One approach that is simple to implement and inclusive of children with and without disabilities is called Big Paper. Big Paper involves seating small groups of children around a large piece of bulletin board or butcher paper that is placed across a table or on the floor. Research Learning to write is a complex… Read More Encouraging Writing in Early Childhood
Writing Opportunities: Finding Your Student’s Pencil
Before a student can become a successful writer, we must first find his ideal pencil. Many teachers make the assumption that a student without the physical ability to hold and manipulate a writing utensil is not ready for writing instruction. Many students are able to use a writing utensil such as a pencil, pen, crayon,… Read More Writing Opportunities: Finding Your Student’s Pencil
AT Tools for Writing
Speech-to-text, also known as speech recognition, is replacing word processing and word prediction. Recently, it has improved dramatically and is usually a built in feature with new products (i.e., tablets, smartphones, TVs, cars, and glasses). Research Studies show that students who use assistive technology to support writing demonstrate an improvement in their writing skills… Read More AT Tools for Writing
Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism in the Inclusive Setting
The limited research that exists to guide teachers in providing reading instruction to students with autism suggests using the evidence-based instructional practices named in the National Reading Panel report (2000) that include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and text comprehension. Research While students with autism are increasingly being included in general education classrooms, they… Read More Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism in the Inclusive Setting
Let’s Get Published!
When students know that their writing matters, they are more likely to produce better writing samples. Perhaps the best way to let students know that their writing is important is to have them publish! Publishing can be a class experience that creates excitement and can build confidence in writers. Confident writers will want to write… Read More Let’s Get Published!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Thoughts: Using Visual Imagery that Improves Working Memory
“Unless new information makes meaningful connections, it remains in working memory for about 20 seconds and is then discarded (Watson & Gable, 2011).” Because visual imagery can improve memory, it can help students make those connections. Visual images can help students make sense of math problems, remember fictional text, and comprehend a reading passage. Research… Read More A Picture is Worth a Thousand Thoughts: Using Visual Imagery that Improves Working Memory
Reading Aloud Is Allowed
Having daily opportunities to listen to an adult read aloud increases students’ own comprehension and fluency. This is especially important for students with intellectual disabilities. Here are some examples of how reading aloud can blend with and support some of the other five elements of literacy instruction. Research Does reading aloud to your class… Read More Reading Aloud Is Allowed
