pick their battles.
I used to work with a boy whose Autism presented pretty severely. He was nonverbal, had a lot of repetitive behavior, including rocking, and he nearly always had his hands over his ears. When a hand was needed to do something, he would press his shoulder to his ear and use that instead. I had a new paraeducator working with me over a summer session and the first day she really insisted he put his hands down. He would do it for just seconds and then his hands would return to his shoulders. I told her to let him leave his hands there and she asked Why? Why does he do that.
Do you wonder too?
Read on!
Read More »Why Do Kids with Autism Do That?Structured Learning Classroom Must Haves Working with students with Low-Incidence Disabilities can be a challenge. You are dealing with behaviors, idiosyncrasies, and different academic… Read More »Structured Learning Classroom Must Haves
I was duped. And I know you will understand that it wasn’t the student duping me- I duped myself because I didn’t use the prompting hierarchy!
I will never forget the day I took a group of students to Taco Bell for a Community-Based Instruction Trip. There was a student in a wheelchair who required a high level of support on campus. We cut her food, opened all her packaging, and even put food on the fork at times to make sure she has access. With the limited use of one side of her body and processing delays, she just needed it.
Engaging Parents in the Classroom ~8 Tips to Get Parents More Engaged~ Graduation Season is here! Students who I have had the honor of working… Read More »Engaging Parents in the Classroom
Wrapping Up the School Year It’s the end of the school year and, let’s face it, we are all tired. The countdowns have been on… Read More »Wrapping Up the School Year
I was giving a training tonight and it happened… the words that sent shivers down my spine.
Why even bother.
What!?! Why bother? Is that for real!
I understand Why Bother for some things- like waking up early to work out or changing out of my stretchy pants.
But Why Bother with teaching students? Uh- not okay.
So let me give some context because I’m sure this teacher is not the only one.
Getting started with Cooperative Learning – learn how to increase social interactions for students in special education. Peer partnerships for students with disabilities.
Instructional Strategies for Autism 5 Tips That Work! Although there are no silver bullets for teaching students with Autism, there are several strategies that will… Read More »Instructional Strategies for Autism
5 Things Your Principal Wants You To Know About LIFE Skills Principals have a million things going on, especially at the secondary level. Do you… Read More »5 Things Your Principal Wants You To Know About LIFE Skills