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Dave MontrealCan - Good evening everyone welcome to my session
AP - I'm a second grade teacher and I was wondering at what point should I be worried about reversals and spelling mistakes?
Michel - I have a question too. . . .
Dave MontrealCan - Ap Good evening to you have a student at the moment who is showing these signs?
AP - A FEW
Dave MontrealCan - Ap do you know if any of them could be sight impaired ?
AP - Good question. How would I know?
davey - they would be screened by school nurse for sight loss, ap
Dave MontrealCan - Ap could you have them tested by the school nurse ie reading wall charts exc?
Michel - I was wondering. . .. what can i do to help a student recognize his letters. . so far nothing has helped. . .he is progressing very slowly
Dave MontrealCan - Hello Sonja welcome
AP - Well, that's a possibility. I'll ask her the next time she is in my building.
Dave MontrealCan - Ap this may be a good idea and can give you a better understanding of the problem
davey - AP, ask if they have been already, in Calif, they have to be by second grade
Gummi Bear - Any tips on a daily schedule for a class of 12 emr students with no instructional assistant? I'm thinking learning centers while I work with small groups, alternating small groups/whole group
Cheryl - I have a student (age 14) has bad speech problem...been tested for hearing, but nothing wrong with hearing. He also speaks very loud. Any ideas?
AP - Thanks.
Gummi Bear - I have not seen the IEP's yet
davey - AP, how prevelant is the problem in any of the kids?
Dave MontrealCan - Michel have you thought that some could have dislexia ?
Sonja - Have u tried tactile experiences with them Michel?
Dave MontrealCan - Davey for meetings like this it is pretty much free flow the conference room is a little different
AP - davey, could you explain what you mean a bit more...example?
davey - ok. thanks dave
Michel - yes Sonja. . .but he is more of a kinesthetic learners and i've tried everything i can think of from poems and chants to dance and movment
AP - Oops. Sorry.
davey - AP, think about only one student who is having probs.. what percentage of the work is done incorrectly?
Michel - hmmm no i haven't Dave. . . his attention span is very short and he doesn't catch onto stuff unless you are right in his face. . .
Dave MontrealCan - Ap just curious what kind of difficulties do some of the students have do any have problems reading the blackboard
Sonja - What does parents say?
davey - are there numerous errors or only a few?
AP - Most can copy if that is what you mean.
davey - are the errors diminishing?
Sonja - Sounds LD?
Michel - mom just says she is trying to work with him. . .but he misses school
Dave MontrealCan - Ap yes I was referrign to having difficulty copying notes
davey - AP, please restate the problem you are seeing
AP - Only a few errors, but handwriting for these students is poor
Michel - I am trying to refer him to the SST Team for evaluation
AP - They copy, but not always correctly
davey - ok.. I have a feeling that some of them may simply need more practice or maturation.. grade 2 errors are probably prevelant
Sonja - Document eveerything Keep examples of work Keep a parent log on contacts
Dave MontrealCan - Ap what about things like active participation where a lot of "visual participation" is required?
davey - I suggest watching carefully and documenting the errors you see, then if they are not improving, ask a resource specialist for assistance
AP - Reversals of b,d,p, and saw for was, on for no ....I have and will continue to document
davey - I have to go, but good luck AP and thanks Dave for facilitating this discussion
Dave MontrealCan - Davey your welcome great to have you here
davey - AP, those are the most common and I would watch carefully.. bye
AP - Dave, I'm sorry, but what do you mean by a lot of vusual participation?
Michel - that's my problem i need to write a lot more
Cheryl - I have 14 year old student....bad speech problem...no hearing problem when tested...but he speaks very loud....any ideas?
davey - oh.. one more suggestion AP.. get a chart of normal development and you may see that at least some of these kids will grow out prior to grade 3
Sonja - Michel dry erase board and Michel>
davey - now I have to leave!!! bye all
Michel - no, i mean keeping records and logs
Dave MontrealCan - Ap things such as class activities that involve active participation suhc as exercise time exc are they able to follow by watching what you are doing
Sonja - markers
meachie - one of my students has severe dyslexia I believe diagnosed LD she has had intensive tutoring and learning support for years yet still reads at a 3rd grade level I am tutoring her this year anyone have any experience with a student such as this?
