prizeteacher

Training to increase reading skills

Ilene — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:01:00 GMT

Ten high school honor society seniors have been trained to use Fletcher’s Place Reading Program with first graders in an afterschool program. The high school students did really well in learning the program and presenting it to the younger children. The first graders have increased their skills and reading level. One first grade teacher said her student had never really shown an interest in reading before this, but now she seems motivated to learn. I think this is a model program that could be used in many other school districts.

Teacher evaluations

Ilene — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:06:00 GMT

State test scores earned by special education students and non-special education students are being compared, and used to evaluate a teacher's effectiveness. I think this is an unfair way to measure a teacher's effectiveness. Does anyone else have an opinion?

Fletcher's Place Reading Program

Ilene — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:32:00 GMT

I have been training teachers in the philosophy and methodology of Fletcher's Place, a multisensory reading program. It is a well received and fun to use program that is beneficial for all types of learners. It is a pleasure to meet and work with so many dedicated teachers.

Educational Games for Special Needs Children

Ilene — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:22:00 GMT

The workshops presented on Nov.2,2011 and Nov.3,2011 were well received. Games can be bought in a store and used as they are intended, or re-purposed to match the needs of specific children. Look at the games children like to play and think about the skills children need to learn, and how the children learn best. Teach those skills in the format of the game and they will not realize they are learning! Of course, games can be created and designed in school or at home to meet the needs of individual students.

Reading readiness workshop for parents

Ilene — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:17:00 GMT

The workshop on Aug. 31 was well received and parents seemed excited to try the ideas I presented. Thanks to the New City, NY library for the set up and the advertising of this workshop.

Parents as advocates

Ilene — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:27:00 GMT

I have inadvertently sparked a lively discussion! Yes, parents are an important part of the team. While many parents are knowledgeable and skillful, there are parents who are not. They often come to meetings with little or no knowledge of special education, or have been misinformed. These parents learn alot at meetings and become better prepared to be part of the decision making process, and more effective advocates for their child

Reading Readiness parent workshop

Ilene — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:17:00 GMT

Thanks to all of the parents and their children who attended this workshop. It was very well received and I will plan some follow up workshops.

New Parent Workshops

Ilene — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:57:00 GMT

A parent workshop for Reading Readiness in Kindergarten has been scheduled for August 31 at the New City NY library at 7 PM. A parent workshop about Learning Games in reading and math has been scheduled for Nov.2 at the West Nyack NY library at 7PM.

New Typeface for dyslexia may make reading easier

Ilene — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:18:00 GMT

There has been some discussion on the merits of the new typeface dyslexie ( see link below for more information). The current data suggests it is beneficial for people with dyslexia. I have not used it myself, but would be very excited if there was a breakthrough in this area. Has anyone used this typeface or have any more information about it? http://thenextweb.com/shareables/2011/06/30/dyslexie-a-typeface-for-dyslexics/

Technology and Special Education

Ilene — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:48:00 GMT

I think there is terrific technology out there for children with varying disabilities, but many school districts do not have the money to fund new technology. I know of a school that built a new Science lab this year, and a Wii fit room, all from grant money. Are most school districts getting new equipment through grants alone, or are some school districts still able to buy what they need to keep up with new technology?

General Education and the LD student

Ilene — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:37:00 GMT

This is a copy of my post on the LD Online group on LinkedIn. Sadly, many general education teachers still do not understand Learning Disabilities. They have been given very little training in teaching students with LD, their expectations may be lower than they are for general education students, and they are sometimes unsure of how to prepare lesson plans to include all students. With many budget cuts ahead, these LD students will be spending more time with General Education teachers and their education may not meet their unique needs.

Multisensory education

Ilene — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:21:00 GMT

I have used multisensory programs with many students, with great success. Two of these programs are Wilson and Fletcher's Place, which I used most often. Lesson plans for groups or individual students can easily be individualized and customized to use all senses. You and the student are successful every time the student understands something new or acquires a new skill.