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Emotional Check-in
There are so many factors that contribute to anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and often an inability to cope. Sometimes, it’s hard to verbalize emotions. Children are not immune to stressors. Teachers must be mindful that students may be coming from homes that are chaotic and unstable, contributing to a myriad of behavioral issues. A “check-in” can…
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Ableism
I joined a Book Circle with colleagues from Cal Poly. We read Demysifying Disability by Emily Ladau. She is a fierce advocate for disability rights. Each member of the book circle took a chapter to explore and present to the group. I had Chapter 4, Ableism and Accessibility. I decided to extract the quotes I…
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Special Education is Special
I started my teaching career as a Multiple Subject Elementary Teacher. When I moved to the Central Coast, the only teaching job available was in Special Education, which meant I would need to acquire a second credential. I could have waited for a position in general education, but I was asked if I would consider…
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Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. It runs in families. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills, such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. People with dyslexia can also have problems…
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Differentiated Instruction
Research shows differentiated instruction is effective for high-ability students as well as students with mild to severe disabilities. • When students are given more options on how they can learn material, they take on more responsibility for their own learning. • Students appear to be more engaged in learning, and there are reportedly fewer discipline…
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Children’s Books That Are Inclusive
Children love books they can relate to. They need to see themselves represented in the pages. Books that present differences help students feel less alone, more connected. I have been carefully scrutinizing children’s books that lift children out of a sense of isolation. The following are books I highly recommend. I am not selling or…
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Emergent Bilingual Students
Effective Practices that Support Emergent Bilingual Students Build Connections with Families Provide Opportunities to Build Academic English
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Independent vs Dependent Learner
This book should be on every teacher’s desk as a resource for promoting an inclusive classroom. It is important to remember that dependent does not mean deficit. We want all students to work to their full potential. Here is just one sampling of the valuable guidance from acclaimed author, Jaretta Hammond: Dependent Learner Relies on…
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I Hope You Dance
When I taught a Special Day Class there were children in my classroom with a variety of differences. I think back on my time with fondness and deep appreciation because I learned that growth is not always measured by a test. I learned so much about patience, acceptance, compassion and inclusion from my exceptional students.…
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Diversity in the Classroom
A school culture that promotes diversity in the classroom teaches students something that’s important: how to live and work in a society where every individual is unique. Diversity in the classroom teaches students to appreciate different perspectives and draw stronger conclusions. Challenging students to consider different perspectives can also teach them how to interact with their peers on…
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Children’s Books on Diversity
Our world is a tapestry and each of us contribute to the whole. These are books that celebrate our unique identities that are more alike than different.View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
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Childrens’ Books That are Relatable
I love to share resources for children by topic. Kindly share with me if you have collections of special interest and I will add them. 😉 Teaching children to read and to Love reading is my passion. We have all had a lousy day. Relatable text is important for children to make text-to-life connections. Lucy…
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Support for Diversity and Inclusion
Websites, Blogs, and Media About Inclusive Classrooms: https://www.readingrockets.org/article/websites-blogs-and-media-about-inclusive-classrooms Video Is it inclusion? This chart, developed by inclusion expert Nicole Eredics, can help you understand what inclusion is and isn’t. YES NO Child spends the majority of the day in the general education classroom. Child spends the majority of the day in a special education classroom…
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Book Videos
Outstanding story about overcoming fear. The Emperor’s Egg video Learn about Emperor penguins in this delightful, informative book.View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
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Differentiated Instruction
Students have different learning styles. It’s vital that instruction meet the needs of all students. Using a one size fits all approach is not best practice. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. •Research shows differentiated instruction is effective for high-ability students as well as students with mild to severe disabilities. •When students are given more options on how they…
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