“The ONLY way to become a better writer is to write MORE!” – Karen Erickson Writing is more than the motoric task of putting pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard— it is the composition of text that expresses thoughts and ideas. Let’s be clear: Writing is communication, not just a motor task. Mastery of… Read More From Scribbles to Sentences: Understanding the Developmental Stages of Writing
Multisensory Instruction + Free VESOL Lesson Plans
Have you ever smelled something that instantly took you back to another time or place? Perhaps you have tasted a particular food, felt a texture, or heard a song that brought back distant, but powerful memories. If one particular sense can bring back such memories, imagine the impact of multisensory instruction! In this post, we… Read More Multisensory Instruction + Free VESOL Lesson Plans
Free VESOL Resources
The Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) are fairly new, so it can be tricky to find great resources. Since searching the internet for ideas can be time consuming, we are pleased to serve up this batch of links and ideas. Enjoy! VESOL Lesson Plans for T-TAC ODU In the spring of 2023, T-TAC ODU hired… Read More Free VESOL Resources
Increase Engagement by Giving Students More Choices
In the spirit of inclusive practices, let’s consider an instructional strategy that not only works well for students with intellectual disabilities, but for all learners. The school day is full of opportunities for students to make meaningful choices. We can give our students options for how to get new information or ways to demonstrate what has… Read More Increase Engagement by Giving Students More Choices
Strategies for Writing Quality IEP Goals
Drafting an individualized education program (IEP) is one of many duties with which special educators are tasked. It is important that the IEP process remains individualized to each student. It may be helpful to view an IEP as more than a document or an annual meeting, but rather an opportunity for the team of stakeholders to… Read More Strategies for Writing Quality IEP Goals
Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
If you use the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) in your daily instruction, then it is likely that you are tasked with teaching multiple content areas to your class. Perhaps you are responsible for teaching Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies to your students. Maybe you are part of a teaching team, where… Read More Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
Educational Podcasts for Summer Professional Learning
Congratulations on wrapping up another successful school year! Soon you will be enjoying a family vacation or perhaps some well-deserved quiet time at home. At some point, you will begin thinking about new teaching ideas for the next school year. You might read some teacher journals or sign up for a summer webinar series. Another option is to listen… Read More Educational Podcasts for Summer Professional Learning