AP - Yes.
meachie - cheryl does he receive any kind of speach services?
Dave MontrealCan - Ap os we have probably narrowed down the fact that these students are not visually impaired dislexia is a possibility
AP - davey suggested a chart of normal develp. Where would I find such a chart?
Cheryl - No....Speech therapist wanted to...but he's getting ready for 9th grade transition.....really would like to help him for the rest of the year
Sonja - no but there are local organizations that can help train u in dyslexia
Dave MontrealCan - Ap do you have a "teacher store" in your area?
AP - yes
meachie - really sonja do u know of any of them?
Sonja - Where are u?
Dave MontrealCan - Ap try calling them and ask them they may be able even if they don't have it to point you in the right direction
Cheryl - I have been getting him to use "inside voice" which seems to help. Although he can read fluently, we have problem understanding him
meachie - sonja Lancaster PA
AP - Thanks Dave
meachie - cheryl I am not a speech person, but maybe the clinician at your school could suggest something
Sonja - Do a google search for one near u or university!
Cheryl - I've asked....she's not been any help
meachie - cheryl its a shame that he's gone this long without that service
Cheryl - I know, he's actually a good student, although MI....can't understand why he hasn't received services
Sonja - National Dyslexia Foundation
LocoLouie in NY - To What degree of "special needs" should they use to gage the action of inclusion into a regular classroom?
meachie - I will check it out sonja thanks
Cheryl - I'm thinking about giving him tongue twisters to help him speak clearer....what do u think?
Dave MontrealCan - Louie I think it depends on the severity of the disability I am not so much in favour of "inclusion" for severely multihandicapped kids as it tends to distract the rest of the class
LocoLouie in NY - Cheryl see if you can borrow an Occiliscope he can then see what his voice looke like and have to maintain a level to make it move on the screen
meachie - cheryl anything that you can do would be to his benefit
Cheryl - Good idea Loco...didn't think of that....would my Spec Ed Board office have an occiliscope
LocoLouie in NY - with all the laws about physically challenged students how can I as a classroom teacher cope
Sonja - Give us ur situation, Louie........
Dave MontrealCan - Louie one of the difficulties is lack of support from school districts and this I believe is wrong if a child is to be "included" the district should provide the support services for the teacher
LocoLouie in NY - possibly chery -check the labs at the high school or an electronics store- If no scope try using the leveling meter on a stereo-get one that lights up when it's louder and get a microphone like mr. microphone to use with it
Sonja - Amen!!!!!!!!!!!Dave
meachie - Louie I think that a properly trained group of teachers can accomodate any student but I think that the student with needs and teacher should have a separate space for one on one
Cheryl - Thanks Louie
LocoLouie in NY - I have had blind severly handicapped and emotionally fragile kids in the room withb no support
Cheryl - I suggested to my regular ed teachers that perhaps we need a training during faculty senate to help regular ed students be able to better accommodate my special needs kids.....they laughed at me
Dave MontrealCan -Sonja I know because I see what teachers go through every day in the classroom and it is not fair to them or their students
meachie - I know that my students diagnosed with mild mr can function well in the regular class setting for some subjects
Cheryl - same with my students meach
Sonja - Louie.........Thats not right...............
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl do you teach first grade
LocoLouie in NY - i had a bd child who loved the f word so much that he used it constantly-drove me nuts - I even used it once to shut him up -called on the carpet for that one
Michel - What do you do if you have a student who doesn't function well in the as a whole group but when he gets one on one. . .he is ok?????
