Behavior charts can be an effective tool in the classroom that can help teachers manage and promote positive behavior.
Behavior charts provide a visual representation of student behavior, allowing both teachers and students to track progress and work towards specific goals.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
Dyslexia means that someone has significant problems with reading and spelling. I like to tell students that I work with that their brain is wired differently… not bad… just different! Having dyslexia does not mean that someone will not learn to read. It just means that they might need a different approach to learning to read!
As a School Psychologist, I work with educators and parents who have children with significant behavioral, cognitive, and communication needs. Research indicates that as many as 25-37% of people with significant cognitive disabilities do not use oral speech.
I am sharing communication strategies that are evidence based, and have been proven to support students with their communication needs. I HIGHLY recommend having a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), and possibly even an Augmentative and Adaptive Communication specialist as part of your child’s care team.
Executive functioning is an umbrella term that includes: short-term and working memory, planning and finishing tasks and projects, managing emotions, paying attention, and sustaining attention to tasks.
Executive functioning skills are an essential set of skills to help with classroom and life success.
Executive Functioning Coaching can help improve Executive Functioning Skills.
As a School Psychologist, I work with educators and parents to support children with behavior challenges. Behavior challenges can take many forms including defiance, aggression, off-task behavior, and eloping, among others. I want to share with you my 5 most recommended, evidence based interventions.
To determine if a child qualifies for special education services, a free and comprehensive special education assessment is required as part of the process. Through the evaluation, the suspected areas of disability are evaluated, and then eligibility for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is determined. If a student is eligible for special education services, they will be eligible under one of the 13 eligibility categories outlined in this post.
A behavior chart is a strategy that helps change or encourage a child’s behavior. There are many different types of behavior charts, ranging from simple to complex.
By focusing on and rewarding desired behaviors, we can help children develop new habits and skills. Positive reinforcement boosts can boost children’s self-esteem and motivate them to continue practicing positive actions and behaviors.
The fun thing about behavior charts is that they provide a visual representation of progress and achievement. This makes it easier for children to track their own growth.
When children see their successes on the chart, it builds a sense of pride and encourages them to strive for further improvement (just like us adults!).
You’re at your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. The special education teacher reviews your child’s school placement, and says that for your child to receive FAPE, they need to stay in the LRE…. what?!
I’m helping you crack the code of these acronyms! Special Education has many acronyms, representing many important decisions for your child.
Social stories are one of my favorite tools to use for children with Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or children with Executive Functioning challenges.
Social stories can help children pick up on cues they normally wouldn’t notice and learn how to respond to these cues. Social stories can also help children learn new skills for social situations, or understand how to behave in new situations.
Children with disabilities often need support in using sensory strategies to help their bodies and brains feel regulated. Staying regulated can help with thinking, processing, making good decisions, and completing work.
You may have noticed that your child needs to chew on something when they are upset or thinking, maybe they need to take a walk to calm down, or maybe they sit on a wobble stool or yoga ball when they are doing their work. Some of the students I work with will hand flap or toe walk to help their bodies feel regulated.
Over the years, I have learned about many different items that support students’ sensory needs, and I can’t wait to share them with you!