Reading Topics

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Peripeteia in Anagnorisis!

Aristotelian logic / Socratic inquiry 
Peripeteia in Anagnorisis! "the unexamined life is not worth living"

Politicians, citizens, non-citizens, proletariat, bourgeoisie, small business owners, parents and students are creating a giant gap in the value of human capitol, "The Haves and the Have Nots"! Our hubris, platitudes, propaganda and beliefs are creating an ironic tragedy that Aristotle would easily recognize. We have declared war on all workers that don't create wealth from the ether. As a teacher I see my profession being one of the worst for wages and it's perceived value in society. The sad irony of 25 plus years of self-serving, greedy, narcissistic, coarse rude discourse and Mimesis has and will create a horrific societal Denouementa, ironic tragedy, catastrophe and possibly if we are very lucky a Buddha like catharsis, on a scale humanity has never seen.


How many platitudes do you use or hold true? 

"Work Smart NOT Hard"
"Good things come to those who wait"
"It was / wasn't meant to be"
"Time heals all wounds"
"You reap what you sow"
“Everything happens for a reason”

"Race to the TOP!"
"No Child left Behind" 

Maybe we are ready for the over simplified platitudes to stop, and the Peripeteia in Anagnorisis to start!


Anagnorisis: the transition from ignorance and confusion to wisdom and knowledge. 


Aristotle defines it as "a change by which the action veers round to its opposite, subject always to our rule of probability or necessity."(turning point) According to Aristotle, peripeteia, along with discovery, is the most effective when it comes to drama, particularly in a tragedy. Aristotle wrote “The finest form of Discovery is one attended by Peripeteia, like that which goes with the Discovery in Oedipus…”

Anagnorisis (/ˌænəɡˈnɒrɨsɨs/; Ancient Greek: ἀναγνώρισις) is a moment in a play or other work when a character makes a critical discovery. Anagnorisis originally meant recognition in its Greek context, not only of a person but also of what that person stood for. Anagnorisis was the hero's sudden awareness of a real situation, the realization of things as they stood, and finally, the hero's insight into a relationship with an often antagonistic character in Aristotelian tragedy.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Comic Books and Graphic Novels in the Classroom?

Using Comic Books and Graphic Novels in the Classroom to Teach Reading and Writing?

Using Comics Books and Graphic Novels in the Classroom to teach complex Literary Elements like Plot, Setting, Antagonist, Protagonist, Theme, Tone, Symbolism, Character, Flashback, Foreshadowing, Irony, Figurative Language and so many complex literary ideas is made easier with reading, creating and enjoying comics.
     The Comic Book Encyclopedias and How To Draw Books are always the favorite choices for many boys and girls in many upper grades! The draw for most children is, marvelous characters with giant steroidal muscles for men and women, alluring heroes and heroines, and courageous characters that overcome any and all adversaries. Teachers can use the desire to explore these some what guilty pleasures, vicarious time wasting deviations and almost inappropriate pleasures to engage students and teach literary elements in a fun way.

This Blog is Dedicated to Susan, a Future Comic Book / Graphic Novel Author and Illustrator!







Sunday, October 20, 2013

Environmental Science Lesson Plans

Environmental Science Lesson Plans
Grades / Years K, 1, , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and High School
Free PDF Environmental Science Lesson Plans


Environmental science is a academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, including ecology, physics, chemistry, zoology, mineralogy, oceanology, freshwater science, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, and geography. The study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems are an important part of the modern classroom. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems that most students find fascinating.

