If you give an accommodation, teach ’em how to use it
Date: December 12th, 2013
Watch this video [0:46] for a funny little story about what can happen to a kid, or anybody, who has an accommodation but doesn’t know how to use it!
Asking a question is a complex social skill
Date: December 5th, 2013
Watch this video [0:39] to learn the basic, social-skill components of asking a question.
Watching an emotional disability in action
Date: November 23rd, 2013
“Spirit Week” was in full swing at Sheldon High. Every year the student council organized a week of activities to promote school spirit, culminating in a football game against our rivals, the Derby Raiders. It was “School Colors Day” and the kids were in high gear. I enjoyed participating and encouraged my students to do the same, but I did it with caution. It’s funny, I know how much they enjoy these social activities, but I’m also keenly aware of the potential for problems when easily escalated, impulsive kids are put into exciting unstructured situations. I couldn’t prevent them from attending, but I could provide a refuge if tensions arose and coping skills were depleted. One student loved these events more than anyone—Luke.
Oops. I forgot my homework. Again.
Date: November 21st, 2013
Watch this video [1:17] to learn how I teach an unorganized kid to get organized.
Miss, he just gave you the finger!
Date: November 14th, 2013
Watch this video [1:12] to learn how I respond to behaviors carried out behind my back.
Don’t wait until a kid kicks the desk over
Date: November 7th, 2013
Watch this video [1:01] to learn what questions I ask myself when I am deciding which behavior to target.
How I lost control of my class by asking the wrong question.
Date: October 29th, 2013
I’d just finished taking attendance in my high school language arts class for pregnant teens with special needs.
Everyone was settled in their orange plastic seats, eyes front, and I was about to start our first activity when Tiffany walked in late with a pass.
I took it, silently, placed it on my desk, and continued my instruction to the class. That was Monday.
On Tuesday, Ramona was late. Unlike Tiffany the day before, she did not have a pass. Again, I was in the middle of instruction.
Don’t invite behaviors – identify needed social skills
Date: October 24th, 2013
Watch this video [1:08] to see why I think teaching social skills in your classroom is VITAL for academic success.
Why we don’t want to ban recess games
Date: October 17th, 2013
Watch this video [1:31] to see why we do NOT want to outlaw the games kids play at recess.
Unrealistic behavior goals will crash and burn
Date: October 9th, 2013
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