Student Guide Corner

Did you know there are videos uploaded to YouTube of classic children's stories? Thanks to my friend, Sam Sennott , I learned about these additional YouTube treasures! It's best to watch them full screen. TikkiTikkiTembo Leo The Late Bloomer ChickaChicka BoomBoom (very catchy song!) Here are some more to get you started . Another reason to love YouTube.

As someone who works with struggling learners, I want to know what works. What works in education; what promotes student learning. I often observe improvement in student engagement and learning but it is typically anecdotal. When I recommend a particular strategy or technology tool, I encourage data collection to determine effectiveness of the tool or strategy. But, what works AND has been validated through the research? Does the research confirm my observations about student learning? Are current instructional methods sufficient for students or are there ways that technology can support validated learning research? These are some of the questions I consider (and lose sleep over!) So, when Larry Ferlazzo blogged about a recent publication from the National Center for Education Research entitled, " Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning: A Practice Guide " I sat up and took notice. The overview states: Much of teaching is about helping students master ne...

Meet Albano Berberi and learn how "assistive technology helps a blind Advanced Placement computer science student, devoted gamer, and violin prodigy pursue his passions." Read the Edutopia story here .

One of my favorite deep thinkers about all things special education, UDL and learning is Ira Socol who blogs at SpeEdChange . Ira has eloquently and persuasively advocated building the skills necessary to allow students to create personal toolbelts in his post, Toolbelt Theory for Everyone . If you haven't read it yet, you need to. Here's a sample: The only way to allow students to assemble this essential toolbelt for information and communication is to to throw open your classroom and let the world in. How will your students know which calendar works for them - the one on their phone, Google Calendar with SMS appointment texting, Microsoft Outlook, or any of a dozen paper systems unless you allow them to try them out? How will your students know whether they 'get' a novel better by listening to an audiobook, or reading it on paper, or using text-to-speech, if you don't let them experience all repeatedly and help them decide? Will their choice be the same when the...

Read about Rick Glass' classroom , where he scrounged for every available computer for the best for his students. And read about the results. Then see why his kids writing improved. In their words. This is successful UDL. And if you missed Lisa Parisi's post about her 5th grade classroom success, check this out too . Replicate this. It's easier than failure. Class dismissed.

Thanks to Vicki Davis, Cool Cat Teacher , who shared this video - The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun . Follow at least one today. It helps put life in perspective. (Click the graphic to view the video)

Google Earth now offers a 3D virtual tour of Disney World in Florida. It's possible to explore four of the Disney theme parks and some of the hotels as well. Why is this significant? Now it's possible to preview Disney World with students who benefit from previewing. For some kids, the ability to preview helps promote positive behaviors and helps ease transitions. Kids on the Autism Spectrum or kids with cognitive disabilities may benefit from preparation beforehand. And exploring Disney World virtually may help families anticipate challenges or strategize their visit to make the experience pleasurable for all. Share this information with your student's families so they can explore this feature especially if they are planning a Disney trip in the near future. What do you think? Do you think this is a feature that can benefit families?