Comprehensive Science Glossary with some Illustrations 

Rustle the Leaf Teaching Resources
Feb 2010 - Renewable Is Do-Able
May 2007 - Global 'Warnings'
April 2007 - Goin' 'Wild'
March 2007 - Everyday Air Pollution
February 2007 - Everyday Water Pollution
January 2007 - Cleaner, Greener Laundry
December 2006 - Holiday Fun Pages
November 2006 - Talkin' Trash
October 2006 - How Big Is Your Footprint?
September 2006 - The Case Against Chlorine
August 2006 - Rustle's Neighborhood Clean-Up!
July 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 2
June 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 1
May 2006 - Clean, Green Power
April 2006 - Tell Someone About Earth Day
March 2006 - Get Ready For Earth Day II
February 2006 - Toxic Transmissions
January 2006 - Plastic Poisons
December 2005 - Fun Holiday Projects
November 2005 - The Global Warming Cover-Up
October 2005 - Peak Oil
September 2005 - Frightening Factory Farms
August 2005 - Genetically Modified Food
ALSO: '5 Things To Know About GMO' Poster
July 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 2
June 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 1
May 2005 - Oceans Of Trouble!
April 2005 - Earth Day Pledge Poster/Coloring Pg.
March 2005 - Get Ready For Earth Day
February 2005 - Petroleum Poisons
January 2005 - Chlorine-Bleached Paper
December 2004 - How To Have A Green Holiday
November 2004 - Acid Rain

Printable Word Wall Ideas of Illustrated Environmental Science Concepts from the website

Grades 6 - 12 Lesson Plans

Insects
Insect Jeopardy (PDF) 


Nature Study
Sharp Eyes || PDF Version 

Water Lessons
Aquatic Science (PDF)
DEC Collect and Possess Regulations (PDF)
Fish Language Puzzle (PDF)
Maintaining Live Organisms Indoors Instructions || PDF Version
Macroinvertebrate Report Worksheet (PDF)
Pond Dichotomous Key (PDF)
Pond Ecology || PDF Version
Pond Life Word Search Puzzle (PDF)
World of the Pond (PDF)
World of the Pond Data Sheet (PDF) 


More Resources

Learning About Acid Rain: A teacher's guide for grades 6 through 8" (56 pp, 4.6 MB, about PDF) Lesson plans and activities for teachers on acid rain. Grades: 6-8

Save Our Species: Endangered Species Coloring Book
Endangered Species Coloring Book Grades: k-5


Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: High School (7 pp, 428K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types.
Grades: 9-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: Middle School (7 pp, 381K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types. Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Chemical Safety Resource for Middle School Teachers
(5 pp, 220K, about PDF) In this lesson students will participate in a chemical survey activity regarding the household chemicals and cleaners used in and around their house. They will conduct a simple survey with parental supervision and answer questions about how many and what kind of chemicals they found. Students will also brainstorm on how chemical safety can prevent pollution at home.
Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Hold the Mold
(6 pp, 306K, about PDF) In this lesson, students will learn about the different kinds of mold and how it grows. They will conduct an experiment to grow and observe the growth of different kinds of food molds and understand the health effects of mold and how to recognize and prevent mold growth. Grades: 5-8
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Lead Blockers
(6 pp, 272K, about PDF) In this lesson students will learn about the health effects of lead and through a game of tag. Students will model the process of certain nutrients that can block lead absorption. As part of the activity, students will brainstorm on ways to prevent lead exposure at home. Grades: K-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan



Mercury Bioaccumulation Tag
(4 pp, 317K, about PDF) This activity lets students model the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in an aquatic food chain. Students will understand the health effects of mercury and demonstrate an understanding of how mercury can be present in fish. Grades: 5-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Grades: 6-8 

Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects (PDF) (16 pp, 245K About PDF ) (EPA 530-K-00-008) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects
Grades: 6-8

Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects en Español (PDF) (16 pp, 223K About PDF ) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects.
Grades: 6-8

Build Your Own Aquifer To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer and how groundwater can become contaminated.
Grades: 4-5 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan


How People Get Their Water - Reservoirs: "Holding Tanks" for Drinking Water Let your students "Ride the Water Cycle" with the following activity. It will help them understand the role of reservoirs in maintaining a reliable supply of drinking water.
Grades: 4-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan


