ADHD Treatment: The Digital Approach
Here is a link to an interesting article about using video games and structured technology and its affect on those with ADHD....sounds promising!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Who are we? What do we do?
The time certainly flies, doesn't it? The 2012-2013 school year is more than half over already! Here in the Learning Resource Program, we are working so very hard on academic skills, processing skills, organizational skills, self-monitoring and self-advocacy skills.
It is important to understand the definition of learning disability: A specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest in significant difficulties affecting the ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematics. Associated conditions may include, but are not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or developmental aphasia. A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of a visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, or emotional/behavioral disability, limited English proficiency, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors.
In the Resource Program, we utilize computer programs and web sites, specific curriculum, multi-sensory materials and strategies designed to target, remediate, and support struggling and those with a learning disability. School wide, students' reading and math are assessed regularly via STAR tests to monitor growth and progress. Accelerated math and Accelerated reading goals can be individualized for Resource students. In the Learning Resource Program (LRP) we have individualized phonics and reading programs on our six student computers. We also have a class ipad with apps to drill and practice skills.
Many skills must be explicity and intentionally taught to these students. Often, adults assume children are "getting it" somehow on their own or just by being in an academic situation. But there are many children who truly do not understand how to learn, what to focus their attention on and how to think about and understand what they have read and heard. Sometimes, a few months of intensive instruction that is strategic and intentional is all that is needed to help the struggling student get back on track. Other students with an identified specific learning disability (as defined above) need more in depth, longer, intensive, and explicit instruction with trained instructors along with accommodations made for them in the general academic classroom.
Although our program is much smaller than one would find in a public school setting, it is important to me that, to the best of our abilities, we are providing appropriate instruction and direction to our Learning Resource students. We rejoice in all gains accomplished by our students knowing that each incremental rise in a score took a lot of effort on the part of the student - and the instructor. We work together for success!!
Nothing can be accomplished in and of ourselves, but it is through Christ that we can do all things! We pray, we work hard, we give our best efforts!
It is important to understand the definition of learning disability: A specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest in significant difficulties affecting the ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematics. Associated conditions may include, but are not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or developmental aphasia. A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of a visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, or emotional/behavioral disability, limited English proficiency, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors.
In the Resource Program, we utilize computer programs and web sites, specific curriculum, multi-sensory materials and strategies designed to target, remediate, and support struggling and those with a learning disability. School wide, students' reading and math are assessed regularly via STAR tests to monitor growth and progress. Accelerated math and Accelerated reading goals can be individualized for Resource students. In the Learning Resource Program (LRP) we have individualized phonics and reading programs on our six student computers. We also have a class ipad with apps to drill and practice skills.
Many skills must be explicity and intentionally taught to these students. Often, adults assume children are "getting it" somehow on their own or just by being in an academic situation. But there are many children who truly do not understand how to learn, what to focus their attention on and how to think about and understand what they have read and heard. Sometimes, a few months of intensive instruction that is strategic and intentional is all that is needed to help the struggling student get back on track. Other students with an identified specific learning disability (as defined above) need more in depth, longer, intensive, and explicit instruction with trained instructors along with accommodations made for them in the general academic classroom.
Although our program is much smaller than one would find in a public school setting, it is important to me that, to the best of our abilities, we are providing appropriate instruction and direction to our Learning Resource students. We rejoice in all gains accomplished by our students knowing that each incremental rise in a score took a lot of effort on the part of the student - and the instructor. We work together for success!!
Nothing can be accomplished in and of ourselves, but it is through Christ that we can do all things! We pray, we work hard, we give our best efforts!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Something NEW in the Learning Resource Program!
We have completed a very busy year (2011-2012) in the Learning Resource Program here at FMCS!! I am so very proud of the accomplishments of the students with whom I work. Their parents are to be commended as well for how hard they work with their child on homework and study after school hours.
I am planning and looking forward to the new school year beginning August 13th, 2012!! If you have questions about the Learning Resource Program this summer, you can call the office 239-939-4642. I will periodically check my emails this summer if you'd like to contact me: mstewart@fmcs-fl.org
If your child struggles with reading or has been referred to as dyslexic, here is a great site I just found which is very reasonably priced, too! It is called: ULTIMATE PHONICS READING PROGRAM put out by Spencer Learning http://spencerlearning.com/ It compliments the Barton Reading and Spelling Program that I use which is Orton-Gillingham based. You can use the program for 10 days free!
Another exciting surprise came my way this week when Mr. Mitchell was able to provide an ipad for my exploration this summer. I will be previewing educational aps that are specific for the students I teach. What FUN!! It is our DREAM to have ipads avaliable for our students - especially my Resource students which will benefit their learning and aide in completing classroom assignments. Would anyone feel led to DONATE an ipad or two? If you are planning on upgrading the one you have, we'd LOVE to take the used one off your hands!
So, besides some tutoring this summer, I get to work, er..play, on the new ipad!! Who said teachers did nothing for two months!! :)
I am planning and looking forward to the new school year beginning August 13th, 2012!! If you have questions about the Learning Resource Program this summer, you can call the office 239-939-4642. I will periodically check my emails this summer if you'd like to contact me: mstewart@fmcs-fl.org
If your child struggles with reading or has been referred to as dyslexic, here is a great site I just found which is very reasonably priced, too! It is called: ULTIMATE PHONICS READING PROGRAM put out by Spencer Learning http://spencerlearning.com/ It compliments the Barton Reading and Spelling Program that I use which is Orton-Gillingham based. You can use the program for 10 days free!
Another exciting surprise came my way this week when Mr. Mitchell was able to provide an ipad for my exploration this summer. I will be previewing educational aps that are specific for the students I teach. What FUN!! It is our DREAM to have ipads avaliable for our students - especially my Resource students which will benefit their learning and aide in completing classroom assignments. Would anyone feel led to DONATE an ipad or two? If you are planning on upgrading the one you have, we'd LOVE to take the used one off your hands!
So, besides some tutoring this summer, I get to work, er..play, on the new ipad!! Who said teachers did nothing for two months!! :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Help for Children with Dyslexia, and Reading and Writing Problems | Lexercise
I just found this link and thought I'd share it with you. It provides a quick and informal screening for dyslexia. Of course, if you believe you are observing signs of struggles when your child is reading, speaking or writing, be sure to contact a professional like your child's teacher or someone trained to assess those areas. Sometimes just specific, intensive, and appropriate instruction can make a huge difference in your child's reading success. This is a public site which I found to be slow in responding, but offers a unique way to work with children who struggle with reading and writing.
Help for Children with Dyslexia, and Reading and Writing Problems | Lexercise
Help for Children with Dyslexia, and Reading and Writing Problems | Lexercise
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Celebrating Dyslexia Archive - Reading Corner Blog
Celebrating Dyslexia Archive - Reading Corner Blog
This link has multiple articles on dyslexia - take a moment (or two or three...) to read some and then share with those you know who may need some encouragement or information.
This link has multiple articles on dyslexia - take a moment (or two or three...) to read some and then share with those you know who may need some encouragement or information.
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