Monday, September 28, 2009

Learning Disability Simulation

One of the best experiences that a teacher or parent can have is to participate in a learning disability simulation. A group of adults sit at a table and do a simuation that makes them feel like they have a disability - including hearing, dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc. I can not recommend enough that you try to find such an event in your area and attend. A good place to start is by looking at the Parents Helping Parents website: php.org Even though they are located in the SF Bay area, they may be able to help you find a simulation event in your area.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Spelling test tricks

A good way to manage spelling tests is to organize the spelling words into categories. For example: All the long "i" words are in one category and all the "ee" words are in another category.

Once you get all the categories for the words, create a spelling paper that is a grid with a box for each category. Label the top of the box with the category type.

Read the spelling word to your student and have them think about what category it goes into (ie which box should it go in). Once they have the logic they think - "oh that is an "ee" word", it greatly increases their success!

How to remember Pi

Have trouble remembering the digits of pi? I can help with the first six digits, though you're on your own for the remaining 58. :-)

Pi is approximately equal to 3.14159 (with another 58 digits to follow).

To remember this, create a phrase where each word contains the number of letters contained in each digit in Pi. For example:

May I have a large milkshake?

May = 3
I - 1
have - 4
a = 1
large = 5
milkshake = 9

If you really want to remember the rest, just make a longer phrase.