tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76645935694527622102024-02-07T17:38:25.338-08:00Dare 2 DifferentiateKaren Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-39101982622144561632013-11-17T15:16:00.001-08:002013-11-17T15:16:36.080-08:00LD Action: Creating Possibilities: The Best Learning Environments For Dyslexics<a href="http://ldaction.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-best-learning-environments-for.html?spref=bl">LD Action: Creating Possibilities: The Best Learning Environments For Dyslexics</a>: We've all heard the factoid that everybody has a specific learning style that suits their brain best. You may have even taken an...Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-19444651213268474062013-11-08T02:23:00.004-08:002013-11-08T02:25:09.665-08:00Favorite Quote<img src="webkit-fake-url://655F9A33-57D1-4427-882D-B937F9D16F78/image.tiff" /><br />
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Love this quote. It points out the absurdity of what we ask of some students on a daily basis. During class this evening (Strategies for inclusion), one of my brightest graduate students discussed the dilemna he faces at the high school he works at. We were discussing ADHD and students need to move. His response? "But my school has a rule that kids have to sit in their seats. Sometimes they have to sit for a long time. If they get up to walk around they get yelled at. I feel so bad. What can I do?" I hear stories like this every day. Disabilities are not a secret. Get informed. Learn strategies that work for students. I am really excited to begin teaching a new course designed to focus on the strengths of persons with disabilities. It will be offered starting in January, and is called Neurodiversity: Creating a Positive Niche. Hope you can join me!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-13440416266486089002013-11-06T17:58:00.000-08:002013-11-06T17:58:09.817-08:00Let the games begin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Games are one of the most potent learning tools teachers can use. They engage the entire brain while activating the "feel good" chemicals that are released during play. Games allow for "elaborative rehearsal", or purposeful practice. Try using games in your classroom instead of rote kill and drill for skills and see what a positive change it will make!</div>
<br />Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-88999159482239315272013-10-06T04:53:00.002-07:002013-10-06T04:53:25.202-07:00Find Your PassionYou may have noticed on my home banner, that I include the words Every Day matters....and it does! This video is worth watching if you are a teacher or a parent. I have always told my children to follow their heart...find something that you are passionate about and do it! I hope you take a minute to watch this and reflect on the importance of happiness....would love to hear your thoughts....<br />
<a href="http://www.upworthy.com/something-every-teacher-should-watch-and-student-and-person?c=ufb1">http://www.upworthy.com/something-every-teacher-should-watch-and-student-and-person?c=ufb1</a> Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-80376469690060090962013-10-05T04:44:00.000-07:002013-10-05T04:44:17.057-07:00Squeeze machineDo you know what really excites me? Learning something new. And there is nothing more exciting to me than learning something new from one of my students. My graduate students this semester are simply amazing. An eclectic crowd of outspoken, intelligent adults all with a similar goal of teaching. This past week we had amazing conversations about students with social-emotional and behavior disorders. Several students had opposite opinions on student expectations and accommodating for student need. Two students in particular got quite emotional while discussing students with anxiety disorder, and their needs in the classroom. There are times, as professional adults when we simply need to agree that its ok to disagree.<br />
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While grading their UDL assignments, I had the pleasure of reading one lesson plan that proposed introducing the characteristics of autism to a special education 4th grade classroom. The lesson plan included showing video of Temple's "squeeze machine". I was so curious, that I had to go to Utube and explore this. If this lesson hooked me like that, can you imagine how excited these fourth grade students will be? What a lucky class! I've included a Temple Grandin utube link for you other curious folks out there.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWBo886FuQo&list=FLalOmM7YdmaPQIvTIyTtEtQ&index=2">Temple Grandin</a> is an amazing person. She is the first autistic person to have written an autobiiography describing what autism is like. She is renowned for her ability to allow us into an autistic persons brain. Her first film/book <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_3ueIBH5DI&list=FLalOmM7YdmaPQIvTIyTtEtQ&index=1">Thinking In Pictures</a> is a premiere piece of educational work as well. Enjoy!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-41890362231311461672013-09-23T16:41:00.001-07:002013-09-23T16:41:42.718-07:00Math PowerPointsMany struggling students benefit from memory tricks including mnemonics, acronyms, and chants. These power points are great examples of strategies that work!<br />
