FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND KIDS
Book Review: Summer 2014, I read be different by John Elder Robison. The subtitle clearly states what this book offers to teachers, students, and parents alike: My Adventures with Asperger's and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers. Through the telling of his own experiences of coming to understand in his 40s that his brain was wired differently, causing him to view the world from the unique perspective of an Aspergian, John offers advice for the development of social skills, for learning how to navigate the often confusing world of human interactions and expectations. He also champions the strengths and gifts he has due to his Asperger's, and how he was able to turn the ability to focus so intently on his interests (electronics, mechanics, nature, music) to become a successful electronics engineer in the music business, auto mechanic, businessman (owning his own high end auto shop and school for auto mechanics), public speaker, and author. Due to his own painful experiences not understanding why he was different, John shares his insights in hopes that readers will be able to navigate life with greater knowledge and acceptance. He inspires the reader to embrace their eccentricities and find their own path to success. I highly recommend this book for teachers, parents, and students (middle school/high school).
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Dyslexia Resource: www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed/initiatives/dyslexia
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HEART HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
In the school year 2015-2016, there will be a National Parks Initiative that gives a free year-long pass to fourth graders and their families. Click on this link for the story: http://time.com/money/3714933/national-parks-free-admission-families/
In addition, grades 5, 6, and 7 kids can apply for a WinterKids passport. This is a passport for admission to recreational areas for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing. My daughter had this pass in those grades - it saved us a lot of money as a family and did encourage us to try a variety of winter sports venues. For more information, click on this link: http://winterkids.org
In the school year 2015-2016, there will be a National Parks Initiative that gives a free year-long pass to fourth graders and their families. Click on this link for the story: http://time.com/money/3714933/national-parks-free-admission-families/
In addition, grades 5, 6, and 7 kids can apply for a WinterKids passport. This is a passport for admission to recreational areas for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing. My daughter had this pass in those grades - it saved us a lot of money as a family and did encourage us to try a variety of winter sports venues. For more information, click on this link: http://winterkids.org
Other Online Resources (simply click on the title to be directed to the online links)
Storyline Online is a free website where story favorites are read via video with actors and actresses. From their website: Since 1993, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation has been committed to championing children's literacy. 'Storyline Online' features professional actors reading notable children's books and extending supplemental activities for each book co-developed by an early literacy specialist. Content is available online 24/7 free of charge -- and ultimately is intended to ensure that every child with Internet access can be read (and enjoy the benefits of) a bedtime story.
This could be used as another book source for Independent reading homework!
Rivet
Rivet is a free to use reading app that has only just recently come into the world. Rivet offers a library of 2,000+ books (and ever growing!) with an adjustable reading level setting that allows readers to find their best fit. There are a variety of genres and topics in this digital library, including books adapted from popular YouTube channels! Rivet takes reading to an interactive level, allowing readers to tap and hear unfamiliar words, and even practice vocal fluency to help build vocabulary and correct pronunciation. This app makes your child’s digital safety a priority, and abides by many of the security policies schools already use. It also has your child sign up using a parent email, connecting you to your child’s reading activity and progress.
If you are interested in learning more about Rivet, please visit their website at https://rivet.area120.com/home for details about the app and its policies.
Get Epic!
www.getepic.com
Epic is an online reading resource that is free for educators with 35,000+ books of many different levels. Books can be searched by genre, title, age range, award-winning, and/or topic. There is also a collection of books in Spanish. Students can select audiobooks, videos, Read-to-Me, or online books, including comics and graphic novels (a favorite). This collection has both fiction and informational text and significantly expands the classroom library. One downside is that if students try to access outside of school hours, there is a monthly charge for families. This is a very valuable classroom resource. It tracks the number of books completed, number of hours read and number of pages read. It tracks how much time spent per book per access. This data helps inform both students and teachers and is motivating for students to increase their time reading and number of books read.
BedTime Math is a free website that I learned about through the Windham Public Library, where I do volunteer work re-shelving the books. Most families practice reading together at BedTime. This is source to also practice Math at BedTime. Math is equally essential to our lifelong success, so daily practice of both makes good sense! Enjoy!
Khan Academy is another free website of tools to be used by teachers and parents. Their Homepage states the following: Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Our math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. We've also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content.
Sources to Support Positive Behavior Growth:
Positive Behavior Intervention Support is a very user-friendly resource for parents and teachers. In the website, you simply select a behavior characteristic, read the definition to see if it matches the child's behavioral presentation, and then select interventions and options to try. There are forms included and explanations of how to do the intervention.
Understood.Org supports parents who have children struggling to learn and pay attention: Their About page states the following:
Parents want the best for their children. We do, too. For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey.
With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.
There are parent Toolkits to assist with individual needs.
Teach Your Child to Tie Shoes in 5 Minutes. This YouTube video teaches the easiest way I ever saw for tying shoes.