Labels. The special education world is just chock full of labels. Sometimes these labels are used strictly for funding purposes – such labels are often drawn directly out of the latest DSM and correspond to some diagnosis listed there. But other labels are used to help people (parents, teachers, administrators and – oh my! – […]
How to decrease agitation for (some) NLD students
January 12, 2014 by
You’re teaching. One of your students, you think, has nonverbal learning disabilities. He’s getting upset. With other kids, you have lots of tools in your arsenal; things you know by instinct or from training or from other teachers. But, with this kid, some of those tools don’t seem to work.. What might work?
Ways for teachers (or anyone!) to support communication with NVLD students
January 8, 2014 by
Suppose you are a teacher and you have a kid in your class who has nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). Like nearly all teachers, you want what is best for your students. You want to help. But sometimes communication with that NVLD kid just doesn’t seem to work. What might you try?
Surprise! Some of us don’t like surprises
January 4, 2014 by
In the post holiday period I got to thinking about surprises. I think there are two sorts of surprises. One is the “expected surprise” which is not the oxymoron it sounds like. The other is the unexpected surprise.
Getting kids to accept accommodations
October 23, 2013 by
In my history, accommodations were never an issue. I wasn’t offered any. But these days things are different. Many children get accommodations. But some refuse to take what is offered. They don’t want to appear different. Or they view it as cheating. I’ve got some thoughts on getting kids to accept accommodations.
Book review: Cloud Chaser by Peter Riffle
October 13, 2013 by
I got to hear Peter Riffle speak at the New Jersey LDA meeting. I also bought his book The Cloud Chaser. If you are a teacher in special education, especially if you are relatively new in the field or need some inspiration, this could be a good book for you to read.
Thoughts on Peter Riffle’s keynote address at the New Jersey LDA meeting
October 9, 2013 by
In this post I gave my general impressions of the recent meeting of the New Jersey LDA. Now, I’d like to write a little about Peter Riffle, especially his keynote address. Peter Riffle is a teacher of learning disabled kids. He also is learning disabled himself (he has dyslexia). And he’s a great speaker.
New Jersey LDA meeting – general thoughts
October 8, 2013 by
On Sunday, October 6 I went to the New Jersey LDA (learning disabilities association) meeting. In this post, I’ll talk about the event in general. In later posts, I’ll talk about the specific sessions I went to. Overall? It was great!
Disabilities and inconveniences
September 27, 2013 by
Disabilities can certainly be inconvenient. In fact, you might even say that if something isn’t inconvenient it isn’t a disability. But disabilities aren’t just inconvenient and many inconveniences aren’t disabilities. What are the similarities and differences?
The benefits of labels for LD people
September 11, 2013 by
“I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I think I’m broken” – Quote from a 12 year old child with learning disabilities. Labels have a bad reputation among many in the special needs community. Certainly, labels can be misused. But, if you think your child might be learning disabled, then, believe me: Your child […]