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<a href="http://goodsensorylearning.com/math-powerpoints.html#.UkDRae6JC24.blogger">Math PowerPoints</a>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-47796565239160595352013-09-23T16:29:00.001-07:002013-09-23T16:29:31.961-07:00SLD or no SLD? That is the question.Great article on current research attempting to prevrent over-identification of students with special needs. How do we discriminate between a student with SLD and a struggling student? For dyscalculia, the studies show that certain math skills can predict future success. What do you think they are? <br />
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<a href="http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/06/17/36math.h30.html?tkn=WONFlX5tpPZxyIcmh6KwuzqT9PupSoQ7s3Kw&print=1">http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/06/17/36math.h30.html?tkn=WONFlX5tpPZxyIcmh6KwuzqT9PupSoQ7s3Kw&print=1</a>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-47428121225498998822013-09-23T16:19:00.001-07:002013-09-23T16:19:43.474-07:00Robot acts as eyes and ears for Massachusetts HS student | North - WCVB Home<a href="http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/boston-north/Robot-acts-as-eyes-and-ears-for-Massachusetts-HS-student/-/11984708/22028948/-/9yojqg/-/index.html#.UkDMPCzo5CY.blogger">Robot acts as eyes and ears for Massachusetts HS student | North - WCVB Home</a><br />
I am using a VGo to service a student who is medically fragile and cannot always be serviced in person. Amazing! Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-69676751571380684892013-09-07T09:38:00.004-07:002013-09-07T11:17:07.839-07:00Strategies for InclusionI began teaching a new semester of Strategies for Inclusion, a graduate level course, at Anna Maria this past week. I was so excited after the first evening. My students are from diverse backgrounds. Some are graduate students, others are undergraduate. Their experiences working with children range from working in an infant room to teaching High school mathematics. All are intelligent, dedicated, and participatory. Lots of great questions and loads of interactive learning. I'm excited to be off to a great start!<br />
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For part of our first class we watched and reflected upon this video "Don't Limit Me".Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-6218829945791796292013-09-07T09:32:00.001-07:002013-09-07T09:33:05.057-07:00These May Be Some Of The Most Important Passages About Self-Control That I’ve Ever ReadA great resource for learning more about promoting self control in students is Larry Ferlazzo's blog. It is particularly important that we help students discriminate between using self-control in the classroom vs. simply not participating . I found this information powerful and I hope that you do too.<br />
<a href="http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2013/09/05/these-may-be-some-of-the-most-important-passages-about-self-control-that-ive-ever-read/#.UitTFtzO8I4.blogger">These May Be Some Of The Most Important Passages About Self-Control That I’ve Ever Read</a>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-48621141034114636922012-02-04T07:50:00.000-08:002012-02-04T07:50:11.479-08:00Four Square Writing MethodMarygrove College had a great webinar explaining the Four Square Writing Method. Watch it below. Great strategy for kids who need help writing a cohesive piece.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36158768?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/36158768">Marygrove College MAT Webinar: Four Square Writing Method</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/marygrovecollege">Marygrove College</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-41499059657160807422012-02-03T04:07:00.000-08:002012-02-03T04:07:27.713-08:00Amazing Brain Research Footage<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nsjDnYxJ0bo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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In an experiment, researchers were able to take the brain waves of people seeing what’s on the left and reconstruct the images on the right — only from brain waves. You can read about the potential implications of this process, ranging from identifying what patients in a coma are experiencing to seeing our own dreams. You can find more information at <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2011/09/22/breakthrough-could-enable-others-to-watch-your-dreams-and-memories-video/">Scientific American.