The Benefits of Inclusion
All kids benefit from inclusion. Students with and without special needs thrive from being surrounded by diverse learners. For the student with autism, being able to practice social skills with typically-developing peers is invaluable. For a student with a reading disability, hearing and seeing strategies that neurotypical peers use is a great learning opportunity. And […]
How (and Why) to Talk to Your Child About Their IEP
For many parents, talking to kids about their disability diagnosis and IEP can feel touchy. It can also feel like a lot of pressure to start the conversation, and even more pressure to make sure it doesn’t crush their spirits. The first step for parents is to reframe their own perspective on what it means […]
Maintaining Structure in a Time of Chaos
When things are hectic, kids feel it. Sometimes it manifests in obvious ways and sometimes they internalize it. Whether the chaos is due to a particularly busy or stressful time of year, or whether it’s due to extenuating life circumstances, there are a few key habits to not lose sight of. Because kids (and humans […]
Teaching Thanksgiving Responsibly
For decades, students have been hearing a fairly one-sided story about Thanksgiving. The picture that many teachers paint about the holiday involves pilgrims and Native Americans getting along peacefully and celebrating their shared bounty. We attempt to honor the past, in our homes and in our classrooms, by giving thanks for what we have. And […]
A Fun and Educational Thanksgiving
There’s no doubt that hearts melt at hand print turkeys that say “I’m thankful for my family.” Teaching gratitude is important, so why not make it cute? But as common (and adorable) as these activities are, it’s important to consider the “why.” Classroom activities should always be rooted in an academic purpose, no matter the […]
Using Syllabication to Decode
Some students learn how to read somewhat effortlessly, with no need for explicit instruction or strategies. They just “get it.” But many don’t. And all too often, reading instruction in classrooms assumes students will learn to read largely on their own. There may be a smattering of phonics and/or decoding work here and there. But […]
What is Social-Emotional Learning?
Core academic subjects are not the only topics that need to be taught in school. Despite the constant spotlight on reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and related subjects, it is also crucial that students have access to a high quality social-emotional learning curriculum. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process students go through to develop […]
Talking With Teachers at Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences always bring a wave of emotions. Parents are excited to hear about their child’s strengths and accomplishments, and nervous to learn about unexpected shortcomings. Teachers want to make sure they are communicating efficiently, while also conveying empathy and care. Even in the best parent-teacher relationships, this dynamic always takes effort to navigate well. […]
How Important are Grades?
Grades are the single most efficient way for teachers to communicate academic progress to students and their families. Aside from frequent, detailed feedback (which students should be getting, too!) grades are the only way to relay this information regularly, and in a standardized way. Without grades, students would be more or less in the dark […]
How to Use Choice as a Powerful Learning Tool
Everyone likes to feel like they’re in charge. Kids are no different! When we offer students choices, it allows them to feel like they are in control over a given situation. All students benefit from having choices as we all learn better when we have a say in our learning. For students who struggle with […]
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