What makes reading for understanding especially challenging for children on the autism spectrum? Autism Spectrum Disorders are a cluster of developmental disorders characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions as well as cognitive processing deficits. Learners within the spectrum exhibit a range of strengths and weaknesses, with a full range of intellectual abilities from… Read More Reading for Meaning and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Thinking About Executive Function—Why is it Important?
Do you have students in your classroom who can follow routines and manage their behavior while they regulate their thinking and emotions? And, other students who cannot seem to control their behavior or stick to classroom routines? They may fidget and have difficulty ignoring things that are irrelevant. The contrasts in these students illustrate differences… Read More Thinking About Executive Function—Why is it Important?
Executive Function Skills and the Connection to Behavior
How many times have you considered students’ inattention in class, poor behavior or poor grades as laziness, lack of studying, or simply lack of motivation and caring? Suppose it is none of these, but rather weaknesses in executive functioning skills? And what if there was something you could do to help your students succeed? What… Read More Executive Function Skills and the Connection to Behavior
Problem Solving for All Students
Problem solving plays an important role in mathematics and should have a prominent role in the mathematics education of K-12 students (NCTM, 2010). The VDOE’s Math Standards of Learning focuses on five process goals; one of which is Mathematical Problem Solving. Mathematical Problem Solving Students will apply mathematical concepts and skills and the relationships among… Read More Problem Solving for All Students
What to Say When They Play
Differing perspectives on the role of the teacher during play have resulted in a source of concern known as the “early childhood error” (Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1992). The early childhood error is committed when educators prepare an appropriate, stimulating environment for young children but then stand back and fail to follow up with guidance, “scaffolding,”… Read More What to Say When They Play
Free Resources for Students in Virginia
A great free resource for students is Find It Virginia, which includes many links to websites that students can use for literacy, learning, and research. Free to residents of Virginia are e-books and digital resources including newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias for elementary, middle, and high school students. Under the Elementary/Middle School tab, try Kids InfoBits for researching… Read More Free Resources for Students in Virginia
Writing Instruction for Students on the ASOL Curriculum
When approaching writing instruction for students with disabilities, it is helpful to consider writing as a form of communication, rather than focusing on the physical task of manipulating a pencil or keyboard. Regardless of age, all writers must progress through the same developmental stages of writing. T-TAC ODU is pleased to offer the following free… Read More Writing Instruction for Students on the ASOL Curriculum