</a>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-60671834862933028752012-02-03T03:58:00.000-08:002012-02-03T03:58:55.099-08:00Amazing New Brain Research <object data="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf" height="400" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512"> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="wmode" value="default" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /> <param name="flashvars" value="config_settings_addReferrerToPlaylistRequest=true&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false&config_settings_showShareButton=true&config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Fplayer%2Femp%2F2%5F0%5F29%2Fconfig%2Fdefault%2Exml&playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fplaylists%2Ebbc%2Eco%2Euk%2Fnews%2Fscience%2Denvironment%2D16844432A%2Fplaylist%2Esxml&config_settings_showFooter=true&&config_plugin_fmtjLiveStats_pageType=eav6&config_settings_autoPlay=false&config_settings_showFooter=true&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false&config_settings_addReferrerToPlaylistRequest=true" /> </object> Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-30094863146941121682012-01-19T04:02:00.000-08:002012-01-19T04:02:03.545-08:00Great lesson for teaching kids about self-control!If you want some great ideas on setting up a strong learning community, as well as concrete ideas for demonstrating what self-control is, check out this blog. Excellent!<a href="http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2009/10/22/i-like-this-lesson-because-it-make-me-have-a-longer-temper-part-one/#.TxgFyCNoL64.blogger">“I Like This Lesson Because It Make Me Have a Longer Temper” (Part One)</a>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-18959775184253444552012-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:002012-01-01T07:28:55.177-08:00AffirmationsHappy 2012! I want to start the year off impressing you with the importance of positive thought. Affirmations are positive statements that we say to ourself about ourself. Here are some examples of positive I am statements:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4f3bnb7cEh4DvZ9EqLlVTFJZ2kCVdPyo4i3KzapLV0iSinFKiI2wyclBd7iY0wcormXGWEBAigDPoES-aK-STdD0sZ6W80Ka1Eb_nBHtnU4Et_WQXhuJogyIZWYBvMjcmqZmiKPdrSvH/s1600/affirmations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4f3bnb7cEh4DvZ9EqLlVTFJZ2kCVdPyo4i3KzapLV0iSinFKiI2wyclBd7iY0wcormXGWEBAigDPoES-aK-STdD0sZ6W80Ka1Eb_nBHtnU4Et_WQXhuJogyIZWYBvMjcmqZmiKPdrSvH/s1600/affirmations.jpg" /></a></div>Thinking positively can change your life significantly. Becoming aware and paying attention to the positive aspects of your life truly does change your entire focus.<br />
Students can be taught to do this! It is a particularly important skill to learn for students who may be struggling in the classroom. Consider a student who is struggling with learning to read. She may dread being called for reading group! Being asked to do something they are not good at can significantly impact self-esteem.<br />
Some students are more aware of their learning differences than others, but irregardless, a student struggling with any academic task is working harder than the norm. If they are not suffering from lack of self-confidence they may be suffering from academic and/or mental fatigue.<br />
Teach the student to focus on what they do well. Using either <b><i>"I am"</i></b> or <i style="font-weight: bold;">"I can" </i>statements is a great beginning. Help your students develop a bank of affirmation statements. Either post them in a central spot, or keep them on a ring to be used as needed.<br />
Encourage students to use positive statements when chased with a challenging classroom activity. For example, before that reading group have the student design a personalized affirmation statement that they recite before beginning. It could sound something like this:<br />
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<i>I am making progress with my reading. I know that if I get stuck on a word that I can use my reading strategies to help myself. I am smart and I can figure out which strategy will work best. I am a hard worker and will do my best when I get stuck. Trying hard makes me proud.</i><br />
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An affirmation statement helps the student to focus on the positive. This affirmation statement, for example, reminds the student that they are making progress! It also empowers the student, reminding them that if they get stuck while reading they know just what to do! The statement affirms that they are working hard and they should be proud of their effort and work ethic.<br />
In addition to having an affirmation statement for parts of the school day which are difficult, it is important to help students find things they do well. For example,<br />
<i>I am a great artist.</i><br />
<i>I am a good friend.</i><br />
<i>I can help others tie their shoes.</i><br />
<i>I can work with friends to solve a problem.</i><br />