Cheryl - No I teach Junior HIgh EMI students
meachie - when I was in college a group I was in did simulation stations for the local school we brought in wheel chairs, walkers, put vaseline on glasses to stimulate vision impairement it always went over well with kids
Sonja - One thing I have learned is to go over their IEPS carefully
LocoLouie in NY - I am so sick of being one of the reg teachers who are constantly asked to cope with these children and have only my own wits to get me by-it's so unfair
Dave MontrealCan - One of the big problems is that school districts sometimes tend to look at "bottom line" how much will it cost and as a consultant i have that problem all the time teachers want me to give a seminar or workshop for their school for example and the first thing district asks is how much will he charge and they don't look at the overall picture
Cheryl - I'm frustrated because when I have to do schedule changes for pull outs into regular ed, It is a battle to get these students in a related arts class.....no one wants to modify
Dave MontrealCan - Hello Paulie welcome
meachie - louie you really need an extra person in a situation you are describing
LocoLouie in NY - I went in last year and gave my principal a lette that stated I quit-I told her that if I received one more sped kid with special needs that i would use it
Paulie - hi Dave . . . just listening again
Cheryl - I have even told some of the teachers I would help to modify and help my kids study and prepare...but still I have problems
LocoLouie in NY - yes and they neve give me one meachie-they tell me I have great coping skills
Dave MontrealCan - Louie do you have a strong union?
meachie - louie it sounds like you are a talented teacher, but one can only do so much
Sonja - Cheryl they have to modify if they have an IEP
LocoLouie in NY - Thanks for the support and Dave keep up the good work teachers need experts like you who know what is needed
Bluette - I have a great story to tell you tonight
LocoLouie in NY - Our union is only so strong and with areas like this -across the district- it will take a court case to solve the problem
Cheryl - The thing is...they don't want to, Sonja. Some do and I appreciate those who do...but there are only a handful of teachers who will help me
Dave MontrealCan - Louie if you have a strong Union please go to them and tell them you need an aide and that your district refuses to get you one
Bluette - I taught Jordan, the blind student in 4th grade, it was a music class
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette what is your good news
Michel - What do you do if you have a student who doesn't function well in the as a whole group but when he gets one on one. . .he is ok?????
LocoLouie in NY - check out the possiblility of a resource room enviornment
Cheryl - I guess I'm getting tired of their excuses....I know they are busy and I understand....but the students are starting to understand ...that makes me sad
Cheryl - Michel, can you get an older student to help mentor one on one in free time?
meachie - michel I have one like that and he gets alot of one on one and strategic grouping but I have an aide to help
Sonja - They have to or they are not in compliance.........Federal Funding can be jerked
Michel - hmmm. . .Loco by the time i fill out the lengthy paperwork and it gets processed. . .he will be in first grade. . . .
Cheryl - Thanks Sonja....maybe I need to remind them of that
Bluette - the class was designing CD covers and that was not something he could do, I gave him K instruments to hold, and try out sounds
Sonja - I would go to supervisor
Michel - So do I but it is not working that well. . .meachie
meachie - I am so excited I am getting a student helper soon
Michel - an older mentor. . .i can see about that
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette great idea and did he do well with that
Bluette - then I asked what kind of music he likes and what colors he would like me to use, and I made a cd cover for him too
Michel - he also gets "peer tutoring" but that isn't helping much either
Cheryl - I've started (very slowly) a reverse inclusion program where some of our regular ed students volunteer in my room one on one......the mentors are getting excited about it and love to help in my room
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette that is wonderful
Cheryl - They get community service hours as a bonus
Bluette - then I put a musical note on the picture and gave him one cut out of wood to hold, explaining that this is what i drew on the picture
Sonja - How old Michel?
Bluette - this way he could could be a part of the class
meachie - bluette neat story
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette you have excellent ideas
Michel - Kindergarten. . . Sonja
Bluette - no TA available, she was on break and this was a difficult class with a couple of wiseguys needing a lot of attention too
Sonja - Beta Club members in high school/ mentors!
Cheryl - Meachie...student helpers are great!
Bluette - I told his TA about this, so she could talk to him about what we did
LocoLouie in NY - I have a funny story- I had a blind senior boy in my speech class and he used his physical challenge as an excuse to grope the girls-they had grown up with him and felt sorry for him so they grudgingly endured it. I gave them permission to slap his face if he became fresh-but I held up a sign that said they were never to do it only threaten himwith doing it- You never saw such a depressed boy in your life
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette how did you handle the "wiseguys" and what grade was this?
