Blog Assignment #6 (two websites)

1.

National Archives 

This website is maintained by the National Archive and Administration Records department.  I have the students research this website for "official" US Government documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights....etc.  In addition, the students can research or meet the "Founding Fathers", research questions about the documents and study the process behind ratification and the passing of constitutional amendments.  Each year, students have to present a project about the amendments, Bill of Rights and the process of ratification.  This website gives the students an in-depth look into that process.  We use this site for the "Primary Source" portion of the lesson and their projects. 

2.

Textbook Companion Website 

This website is used in conjunction with our textbooks.  There are interactive maps, puzzle games to reinforce vocabulary terms and timelines to quiz the students.  In addition, there is a current events section to help tie the past and the present.  Another feature that we use is the online skills tutor application.  I use this feature to help students organize and build their critical thinking and reading skills.  For instance, I will use this for comparing and contrasting, drawing inferences and conclusions and identifying cause and effect.  I use this tool to supplement our lessons, introduce new material or reinforce learned concepts. In addition, I use this to assist students with the visual analysis of graphs, charts and maps.   

Inquiry Group Presentation

1.  Teaching students with learning differences
2.  There are different teaching techniques and strategies that can be implemented when teaching students with learning differences. 

3.  I will be following Sara's presentation on strategies for different forms of creative writing.   She will be following Garth's presentation regarding the aspects of teaching teens to write poetry.  My presentation will be  focusing on teaching specific writing skills to students with learning differences.

Blog Assignment #5

What are some adaptive Reading strategies/Materials that can be used for teaching reading to Children with Learning Disabilities?

"Almost any reading material can be adapted to meet the needs of your learning disabled child. Whether your child's difficulty is in basic reading or in reading comprehension, these tips can help him understand the content of reading material with less frustration (http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/readingstrategies/qt/diffreadingmate.htm)”.

First, it is essential to provide the student with a list of new vocabulary words that will appear in a passage. In class, I have the students keep a journal of new words for each chapter that we use throughout the year.  They can refer back to their journal list when writing papers or answering questions.  Next, have the students sound the word out loud and/or read it aloud to her if they difficulty recognizing or pronouncing it.   In addition, you can ask the student if the word sounds familiar and if any parts of the word suggest what it means.  You can also have the students read the sentences surrounding the new word and determine if they give the student any hints as to the meaning of the word.  Illustrations will also help provide visual examples of the words.  Some students also benefit from “skipping” the word as not to interfere with the flow of reading.  They then can go back and re-read the passage after researching the correct meaning and context of the word.

In addition to these strategies, teachers/parents can inquire about CD ROM versions of their child’s textbooks. The teacher/department or school district can assist in locating these materials.  Another possibility is to research the possibility of textbooks on tape.  Many publishers or book companies sell books or “readers” such as Kindle 2 or Nook from Barnes & Noble to assist with reading.  A third suggestion when reading books or novels is to contact the school or librarian for the possibility of lower-level reading versions of required books. 

Find Free Audio Books for Download:

·         AudioBooksforFree.com - This site has a wide selection of classic and modern literature, as well as fairly recent non-fiction. It has a nifty rating system for parents. Audio books having adult content or strong language are clearly marked.

·         Literalsystems.orgThis site has a limited collection, focusing mainly on classic literature. The quality, however, is quite good.

·         LibriVox.org has a collection of nearly 1000 works of literature in the public domain. Works were generally published before 1923.

·         Project Gutenberg is possibly the most comprehensive collection of free audio books on the web. Many are read by volunteers, and some are computer-generated. The site also carries selections in several world languages.

                        (http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/readingstrategies/qt/audiobooks.htm)

      Logsdon, A. (2011) Reading Strategies: Reading strategies to Adapt Materials for Your Child. The New York Times Company: About.com. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from:http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/readingstrategies/qt/diffreadingmate.htm

Blog assignment #4 (2 websites)

1.
Art of War, The. (2001). Web design: Digicard. Retrieved March 11, 2011, from http://www.vietnamartwork.com/

This website is designed to introduce the Vietnam Conflict through the artwork of those that were there.  I have used this website many times for students to explore and get a understanding of conflict from those that experienced it.  In the past, students would choose a painting/picture and reflect on its meaning, what the artist is trying to portrait and how it tells a story.  In addition, students can email and converse with the artist asking questions and obtain feedback from their inquiries.  The host of the website and artist is my father.  He has agreed to interact and provide any historical information or reflect the paintings origin and meaning.  He has also visited our school and provided first hand accounts of his experience.  When he does visit, students are to choose and painting and write a summary, reflection and ask questions for his lecture.  We use this website to introduce conflict and more specifically the Vietnam era.

2.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, The. (2009-2011). Retrieved March 11, 2011, from http://www.gilderlehrman.org/institute/era_civilwar.php

This is a new website for me.  It was introduced by a colleague of mine this year.  I have used this website to supplement primary source documents, maps, and journal articles.  The material found in this website is information not necessarily taught in traditional textbooks.  It has write-ups and articles from famous historians, book reviews and suggested or additional reading titles for students.  When I assign a particular topic, students are instructed to browse this website for any addition journal articles or book sources not found in our textbook.  Students like the details of the maps and the ease of their explanations.  In addition, we have what I call "This day in History" for extra credit.  Students must write a paragraph and explain what happened on that particular day throughout history.  They must cite their sources and many use the History in the News scrolling headline and historical facts from this website.  I also use this website to point out writing/essay contests and scholar programs.  In addition, I like the link that allows you to listen in on historian’s new books and discoveries.