Is frustration with math a difficulty in your home? We all have our favorite activities that are easier for us then others? This is true in school subjects.
This is the time where parents and family can be great teachers. If you know where to start.
At convient times and quiet times ask your child to give the answer to easy math addition facts.
2+2= , etc. Choose random math facts. Some may be easy, others may be missed or unknown.
Whatever the reason, you have discovered 2 pieces to the education puzzle.
Does the child really have the math facts learned?
Practice only a few very easy ones in the beginning.
Gradually add other and drop off the learned material.
Invest in a set of flash cards, starting with addition, if that is the problem.
Add the other math facts in turn: subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions.
Use the same procedures with each of them.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Eyes Not Reading a Line
At times, the beginning reader will be picking words from the line above or below the reading line. Sometimes both.
This usually mean they are having difficulty focusing their eyes on the land. They
may need to see an eye specialist.
They may also need to use a card below the line.Extreme cases may require a slit be cut in a cardboard guide so they only see the immediate line.
This usually mean they are having difficulty focusing their eyes on the land. They
may need to see an eye specialist.
They may also need to use a card below the line.Extreme cases may require a slit be cut in a cardboard guide so they only see the immediate line.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Reading Techniques
Another technique we adopted with the student in the previous post.
The students learned not to hurry him. Listen, let him take his time, use phonics to sound out words, as he learned them.
During those times when they were sure he was stuck, them to give him the answer so he could continue. Helping a troubled student too quickly, makes them nervous and distracts them.
Other students will often help quickly to show off their skills.
It often helps a new reader to follow a word line with a pencil or finger. Some students seem to think the words are coming out of the air.
You need to show them where you are getting the words.
The students learned not to hurry him. Listen, let him take his time, use phonics to sound out words, as he learned them.
During those times when they were sure he was stuck, them to give him the answer so he could continue. Helping a troubled student too quickly, makes them nervous and distracts them.
Other students will often help quickly to show off their skills.
It often helps a new reader to follow a word line with a pencil or finger. Some students seem to think the words are coming out of the air.
You need to show them where you are getting the words.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Second Grade Experience
I once had a seven year old student enter my second grade class at the beginning of the year. He was a non-reader. (Before the era of Special Education)
A month or two later, using the family methods mentioned in the previous post.
He offered to stand before his class and read a small book of about 12 pages with 10 different words.
Not an accomplishment to many of us. But I was very pleased to have my class of twenty plus second graders rise to their feet an one body and give him a standing ovation.
This class adopted their classmate and helped him to graduate from high school. Today, this very seldom occurs, but it is what special students need and do not get very often.
From this point, this boy went on and gradually expanded his learning, but it was never easy for him.
author of Stepping Stones to Navajo History
A month or two later, using the family methods mentioned in the previous post.
He offered to stand before his class and read a small book of about 12 pages with 10 different words.
Not an accomplishment to many of us. But I was very pleased to have my class of twenty plus second graders rise to their feet an one body and give him a standing ovation.
This class adopted their classmate and helped him to graduate from high school. Today, this very seldom occurs, but it is what special students need and do not get very often.
From this point, this boy went on and gradually expanded his learning, but it was never easy for him.
author of Stepping Stones to Navajo History
Monday, June 22, 2009
Who is the Real Teacher
The students in Special Education Classes have to struggle long and hard to make progress that other students make much more easily. It is frustrating and discouraging.
Who best to provide the encouragement than family and friends, in a non-threatening environment, at home? The same story can be read by different members of the family until it is nearly memorized.
To start this process, use a small simple book of about 30 pages. Use one with large print, bright
pictures and words repeated often, sometimes several times on one page. For some students, it may take a week for the student to get the idea.
Have your child look at this book list with you.
Children's Books
Find a book that interests them, the process will be lot smoother if they can choose the book themselves.
More choices available at these online book stores.
Who best to provide the encouragement than family and friends, in a non-threatening environment, at home? The same story can be read by different members of the family until it is nearly memorized.
To start this process, use a small simple book of about 30 pages. Use one with large print, bright
pictures and words repeated often, sometimes several times on one page. For some students, it may take a week for the student to get the idea.
Have your child look at this book list with you.
Children's Books
Find a book that interests them, the process will be lot smoother if they can choose the book themselves.
More choices available at these online book stores.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How to work with a Special School Program
How can you work with a special school program? Show your child that you have an interest in what they are doing in school. Make it a daily habit to have them tell or show you one thing they learned each day. Compliment them on their achievements.
There are many times each day you teach your child.
Some time ago, I entered a store just in time to hear an exchange between a five year old boy and it father. Father was reading a newspaper while waiting for his wife to finish her shopping. The boy said "What are you reading that for? The father responded,"When I read, I always learn new things that interest me."
This was probably the best lesson in learning that he will ever teach his young son as it will last all of his life.
There are many times each day you teach your child.
Some time ago, I entered a store just in time to hear an exchange between a five year old boy and it father. Father was reading a newspaper while waiting for his wife to finish her shopping. The boy said "What are you reading that for? The father responded,"When I read, I always learn new things that interest me."
This was probably the best lesson in learning that he will ever teach his young son as it will last all of his life.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Special Education School Records
I have found the use of plastic page protectors are an asset in keeping some school items.
They can be moved around and better organized. An inexpensive idea is to use the hole punched system in a 3 ring binder.
If your child deals with more than one school employee, request that all attend the meeting. Write information to be presented and receive feedback from the meeting.