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Affirmations can make the classroom a more positive place. They can be used as a means of recognizing that everyone has something to contribute. They help students to "find" themselves, promoting self-awareness and self-confidence in the process. Learn more about affirmations <a href="http://www.vitalaffirmations.com/affirmations.htm">here. </a> I hope you will consider using affirmations in your classroom in 2012!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-38144906197846856962011-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:002011-12-31T10:12:10.398-08:00Hands On Math ActivityFound these two great ideas today on the internet.<br />
I found a great way to make learning about place value hands-on and very motivating. This activity is a great pre-teach before introducing math manipulatives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh630IO8dbKNxP8Mtm47YYhSovOk8Pxvm09thXHlVzmRgb41B2f0Uuv3UpNCM2RaJxJlZ_QUMgr1u2WC7UACbe9FpbZj_6r-HZDv7CiDLA4rFxsD1l41Zef0JP16w0kh4AYplA6tHS0uEVH/s1600/placevaluemarshmallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh630IO8dbKNxP8Mtm47YYhSovOk8Pxvm09thXHlVzmRgb41B2f0Uuv3UpNCM2RaJxJlZ_QUMgr1u2WC7UACbe9FpbZj_6r-HZDv7CiDLA4rFxsD1l41Zef0JP16w0kh4AYplA6tHS0uEVH/s320/placevaluemarshmallows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
The teacher calls out how many hundreds, tens, and ones. The student places that amount of circular shaped cereal on the corresponding marshmallow's toothpick. The follow up worksheet, <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8qgPeSi40OeYmNmZWQzZWQtNjFmZS00MmIwLWJkZjQtNzhkNDlhMDY3NWE0">here</a>, lets them write the numbers they have made.<br />
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Also found a great way to teach numerical order in a hands-on way. Put numbers on pop sticks- can be modified to include the numbers you are working on- and have students place in order by making a playdoh snake to stick the numbers into....love it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9kE83vVv7uvgs-MupCAuRMZ6Jjq3UHaz8QKNE8SCem_i4iB_PKI01OzlXDoniLBxXka3d2bgr-hXp4FAfAGoKgAdEjlCn_TsvpnDIwfbldsmj6gNpYEfdJ0Mc7HgkV-c2qjgxqnzDSOf/s1600/playdohnumberline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9kE83vVv7uvgs-MupCAuRMZ6Jjq3UHaz8QKNE8SCem_i4iB_PKI01OzlXDoniLBxXka3d2bgr-hXp4FAfAGoKgAdEjlCn_TsvpnDIwfbldsmj6gNpYEfdJ0Mc7HgkV-c2qjgxqnzDSOf/s320/playdohnumberline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Plan on using both next week- the place value activity with my first graders and the play doh number line with my kindergarteners. Will let you know how they go!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-49336590388667349452011-12-30T05:34:00.000-08:002011-12-30T05:34:59.890-08:00Differentiation LessonIf you need a creative way to explain the need for differentiation to your students, go to Miss Saylor's <a href="http://saylorslog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-08-30T19%3A01%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=5">blog</a> to read how she presented this to her students. Such a great idea!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSthN5ygHoiOoopACrY5xeqTQteK2r29u4ZcKL8hE6IP6XOGCTdhJ4FhKvBqQnicpQWrls-ASuMDjBPRneb2THcx70HPms6RoV8faKu_PV7Xzi9Y0dIns514efHnyvXqT9T87h1hJ7ks0/s1600/bandaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSthN5ygHoiOoopACrY5xeqTQteK2r29u4ZcKL8hE6IP6XOGCTdhJ4FhKvBqQnicpQWrls-ASuMDjBPRneb2THcx70HPms6RoV8faKu_PV7Xzi9Y0dIns514efHnyvXqT9T87h1hJ7ks0/s320/bandaid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She also has some wonderful reading activity follow up cards which provide students with a question to answer after reading a book. The cards are categorized and color coded according to Bloom's taxonomy, which allows for you to differentiate which students are working on which level of thinking skills. You can download it for free on her blog!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-8933410582335027612011-12-25T08:13:00.000-08:002011-12-25T08:21:30.212-08:00Some Low Tech OptionsTechnology does not always have to be high tech to be effective for differentiating. Check out these great audio tools- Talk Point. They are capable of holding 10 seconds (this is longer than you think) of sound for playback. Can be used for a million different accommodations in the classroom!<br />
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<a href="http://www.learningresources.com/product/teachers/shop+by+category/esl-ell/talk+point--8482-,+set+of+5.do?search=basic&keyword=sound&sortby=bestSellers&page=1&">Talk Point™, Set of 5 - ESL/ELL - Shop by Category - Teachers - Learning Resources®</a><br />
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Just a few ideas:<br />
pre-record directions for an activity or center<br />
use as a phonics tool for sound discrimination or sound blending activities<br />
use to support struggling writers. Let them record their sentence, then go back and replay as they write the sentence word by word- supports working memory!<br />