On Your Mark, Set, Evaporate Explain the hydrologic cycle.
Grades: 6-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Thirstin Builds an Aquifer in a Cup (Aquifer on the Go)
To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer, how ground water can become contaminated, and how this contamination ends up in a drinking water well. Ultimately, students should get a clear understanding of how careless use and disposal of harmful contaminants above the ground can potentially end up in the drinking water below the ground. This particular experiment can be done by each student at their work station. Grades: k-3
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Thirstin's Groundwater Movement Activity
This class activity demonstrates that ground water must be able to move through underground materials. The students will act as molecules of water and the underground materials.
Grades: k-5
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Tracking Pollution - A Hazardous Whodunit
You will make a topographic map, use it to predict ground water flow and investigate the most likely source of ground water contamination.
Grades: 9-12
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

CLEAN AIR DETECTIVE: Investigating Air Pollution
In this lesson students will participate in a scientific inquiry activity regarding the air they breathe inside and around their house. They will plan and conduct a simple investigation to gather information on air quality. Students will also help to reduce air pollution by shutting off lights, toys, machines and appliances and by reducing their travel in cars. Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

In the Air curriculum
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded the Missouri Botanical Garden's EarthWays Center to design and develop a full spectrum of environmental education materials ao airborne toxics issues in their communities. The goal is to increase knowledge about air pollution and to make connections between behaviors and air quality. Five modules are available (K-3, 3-6, 6-8, 9-12 and adult). Grades: k-12, adult
Type of resource: Lesson Plans/Activities

Global Warming Kids Creative cartoons about global warming. Geared towards K-4th grades. Grades: k-5

Adopt A Tree
Discover different kinds of trees through the senses.
Grades: k-5 Subtopic: ecosystems
Type of resource: Lesson Plans
Bird Populations Students learn how scientists discern patterns and changes in bird populations though the study of bird migratory patterns. Grades: 6-8
Subtopic: atmosphere
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Invasive Species: Coming to an Environment Near You
This lesson plan introduces students to invasive species and their effects on ecosystems by examining local examples. It also explores the problems associated with invasive species and possible solutions to the problem. Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Activities

National Geographic: Niger River Delta Lesson Plan
This National Geographic lesson plan for middle school students explores the Niger River Delta ecosystem and how human actions impact the physical environment.
Grades: 6-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Pollinator Live
While pollinators may come in small sizes, they play a large and often undervalued role in the production of the food we eat, the health of flowering plants, and the future of wildlife. This site provides a series of live interactive webcasts, web seminar.
Grades: all
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Chemicals, The Environment, and You - What is the Risk?
Students apply their understanding of the concepts of toxicology to their discussion of the 1950s tragedy in Minamata, Japan. They learn how to assess the risk of people to specific chemical hazards and make decisions about how to manage that risk.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Earth 911 (Recycling) 
Type in your ZIP code or find your State on a map to locate recycling centers in your community "for all types of recyclables." This site contains information you can use to teach middle school and high school students about waste prevention, recycling and other environmental issues.
Grades: 6-12

Carrying Water
In this lesson, students will audit their personal daily water usage, and will participate in a class discussion about water use and conservation. Through an introduction to the Kenyan village of Kapsasian, group mathematical problem solving, and class discussions, they will have a better understanding of the problems faced by those with lack of access to water.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Conserving Water through Art!
In this lesson, students will learn about the scarcity of water and begin to think of ways that they can conserve water in their own homes. They will make a pledge to personally use less water, and will use their creativity to make items that will remind them to conserve in their home.
Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan

Drinking Water, Protecting the Source
The Drinking Water: Protecting the Source instructional materials were developed to assist teachers who seek to enhance the consciousness of their students about where their drinking water comes from, and how sources of drinking water can be protected.
Grades: 9-12
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

No Water Off a Duck’s Back
This sample activity, No Water Off a Ducks Back, from Project WILD, is about connecting people and wildlife. The activity helps students identify ways oil spills can adversely affect birds and describe possible negative consequences to wildlife, people and the environment.
Grades: 6-8

