Using Picture Books to Teach Social Emotional Skills

I love teaching social skills using picture books - because at the same time, you are also addressing language development.  Story grammar and social skills go hand in hand when you use an engaging picture book story (which, by the way, can be used with older students too - it just has to be presented in an age appropriate way).  I especially like books that address particular feelings.  Students who use these books are then more familiar with the concept of that feeling the next time it is encountered in a story grammar or ELA lesson.  Click on the link here for a good current list of books to use from We Are Teachers:   50 Must-Have Picture Books to Teach Social Emotional Skills

Thoughts on Assistive Technology

As with most things in life, there are two extremes and then a middle "grey" area. I don't know anyone who is totally against using assistive technology with students, but there are those who are more reluctant. 

Assistive technology refers to the use of computer aids in reading and writing.  Here is a good overview from Lexercise:  Assistive Technology and Dyslexia

Those who are more reluctant to use this technology often voice the fear that students will not learn to read or write efficiently as they will come to depend on devices. 

My thought is that all student who come to me CAN learn to read and write efficiently and independently.  Assistive technology will assist them as they go though the process, but does not replace good reading / writing intervention.

Here is an example of how to balance and use assistive technology:  A student gets a long term research assignment on wolves.  Within reading intervention, we find a book on wolves that is at the appropriate instructional level.  We read this book slowly, reviewing and practicing strategies for decoding and comprehension.  In the meantime, the student's class is going through reading material at a much faster pace.  While the student is in the classroom, a text-to-speech reader is provided.  The student is a part of the classroom pace and content, and is also seeing the use and relevance of reading intervention. 

The Science of Hearing

This is a great animated Ted Talk - suitable for kids.  As a speech language pathologist, I minored in hearing science.  It is intricately connected with speech and language - and is important in learning.  I like to educate students with phonological deficits on the physiology of hearing.  I can then explain to them that their hearing is fine - but there is a "glitch" in the pathways from the ear to the brain.

Dyslexia and Anxiety

It's not uncommon for a student with dyslexia to experience anxiety.  My students often talk with me about it - but don't always connect it with the struggles they encounter with their learning difficulties.
Dyslexia and Anxiety: What You Need to Know

The Pygmalion Effect

Raising our expectations can raise our students' achievements.  This doesn't mean telling them to "work harder" - In my case, it means expecting that with the right instruction they will be great students who will love reading and learning.

Daniel Goleman: We Should Be Teaching Emotional Literacy in Schools | Mindful

Daniel Goleman: We Should Be Teaching Emotional Literacy in Schools | Mindful

Dancer bill signed into law: Dyslexia screening to be provided | New Jersey Assembly Republicans

Dancer bill signed into law: Dyslexia screening to be provided | New Jersey Assembly Republicans