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Learning resources also sells a similar recording device that is attached to a white board so that you can use for interactive writing activities- a little pricier than just the recorders themselves, but also full of classroom possibilities!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-45307473417295027092011-12-25T08:08:00.000-08:002011-12-25T08:11:50.171-08:00TechnologyTechnology is a great way to differentiate in the classroom. <a href="http://www.appitic.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=showNew&Itemid=74">Appitic</a> is a great resource for teachers looking for guidance in using apps in the classroom. This site actually categorizes different apps according to multiple intelligences, categories of learning, and Bloom's taxonomy. Check it out!<br />
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One of the new blogs I just discovered, Digital Kindergarten, also is a great resource regarding appropriate ways to use Ipads in the classroom. She also recommends some great free apps, describes many apps in detail, and gives general pointers on technology use in a public school classroom.<br />
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Happy apping=:)Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-68282969780597792011-12-23T05:54:00.000-08:002011-12-23T05:54:35.202-08:00Fa la la la la.....Many of the classrooms in my school are in the midst of enjoying lots of new holiday-related activities. This is harder for some children to adapt to than others....which makes for some quite boisterous classrooms. Amidst all of this holiday bustle, it is wise to remember what a catalyst for learning a little change can be. Changes in routine actually increases growth of the synaptic connections in the brain. New experiences and routines create new connection routes in our brains, and activates parts of the brain that are not engaged when involved in routine tasks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYDcX1Xe736QSwq9Q-XoRd5XFU62oQosSW62kjExNya7NOitvMYIv07nonJ7N_sUeF9V6miRDddPGzrz0WGum8rK9RAZrN0chlsimRLQmEv5QcTjx059CX7qpV8p7zifqA_I3tSWmzaJ1/s1600/synapse_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYDcX1Xe736QSwq9Q-XoRd5XFU62oQosSW62kjExNya7NOitvMYIv07nonJ7N_sUeF9V6miRDddPGzrz0WGum8rK9RAZrN0chlsimRLQmEv5QcTjx059CX7qpV8p7zifqA_I3tSWmzaJ1/s320/synapse_color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can read more about the positive aspects of change on learning <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8qgPeSi40OeMTVlYjk2ZDktOGIxZS00OWI3LThhZDMtZmQ4ZWY4NzYzMGJi">here</a>.Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-21652140072643392522011-12-23T05:30:00.000-08:002011-12-23T05:35:49.041-08:00Teachers as Brain Changers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_e_RfB3ctS-TGuFb0vCFSD8btpu-KNp-rkpzxkUY6y04xeVnuiZ7CacZG4ExPA2jKIENzMSUCmFfkn-8PrpIPsQ7cHodvqpZnhiPYAP_SAIhq_nkmjt8pPatn2GMYPlsm2FJN2McMJIu/s1600/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_e_RfB3ctS-TGuFb0vCFSD8btpu-KNp-rkpzxkUY6y04xeVnuiZ7CacZG4ExPA2jKIENzMSUCmFfkn-8PrpIPsQ7cHodvqpZnhiPYAP_SAIhq_nkmjt8pPatn2GMYPlsm2FJN2McMJIu/s320/brain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I bet you didn't think of yourself as a brain changer, did you? But as a teacher, that is just what you are! A very interesting <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8qgPeSi40OeMWM0YzA0OTctY2VmYi00YzZiLWFhNjEtZTk5ZWIyM2YzODRi">article</a> explains just what I mean by this. So, enjoy the day and change some brains for the better today=:)Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-35778582151778269762011-12-22T04:04:00.000-08:002011-12-22T04:04:45.812-08:00An inspirational youngster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFEoDPscBNk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times;"></span></div><div style="color: #333300; font: normal normal normal 13.5px/17px Tahoma; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Emmanuelle Lo</strong><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />One summer day, friends gathered at a backyard concert to raise money to help a 10-year-old girl, birth blind, fuel her passion for music. The money raised bought her a guitar and a couple of lessons. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />By winter she played "Night of our lives" to family and friends. The song touched everyone in that way that gives you goose bumps and makes your heart feel bigger than your whole body. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />This Christmas, friends and family (disguised as musicians, producers and designers) helped Emmanuelle to share her song with a few more people than come to pot luck and backyard concerts. It took 10 days, a lot of delicious energy and too many smiles to mention. We hope you love it as much as we do.