Online study aids, Homework Help, Calendar Apps for Special Education

Back to school--three words kids hate and parents (let's admit it) look forward to. Too much unstructured summer vacation gets old. But no parent looks forward to school homework battles. Got a "reluctant learner" (or in parent-speak--"lazy kid")? Or maybe your child has special needs that make school difficult. Good study skills (and school success) rely on organization, time management and accessing appropriate resources. Here are free online study aids, homework planners, homework help and calendar apps to do those things. These apps motivate the reluctant learner, kick start lazy kids learner and help struggling students. The penny pincher in me loves that these apps cost nothing and so save money on school supplies.  Back-to-school: Online study aids and apps to motivate reluctant learners

Identifying Special Education and Mainstream Students

Comparison is a dangerous word to use with students. It's not a good idea generally to compare kids' skills; it's doubly important to be cautious about measuring students with disabilities with the same stick that we use to measure general education students. It is the old "apples to oranges" scenario. What we can do is to examine all students and decide whether a disability exists and if so, how we can remediate. Read more at Comparing Special Education and Mainstream Students

Is Recess a Privilege? Should Kids Lose Recess?

Should Students Lose Recess Privileges and When Should They Lose Them? Is recess in elementary schools a privilege that can be earned or lost? Is recess a right of students? Or is recess simply an important part of healthy education? A veteran special needs and general education teacher explores the concept of recess. Read More

Free Safe Online Math Game Websites; Great for Special Needs Students

 We as teachers are always (or should be) searching to make learning in general more hands-on, student-friendly and interactive. Math is an especially challenging subject. Here are free, safe internet math gaming sites. Play and learn! Free Educational Online Math Game Websites

Innovative Special Needs Programs

How to Develop Innovative Special Education Programs Innovation in special needs learning has never been easier and more crucial! Educators and administrators have a wealth of resources at their disposal via the internet. We are learning more about what works with those who rely upon us for assistance. And best of all, many of the components of a quality program can be implemented inexpensively, a real relief in these days of 'lots of show and little go' from government programs. Read more

10 Books About Bullying--Funny, Proactive Ways to School Bullies

Bullying is a hate crime, but it's more about the bully's issues than the victim. Special needs children often experience more bullying, yet have fewer resources. Here are 10 witty and ingenious books for kids, teachers, parents, caregivers and caring adults that address the problem of bullying at home and school. Read as bullied underdogs take on their persecutors in proactive, bully-busting ways.
Bullying: 10 Books for Home and School 

Teaching Learning Disabilities, Parenting LD Kids

 Nurturing a learning disabled student is essentially the same as nurturing a mainstream child. Natural caregiver practices apply. However, there are some extra concerns to be aware of as well. I've grouped the suggestions according to basic care topics. Teaching Learning Disabilities, Parenting LD Kids