Class 8 Blog

Tonight's class about Learning Disabilities and Universal Design was thought-provoking.  In last week's post, I said that I was unsure about using compensatory strategies.  Tonight's class has helped me to clarify and build upon my ideas.  I first want to say that my concern is that we may jump to compensatory measures too soon.  I have seen remediation work for many students, particularly in the area of phonological awareness.  However, if all remedial measures have failed by Grade 4, I completely agree that it is time to look at compensatory strategies.

Misunderstood Minds Videos
http://misunderstoodmindsld.blogspot.ca/2011/11/misunderstood-minds-chapter-1-learning.html

While watching the Misunderstood Minds videos my heart went out to Nathan, a student who is a clear case of one who needs compensatory strategies.  In the video it showed him in class, practicing reading.  I did not see any remedial measures that were targeted at building his phonemic awareness but am assuming that he received remediation in this critical area.  Here is our summary of Videos 1, 2, and 3:

In Lauren's case, I'm wondering if the use of a Learning Coach is considered a remediation or a compensation?  I think I would call that a remediation as she will hopefully not need her Learning Coach forever.

Some useful links (some are in web and some are additional):

This article explains the ABC's of phonemic awareness:  
http://www.ldonline.org/article/256

 This is a .pdf document entitled Phonemic Awareness and the Teaching of Reading: A Position
Statement from the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association
http://www.reading.org/downloads/positions/ps1025_phonemic.pdf

 An overview of phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and phonics with activities for developing phonemic awareness.
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Developing Phonemic Awareness and Readiness
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Pro's and Con's of Ritalin
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After watching the videos, Barbara showed us a writing task analysis.  Who would have ever imagined that writing involves so much brain power!?!  I will share the document below and want to emphasize that our brains are always attending to task and employing executive function throughout the process.