If the meeting does not go well, it is possible to request a second meeting to settle differences.
There may be unresolved issues that may also require a followup meeting.
Don't just appear to be organized. Be organized. You will gain more respect and a more postive action plan from your school staff.
Avery Top Loading Non-Glare Poly Sheet Protectors 200 Count (74401)
They can be moved around and better organized. An inexpensive idea is to use the hole punched system in a 3 ring binder.
If your child deals with more than one school employee, request that all attend the meeting. Write information to be presented and receive feedback from the meeting.
If the meeting does not go well, it is possible to request a second meeting to settle differences.
There may be unresolved issues that may also require a followup meeting.
Don't just appear to be organized. Be organized. You will gain more respect and a more postive action plan from your school staff.
Avery Top Loading Non-Glare Poly Sheet Protectors 200 Count (74401)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Parent School Staff Meetings
School parent meetings can be scary for some parents. They may feel the school staff member knows so much more than they do. Education scares them?
Maybe the parent has had bad experiences from their own classroom experience?
The reasons could vary. But you are the expert on your child. It is your responsibility to show your expertize to the school. You know your child's strength and weakness's. Maybe the same are not being shown at school.
At school meetings, some of the best clues to a child can come from seemingly, unimportant statements made by the parent or child. A well trained staff member can pick these statements up and incorporate them into developing an improved program for your child.
Worried? Take a friend or relative that knows your child well. Take a notebook with notes of what you want to discuss with staff. Keep all statements short and to the point. Usually, two minutes or less will say a lot. Any longer and people lose their train of thought. Give pros and con's.
Make note of any comments of others that you can use later. You may pick up some
clues to discuss with your child after the meeting.
Hint: Dress nicely. Approach the meeting as you would a business meeting. You will be more organized and sound more professional than you feel.
Your child is your business.
Maybe the parent has had bad experiences from their own classroom experience?
The reasons could vary. But you are the expert on your child. It is your responsibility to show your expertize to the school. You know your child's strength and weakness's. Maybe the same are not being shown at school.
At school meetings, some of the best clues to a child can come from seemingly, unimportant statements made by the parent or child. A well trained staff member can pick these statements up and incorporate them into developing an improved program for your child.
Worried? Take a friend or relative that knows your child well. Take a notebook with notes of what you want to discuss with staff. Keep all statements short and to the point. Usually, two minutes or less will say a lot. Any longer and people lose their train of thought. Give pros and con's.
Make note of any comments of others that you can use later. You may pick up some
clues to discuss with your child after the meeting.
Hint: Dress nicely. Approach the meeting as you would a business meeting. You will be more organized and sound more professional than you feel.
Your child is your business.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Parent's Experience
A few years ago, the parents of a 2nd grader was notified by their school, plans were being made to retain their daughter in the second grade in the following year.
There had been no previous indicationfrom the school of the child being seriously behind in school. She was having difficulty in reading but was being tutored and helped at home with progress being shown. No extra assistance had been offered
from school.
This should have been the first step for the school. It was not followed.
After the parents, in writing refused to consider the retaining order with out a meeting, a meeting was called.
Immediately, small group assistance was agreed to along with Special Education assessment. Six weeks later, she was entered into Special Education with no talk of retaining her. This was a speedy move for most schools.
Another request made by the parents was to receive a copy of the documents results the school was using to make their retaining decision. This was never received from the school.
Today, this student is a busy seventh grader. She had some area that shows difficulty, but she has learned to work her way through the difficult areas. Time has shown that her most loved class is producing music on her violin.
There had been no previous indicationfrom the school of the child being seriously behind in school. She was having difficulty in reading but was being tutored and helped at home with progress being shown. No extra assistance had been offered
from school.
This should have been the first step for the school. It was not followed.
After the parents, in writing refused to consider the retaining order with out a meeting, a meeting was called.
Immediately, small group assistance was agreed to along with Special Education assessment. Six weeks later, she was entered into Special Education with no talk of retaining her. This was a speedy move for most schools.
Another request made by the parents was to receive a copy of the documents results the school was using to make their retaining decision. This was never received from the school.
Today, this student is a busy seventh grader. She had some area that shows difficulty, but she has learned to work her way through the difficult areas. Time has shown that her most loved class is producing music on her violin.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
School Experience
Years ago, I accidentally found pencil lead under my son's back skin. It
was the only tip off that he was having a problem in school. He finally
confessed to me, the boy seated behind him had begun poking him with a
pencil, often. He did not want me to take the problem to school. I did, by
calling the principal, the next morning. The boy was moved to an area that
prevented this behavior.
* Is your child happy to attend school?
* If something is not going well, does your student feel it is all their fault?
Uncertain students are easy to convenience "it is their fault". Don't let this occur.
Should you answer yes to any of these questions, it is time to take a good look at your child's school situation. It may mean just alerting the teacher, it may mean going farther. But often, the first step will take care of the problem.
was the only tip off that he was having a problem in school. He finally
confessed to me, the boy seated behind him had begun poking him with a
pencil, often. He did not want me to take the problem to school. I did, by
calling the principal, the next morning. The boy was moved to an area that
prevented this behavior.
* Is your child happy to attend school?
* If something is not going well, does your student feel it is all their fault?
Uncertain students are easy to convenience "it is their fault". Don't let this occur.
Should you answer yes to any of these questions, it is time to take a good look at your child's school situation. It may mean just alerting the teacher, it may mean going farther. But often, the first step will take care of the problem.
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