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></strong></div><div style="color: #333300; font: normal normal normal 13.5px/17px Tahoma; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Feeling inspired? Please let Emmy know by leaving comments at <a href="http://youtu.be/bFEoDPscBNk" style="color: #870101; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />http://youtu.be/bFEoDPscBNk</a>! </strong></div><div style="color: #333300; font: normal normal normal 13.5px/17px Tahoma; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Also visit her Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelleLo" style="color: #870101; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelleLo</a> page and "like" Emmy to share this beautiful artist and holiday "gift" of song to all your friends and family.</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div><div style="color: #333300; font: normal normal normal 13.5px/17px Tahoma; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.emmanuellelo.com/" style="color: #870101; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">www.emmanuellelo.com</a><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />emmanuelle ©2011 Stoneagle Music</div>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-20172891351195783422011-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:43:18.860-08:00Holiday time getting a little crazy in your classroom?This is the time of year when students get a bit out of control. Routines change, holiday activities ca become overstimulating, too much sugar...you know what I mean. Time to put a little calm into your routine. YogaKids (R) is a wonderful way to help your students get back to calm. Linking together several poses, like the routine posted below, is an effective method for allowing them to get their "wiggles" out and slowly working them towards calm bodies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8qgPeSi40OeZTQ0OWJhYzgtNWQ5Ny00ZmI5LTkzNTItOTZjZWM4ODE1YTZj"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh8nMXVgTrwtkc-QBfLqQwV63Go5U_QfJfgu2WFaohPXe9uCQcAofCFhyphenhyphenkzIdTzp9ZFAWpP3iqx6ap-SjhENGCWSNJc5YQTAxBMB5Rf3UmZMnwDKBiY3-rd0VxlRYu6Dr4LWq-1nBr8kW/s320/crazy+to+calm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And don't forget to reinforce those concepts of calm and peace throughout the holiday hype. YogaKids has shared a free lesson plan focusing on the concept of peace which you can find <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8qgPeSi40OeMzE4YWQxOTEtMTIwYS00MjU3LWE5ZjAtZTg3ZTJjYjg0NzI4">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a calm and peaceful holiday season!</div>Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-17497030212677129232011-12-14T10:32:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:16:32.630-08:00Keeping it Fun!Sometimes the biggest challenge when working with kids who have learning challenges is how to keep them motivated...Let's face it, everything they need to learn is not always fun...in fact some learning can be pretty dry. For example, learning your sight words. This tends to take a lot of "drill and kill" methodology, right? And I can totally understand why a 6-year-old might make that face at me when they see "those flashcards" again! My students tend to need even more repetition with these words than the "average" student, which makes keeping the motivation level high particularly important.<br />
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So, to keep it fresh, I designed a system that gives the student a concrete way of monitoring their own progress with learning their sight words. The school that I work at calls the kindergarten sight words "popcorn words" because they have a tendency to "pop" out at you everywhere you look! These are their popcorn work folders:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2MRB5ljcTX8QGvBMruisBPUHngtoysJ-0jcwpc1buU1xp5gHc7JqduaMKzqjezo6-tJfoMg6FFPrLfn2IKb6CGW6-0kBw5VfgM2xu_iCMFm0X6WBP49mWzLm2sLdA2vacL7Id8d-BIRX/s1600/SWfolders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2MRB5ljcTX8QGvBMruisBPUHngtoysJ-0jcwpc1buU1xp5gHc7JqduaMKzqjezo6-tJfoMg6FFPrLfn2IKb6CGW6-0kBw5VfgM2xu_iCMFm0X6WBP49mWzLm2sLdA2vacL7Id8d-BIRX/s320/SWfolders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To help track progress in a non-judgemental way, I have benchmark icons that they progress through on their way to mastery. For example, when they first learn a word, they are in the "turtle" stage...they know the word but it may take them a few seconds to identify it. After 5 correct times of identifying the word, they progress to the "Rabbit" stage...they know the word more quickly or "quick like a bunny". After 5 times recognizing their bunny words, they progress to the "Fox" stage because foxes are very wise! and finally after recognizing it 5 more times it moves onto their personal word ring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzEkxIy5bdJxlw_phOZF28BuF8w3jWukRN79fYAh7qN_CR7VR0jZqPW0sQcoDJ0BjPgpj0cfJDgUhk5HPORZ-R6xs55EXF8xk9N5Jt_7-iMWPkbnZFHx2YiWlUGVyzIKZhosvVKNm9_lV/s1600/sightwordfolder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzEkxIy5bdJxlw_phOZF28BuF8w3jWukRN79fYAh7qN_CR7VR0jZqPW0sQcoDJ0BjPgpj0cfJDgUhk5HPORZ-R6xs55EXF8xk9N5Jt_7-iMWPkbnZFHx2YiWlUGVyzIKZhosvVKNm9_lV/s320/sightwordfolder2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The board works sort of like a gameboard. Each day, instead of pulling out the sight word flash cards, they open their folders...now when they read one of the sight words to me they get to move it to the next space on the board. I also have them practice spelling the sight words 1-2 times per week by either building them with letter tiles or writing them on white boards. By the time they have reached the end of the board, they have read each word 20 times!! and practiced spelling it 6-8 times. The words that graduate to their word ring are words they truly know!