Book Review: Children With Disabilties Reading & Writing The Four Blocks Way

This is a Carson Dellosa book that I bought a year ago. I used a few things from this book, but plan on using more this year. This book covers how to teach self selected reading, guided reading, writing and working with words. This book gives really good examples for scheduling these in a regular classroom and special ed classroom. It gives wonderful inclusion ideas including using communication devices and alternative pencils. It has ideas for using other technology as well. It also gives clear examples of how to teach to children with moderate to severe disabilities and why each of these blocks are important for special needs students.

How And Why We Adapt Books

I have found some great resources on ideas about adapting books for students with special needs. My goal is to build a library of books that are adapted so my students can enjoy books more. I have some kids that would love books if they could read better. Currently I don't have many kids that are able to participate in a silent reading time. There are so many great resources on this on the internet. Here are my favorites:

Here is a great powerpoint


http://itcnew.idahotc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=XL6NFtFjXEk%3D&tabid=283

Baltimore City School have pictures already made for you to use in a book
http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1446
you can either past symbols above the words or off to the side of the page in order so they can follow along with the story. You can even "rewrite" the page with fewer sentences.

This link shows a powerpoint on how to use Baltimore City School website. You dont have to register, just scroll down and click thru slides:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/54212427/Adapting-Books-Using-Boardmaker-Symbols-You-Dont-Have-To
NYC schools have some already adapted too
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/District75/Departments/Literacy/AdaptedBooks/default.htm

Tarheel Reader is a great sight where you can make your own story on the computer
http://tarheelreader.org/

Accessing Grade Level Books- Adapted Chapter Books

     This past year I attended a wonderful researched based workshop on adapting chapter books. These adapted chapter books allow students with significant disabilities to participate in grade level texts. These books usually range from a few sentences to one page per chapter. It it uses picture symbols above words or real life pictures to enhance meaning. The text is simplified, but it follows the basic story and you can teach new vocabulary. This is great for inclusion too. The student can participate in grade level activities and have some idea of what the book is about.

   A chapter book can take 2-3 weeks to complete. First I make vocabulary cards with pictures and I also use the internet for vocabulary words.Then I start with the adapted version and then listened to regular version on tape and then we watch the movie. I use character webbs and all kinds of visuals as we go through the book. I was very surprised by how much my students were engaged and excited each day. I was very impressed with their comprehension skills. I actually used these books to the state alternative test.

Here are a couple of websites that have books already made:

• http://www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/wwslist.html
• http://coedpages.uncc.edu/access/adaptedbooks.htm

  Here are webinars on teaching on teaching reading with adapted books:
http://idahotc.com/Webinars/tabid/218/categoryid/26/Default.aspx

Teaching Reading

     I use several different resources to teach reading. Most of my student are sight word readers, but a every once in while I get a student who needs more challenging material.  I use Edmark reading for teaching sight words and thank goodness they have a new edition, which looks very nice. I like Edmark and it works,but the older version was lacking in the comprehension area. I am not sure about the new one.

     I work with student one on one for the Edmark and I use Reading Milestones for our weekly story. It has more comprehension and lots of practice pages. I usually have 2-3 groups for this program. It is a scripted program, but it works and I like the extension activities.

     When I have students who are not challenged by Edmark or Reading Milestones then I use word families. I use the website, http://www.carlscorner.us.com/. There are lots of free things on here.


 

Unique Learning System

 I work with student who have moderate to severe disabilities. This past year I started using parts of Unique Learning System. The lessons are science or social studies based, but teaches all subjects.

Pros:

• Differentiated/leveled
• Provides suggested lesson plans
•  Provides progress monitoring
• Helps you relate to students life experiences
• Aligned to state standards

Cons:

• Expensive (my district purchased it)
• Requires lots of printing

They do have a free summer unit for you to try. Here is the link to the website

http://unique.n2y.com/

Here is the current list of topics for this year
http://unique.n2y.com/schedule.aspx