Rain Garden Lesson Plan
This lesson introduces students to the concept of rain gardens and why they are beneficial in cleaning up polluted waterways. Students will learn how and why rain gardens are created and build a model rain garden. Grades: 6-12 Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Water: An Amazing and Precious Resource
In this lesson, students will begin with a water audit pre-lesson to determine their own personal water usage. They will then participate in a class activity to learn how water's physical properties and chemical composition are essential to life on Earth. Once they understand water's importance, they will debate water distribution issues, have an understanding of the consequences of water scarcity, and come up with ways to conserve water in their own lives. Grades: 9-12
Type of resource: Lesson Plan




Free PDF Comics for the Classroom

Free Educational Comics for the Classroom |  Free PDF Educational Comics Books | Earth Science Comic Books and Environmental Science Comic Books

Students love reading graphic novels and comic books so why is the genre so limited and non existent in schools today! I will look for free high quality Science based comics books that you can share in your classroom. Sean 

Rustle the Leaf is an environmental comic strip that was published from November 2004 through July 2007, and is still available online through various environmental and earth science web sites. Wiki

Earth Day Comic Book Downloads from Rustle the Leaf 

Why Earth Day? (1.7 Mb)Global Warming (1.3mb)Chlorine Pollution (752kb)Petroleum Poisons (648kb)Fossil Fuel (948kb)Ocean Pollution (716kb)Genetically Modified Food (1.5mb)Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (792kb)Earth Day Pledge Poster ( 256kb)
  

Earth Day Comic Book from Rustle the Leaf 
Download All 10 Inside Pages (8.5x11, 8.4mb)
ownload All 10 Inside Pages (Tabloid, 8.4mb)
Rustle's Earth Day Book Cover (Tabloid, Clr, 2 Mb)


Earth Day Comic Pages from Rustle the Leaf 

Why Earth Day? (1.7 Mb)
Global Warming (1.3mb)
Chlorine Pollution (752kb)
Petroleum Poisons (648kb)
Fossil Fuel (948kb)
Ocean Pollution (716kb)
Genetically Modified Food (1.5mb)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (792kb)
Renewable Is Do-Able (792kb)
How Big Is Your Footprint? (691kb)

Earth Science Comic Books From Nagoya University 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

4th Grade Math Word Wall | CCSS Math

4th Grade Math Word Wall Interactive Game | Free CCSS 4th Grade Illustrated and Modeled Math Words | Free Illustrated PDF Printable 4th Grade Math Word Wall

Mummy Math!
Fun Interactive CCSS 4th grade Math Game and Word Wall! This math game is a great way to add novelty and fun to learning, identifying, describing and deepening understanding of tier 3 math words and math phrases! Students must understand how the 4th grade words and phrases are modeled and defined. Using interactive and novel word study to prepare for the more rigorous Common Core math Standards is needed to help close the gap for many students. The use of an Interactive Math Word Wall increases the speed of acquiring new or difficult math terms and ideas. Learning Tier 3 mathematical vocabulary and building a knowledge of math models is crucial to children's development of math thinking.
CCSS MATH GAME CARDS 
The new CCSS Math test will ask students to model solve and respond in writing on CCSS math assessments. Students must have tier 3 vocabulary knowledge to ask questions, describe and explain complex math concepts and adapt to the new testing skills that are required. Students will not make progress rapidly in math without a foundation and understanding of critical math terms. Students must be familiar with tier 3 mathematical vocabulary and mathematical terms to explain areas they need to understand better and interact fully with all math lessons.

Curse of the Math Mummy!

Word Wall Math Game 
Divide the class into small cooperative learning groups sitting together in teams. Two students from each group stand behind another student and then reads a math term. The student must model in pictures using a white board or they may use their words to define the meaning. Students take turns exploring the word wall and exposing the clues and definitions. Only the term is exposed, the math model and the definition is hidden behind the hieroglyphics. The students can see the math model as a clue but must give a verbal explanation of the math concepts.  