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqH8_aPNA4DGhBLA4v51uI0uKdfQ6oHwPDWrce94d5TsNut0QnSrCQ6SmhVvFP75Ka3Mghd-UHgzYOPKX1Q2RlZDVyKSebH0oYzVfvzVwKFyF_s7C5oI70Haoz_GL1GaW-UkDP8Rgw2U6/s1600/Sightwordflder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqH8_aPNA4DGhBLA4v51uI0uKdfQ6oHwPDWrce94d5TsNut0QnSrCQ6SmhVvFP75Ka3Mghd-UHgzYOPKX1Q2RlZDVyKSebH0oYzVfvzVwKFyF_s7C5oI70Haoz_GL1GaW-UkDP8Rgw2U6/s320/Sightwordflder1.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
I have made each folder different by decorating the front with different sticker themes. This way, I do not have to put names on the folders and they can be reused year after year. One person has the snowflake folder, one the smiley face folder, etc...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOL1R1zw8EwoXM0wAdlEghXDn37wEx_JvL9y1hulY5voCmvvpnw-ddSde7jt2DCx-PAg5VG-d6vCdoveTz9Nbhyphenhyphenkm5fRSqpS9H9p3bHLfA5kJ_NEax-1GrF3-MgEJt2Y7ET9cC0eYodO6/s1600/SWfolderclose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOL1R1zw8EwoXM0wAdlEghXDn37wEx_JvL9y1hulY5voCmvvpnw-ddSde7jt2DCx-PAg5VG-d6vCdoveTz9Nbhyphenhyphenkm5fRSqpS9H9p3bHLfA5kJ_NEax-1GrF3-MgEJt2Y7ET9cC0eYodO6/s320/SWfolderclose1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm6OAUcMFct12-r_oYwBSFsSTHKGYD6OidxSd4X85D2aJ0Je-ZKLoz-HeSvp3liFWMhJu8AVGx9sUqAbfh_nSNIFOadYaxOevueOxPilf-EtSXts1Hro_dU3-XCCp6tQvOM6f6FR_mwZ9/s1600/SWfolderclose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm6OAUcMFct12-r_oYwBSFsSTHKGYD6OidxSd4X85D2aJ0Je-ZKLoz-HeSvp3liFWMhJu8AVGx9sUqAbfh_nSNIFOadYaxOevueOxPilf-EtSXts1Hro_dU3-XCCp6tQvOM6f6FR_mwZ9/s320/SWfolderclose2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You could use the same idea for letter identification, number identification or any other rote skill that you want to make more fun!Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664593569452762210.post-59547980730607368612011-12-13T16:53:00.000-08:002011-12-14T02:14:28.228-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had to post this video that I saw on Facebook because it reminds me of my students. Watch to totally appreciate the process here. Obviously, the cat is thirsty. His method gets the job done, but is this the most efficient way to do this? Disabled learners need to be directly shown the best way to do something. This poor kitty needs a trip to the learning center!<br />
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I have to admit that when I initially watched this, I laughed out loud...but what if instead of watching the antics of this cat trying to get a drink the hard way you were instead watching one of the students in your classroom doing twice as much work and getting half as much accomplished? Not so funny anymore, right?<br />
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You certainly don't want to leave the student to their own devices. Think of their peers reaction to their ineffective learning strategies...they would probably be pretty similar to your reaction watching the cat. Not good. So, as a teacher what do you do?<br />
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Start with what they know. In the case of our cat friend, the cat obviously knows he is thirsty and need water. He also recognizes running water as a source of water. Great! Smart kitty! Next steps....slow down the force of the water flow. Put a plate under the tap at the cat's drinking height. Get the cat used to seeing the water accumulate on the flat surface. Slowly shape the cats behavior over time, so that they associate the water on the flat surface with getting their thirst met. Dip the cats face into the water on the plate while the water is still running...slowly weaken the force of the running water over time to the point where you can now put the plate of water in the sink, run the water to fill the plate surface (activating the sound of the tap in cat's memory), and leave the plate in the sink for the cat to drink from. Over time, you should be able to fill the plate with water and put it in another spot for the cat to drink from.<br />
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Seems like a lot, right? Nobody said teaching would be easy=:) If you have a student in your classroom that the cat reminds you of, tell me about them.Karen Kowaleskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078989144305523228noreply@blogger.com2