Teaching Student With Disorders.

   

 Years ago, students with learning disabilities and other disorders were separated from students without them. That separate environment was formatted specially to meet their needs and ran by a disorder specialists and teachers with experience in that field. This separate environment was great for the student’s development in the opinion of many parents. However, many parents also thought the separate environment was a hindrance to the child's education and social development skills. Since some schools allow a mix of students in classrooms, it is important to for educators to be familiar with the various disabilities, symptoms, treatment and the best method to meet those students’ educational needs without singling them out from their peers. A few of the disabilities and disorders seen in children are: speech impediments, language impairments, autism, ADD, ADHD, loss of hearing, visual impairments, dyslexia, and behavioral disorder. The best thing to keep in mind when teaching students with disorders and disabilities is the overall benefit of the student, remaining patient and creating a comfortable, open and effective for the entire class. Below are links to symptoms, tips and teaching strategies for common student disabilities.

22 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism:

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8761-22-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders

Speech or Language Impairments: 

http://www.projectidealonline.org/speechLanguageImpairments.php

Tips for Teachers: Teaching Students with Disabilities: 

http://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/Resources/Educ/Tips%20for%20Teachers.pdf

Preparing for Standardized Tests!

The second half of the school year is here and many students and educators are preparing for state standardized tests. These tests can put a lot of stress on the students and faculty because they can either make you or break you. In most states the only way to be promoted to the next grade or receive a high school diploma is  to pass the test. If the test is not passed, the student will have to retake the test, take developmental classes or remain in a specific grade level until the test is passed. Below are links to great tips and brief overviews for both the teachers and parents that can be used to prepare their students. 

Enjoy!

For parents: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/study-skills-test-taking/standardized-tests-prepare-and-interpret-results

For teachers: http://www.education.com/reference/article/preparing-standardized-tests/

The Power of Word Choice Through Poetry.

     Dr. Maya Angelou- Still I Rise.

Poetry can give students a great insight to literary techniques such as similes, metaphors and personification. These literary techniques are also known as figurative language or imagery. Imagery can take any form of writing to the next level when used correctly by engaging with the intended audience logically, emotionally, and ethically. "Still I Rise" by Dr. Maya Angelou can be used to explorer figurative language, slavery and stereotypes along with self-empowerment. Regardless of the students’ ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, he or she will be able to relate to this piece of poetry and gain a greater understanding of the power in word choice. Song lyrics, short stories and plays can also be used for the purpose of introducing, teaching and inspiring students to take on this form of art and literature and to build a better understanding of imagery.

Below is the poetry reading of "Still I Rise" by Dr. Maya Angelou. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqo50LSZ0

My Professional Goals.

Greetings! My name is Ariel Henson and I am currently a Junior and English Major, Education Minor at Prairie View A&M University located in Prairie View, Texas. After graduating from PVAMU, I plan on becoming a successful and influential secondary English teacher in Houston, Texas and surrounding cities. Growing up I have always dreamed of becoming an educator. It wasn't until I got to high school that made me realize that secondary education is the field I would like to go into. Teaching will give me the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Teaching will also give me the chance to be a positive influence on students the way my teachers were to me. All children deserve a equal opportunity to better themselves through education. Each student deserves to have a personal cheerleader that will help them reach their goals. Lastly, each student deserves to have a positive influence and role model that can lead by example. I am that positive role model, the counselor they may need and the influential educator with the best interest of the students at heart.