Illustrated CCSS Math Academic Vocabulary Word Walls 

CCSS Math Vocabulary Word Wall 4th Grade










Word Wall Game Cards! 
Two explanations are hidden under the flap.
One math model and
one math model with definition. 















CCSS Math Vocabulary Cards 4th Grade
4th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 4th Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 4th Grade M-Z

CCSS Math Vocabulary Cards 5th Grade
5th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 5th Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 5th Grade M-Z


 Kindergarten Unit 1
Kindergarten Unit 8


Grade 2 Unit 2
Grade 2 Unit 3
Grade 2 Unit 4
Grade 2 Unit 5
Grade 2 Unit 6
Grade 2 Unit 7
Grade 2 Unit 8
Grade 2 Unit 9
Grade 2 Unit 10
Grade 2 Unit 11
Grade 2 Unit 12

Grade 3 Unit 1
Grade 3 Unit 2
Grade 3 Unit 3
Grade 3 Unit 4
Grade 3 Unit 5
Grade 3 Unit 6
Grade 3 Unit 7
Grade 3 Unit 8
Grade 3 Unit 9
Grade 3 Unit 10
Grade 3 Unit 11

Grade 4 Unit 1
Grade 4 Unit 2
Grade 4 Unit 3
Grade 4 Unit 4
Grade 4 Unit 5
Grade 4 Unit 6
Grade 4 Unit 7
Grade 4 Unit 8
Grade 4 Unit 9
Grade 4 Unit 10
Grade 4 Unit 11
Grade 4 Unit 12

http://www.livoniapublicschools.org

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

CCSS Math Academic Vocabulary Word Walls

Illustrated CCSS Math Academic Vocabulary Word Walls | Printable PDF CCSS Math Vocabulary Word Walls Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 | Grade Level List of CCSS Math Vocabulary Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Common Core Academic Math word wall are composed of Tier 3 Academic Math vocabulary and they are used for review of key Academic terms that will be part of the PARCC and Smarter Balanced Assessments in 2014-2015. The grade level collection of math vocabulary is displayed in large visible are on a wall, or Smart Board or other display surface in a classroom. The CCSS Math Academic Vocabulary Word Walls are designed to be an interactive tool for students or others to use, and contains an array of words that can be used during math and science instruction. 


CCSS Math Academic Vocabulary Word Walls | CCSS Math Vocabulary Cards

Math Vocabulary Cards All Grades
Kindergarten
Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Daily Math Review and CCSS Test Prep Worksheets! 1000's of Math Grade Level Math Problems! 

Grade 1 Daily Math Review and Grade 1 Test Prep Review

Grade 2 Daily Math Review and Grade 2 Test Prep Review
Grade 3 Daily Math Review and Grade 3 Test Prep Review
Grade 4 Daily Math Review and Grade 4 Test Prep Review
Grade 5 Daily Math Review and Grade 5 Test Prep Review
Grade 6 Daily Math Review and Grade 6 Test Prep Review
Grade 7 Daily Math Review and Grade 7 Test Prep Review
Grade 8 Daily Math Review and Grade 8 Test Prep Review 

Daily Math Vocabulary Review! 

Kindergarten 
Kindergarten CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards Kindergarten


1st Grade

1st Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 1st Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 1st Grade M-Z
2nd Grade

2nd Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 2nd Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 2nd Grade M-Z
3rd Grade

3rd Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 3rd Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 3rd Grade M-Z
4th Grade

4th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 4th Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 4th Grade M-Z
5th Grade

5th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 5th Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 5th Grade M-Z

6th Grade

6th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 6th Grade A-L
Vocabulary Cards 6th Grade M-Z
7th Grade

7th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 7th Grade A thru M
Vocabulary Cards 7th Grade N thru Z
8th Grade

8th Grade CCSS Vocabulary Word List
Vocabulary Cards 8th Grade A thru L
Vocabulary Cards 8th Grade M thru Z
Secondary 1 Math

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

What Do you do If You’re Bullied?

What Do You Do If You’re Bullied?

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month!
There are things you can do if you are being bullied:
  • Look at the kid bullying you and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice. You can also try to laugh it off. This works best if joking is easy for you. It could catch the kid bullying you off guard.
  • If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away. Don’t fight back. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot.
There are things you can do to stay safe in the future, too.
  • Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone. They can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.
  • Stay away from places where bullying happens.
  • Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren't around.
Treat Everyone with Respect

Nobody should be mean to others.
  • Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone.
  • If you feel like being mean to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.
  • Talk to an adult you trust. They can help you find ways to be nicer to others.
  • Keep in mind that everyone is different. Not better or worse. Just different. 
  • If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologize. Everyone feels better.
Stand Up for Others
When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop.
  • Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust. Adults need to know when bad things happen so they can help.
  • Be kind to the kid being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them. Sit with them at lunch or on the bus, talk to them at school, or invite them to do something. Just hanging out with them will help them know they aren’t alone.

Not saying anything could make it worse for everyone. The kid who is bullying will think it is ok to keep treating others that way.

Get Involved

You can be a leader in preventing bullying in your community.
  • Find out more about where and when bullying happens at your school. Think about what could help. Then, share your ideas. There is a good chance that adults don’t know all of what happens. Your friends can go with you to talk to a teacher, counselor, coach, or parent and can add what they think.
  • Talk to the principal about getting involved at school. Schools sometimes give students a voice in programs to stop bullying. Be on a school safety committee. Create posters for your school about bullying. Be a role model for younger kids.
  • Write a blog, letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or tweet about bullying.
  • stopbullying.gov
Article is re-posted from http://www.stopbullying.gov a great resource for parents, teachers and schools. 

10 ways to stop bullying!

http://www.thebullyproject.com



Friday, October 4, 2013

Helping Dyslexic Students Pass Reading Test!

Helping Dyslexic Students Pass Reading and Writing Test!

Helping Dyslexic students love reading and writing is the first step in meeting the goal of passing state test! It is human nature to avoid difficult task like reading and writing for most dyslexic students this seems an impossible task! Dyslexic students need to read & read & read amazing books that inspire rich visions of vivid characters, settings, and plot! Having a computer read to your child, a book on tape is not what we are talking about, reading with a compassionate copacetic partner that helps bring the books to life is one secret to helping dyslexic students love reading. Using Socratic dialogue strategies and incorporating reading comprehension stems that bring out critical thinking, that is innate in all students, is the key to passing any reading comprehension test!

The best way to help a Dyslexic student succeed is to read & read & read daily with them, any and all books for at-lest 90 minutes! One of my 6th grade dyslexic students that could not read or write at all, was one of my many time on task success stories, we read amazing stories all year as a class and we engaged in what is know coined as close reading using a Socratic seminar that is designed to illicit critical thinking. He gained a basic ability to read with the 90 plus minutes of real reading a day week and like all my students he developed an amazing ability to think! He passed his reading comprehension test at the end of the year and is a senior taking AP classes today!

Ask your school how much time do they spend on daily reading of real literature, if they are not spending an hour per day reading real literature the program needs to be examined. Most CCSS ELA reading programs spend less than 20 minutes a day reading real literature! Your child needs to be reading with someone at school and at home at least two plus hours per day. That is on task sustained reading with pauses to ask reading comprehensions STEMS! Sean

The sad fact is so many public schools are adopting poor quality CCSS ELA curriculum that is going to create a new generation of kids that hate reading! Skip the public schools, skip the mass testing, and skip the canned CCSS curriculum unless you can find a dyslexic reading teacher that makes their own curriculum using great literature! Go to the library and find books that you are going to savor, cherish, covet and read each one cover to cover with abandon! Let the reading adventure commence! 


The problem is we always want an easy fix or quick solution, helping dyslexic students learn to read and write takes a very long time and even for many like me many years.

I was told I would never learn to read or write! My mother believed the nonsense, my pragmatic father and a few wise librarians did not thank God! Sean