Michel - I even have a Kindergarten repeater. . . that i am really concerned about. . .he was at a different school prior to coming to my K class
meachie - louie lol
Cheryl - Funny Louie....good story
Paulie - Great Bluetter -- that is great using several intelligences
Bluette - 4th grade, did the best i could with the troublemakers, but spent a lot of time helping Jordan
Dave MontrealCan - Louie what grade was this
Bluette - I guess my grad classes have taught me stuff, and I was able to "include" this boy
Cheryl - Question....any ideas on how to stay on top of all the paperwork involved with Special Ed....am first year teacher and paperwork is starting to overwhelm me....and am tired of doing paperwork at night just to keep caught up
LocoLouie in NY - he was in 12th grade dave
Cheryl - No, I don't have a planning period and lunch time is occupied with a BD student who must be kept isolated at lunch time
meachie - good question cheryl I am experiencing this as well especially since I have a large case load
Cheryl - Not TOTAL isolation, just away from kids he bullies
Dave MontrealCan - Louie well and the girls tolerated him doing that
Cheryl - I have 14 students and you?
Sonja - arent u on a computer program of some sort?
Cheryl - Yea, and that helps a little.....it's the documenting of 14 students and staying on top, plus notes homes, IEPs, etc.
LocoLouie in NY - cheryl have the school give you an SIS day (substitute in serv ice) or bow out of the next inservice and do the paperwork
Dave MontrealCan - Bluette wow so you remembered my story and used it to help Jordan
meachie - cheryl 19 on my list I have had atleast one new one come or someone leave every week this year so far!!
Michel - wow. . .that's a lot Cheryl
Cheryl - Ouch.....
LocoLouie in NY - they tried to avoid him dave but he was always sneaky about it
Cheryl - What's bad is Dr. has said stress level is on overload and I'm trying to keep it under wraps. Everyone concerned.
Dave MontrealCan - Hello Kat welcome
kat - Does anyone know of an online certificate program for Special Ed?
Cheryl - I use my laptop quite a bit, but it's those little bitty pieces of paperwork that has to be handwritten
LocoLouie in NY - At one speech meet he groped the wrong girl and she grabbed him in a very sensitive area and threatened to castrate him- He was so shook up I had to take him home
meachie - cheryl you can only do so much I feel your pain
Bluette - this student is smart, but he was bored in class and the troublemakers were getting him into their rough housing
Dave MontrealCan - Kat you could try http://www.google.com and search there that is a pretty accurate search engine
Cheryl - Thanks, Meachie.....I will survive.......
Michel - lol. . .Loco
Cheryl - I'm glad I found this website.....it helps me to alleviate the stress
meachie - cheryl I am tired of putting together new IEPs trasitioning, and exiting students
Michel - did he learn from that experience . . .Loco
Cheryl - Same here Meachie....I have all my IEPS coming up in the next few weeks.
Bluette - well thats my story tonight, bye everyone, nice to see some familiar names, goodnight dave
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl this is a wonderful site isn't it
meachie - cheryl do you do your IEPs all at once?
Sonja - cheryl can u get a palm pilot and load forms on that
LocoLouie in NY - No I am sorry to say but he stopped going to speech meets
Cheryl - I'm glad for a 3 day weekend....hopefully I can get caught up
Dave MontrealCan - Night Bluette see you soon
Cheryl - Sonja, no palm pilot...just laptop
Cheryl - All IEPS at once Meach
LocoLouie in NY - His mother thanked me because I was one of the feww teachers who took him to task for his behavior
Cheryl - I do have IEPS and Alternate Assessment downloaded...big help
meachie - cheryl I always spend time at school on the weekends
Dave MontrealCan - Louie I guess while growing up they let him od that and he was never scolded for it
Sonja - does district have one
Cheryl - Can't Meachie....family would prefer me sitting in living room typing than to be away
Michel - ok you guys. . .i'm getting tired
meachie - cheryl we have them spread out and have to schedule them ourselves
Cheryl - I don't think so Sonja......am thankful for laptop
Cheryl - Eventually, want to be able to simply type documentation, notes, etc. onto laptop instead of having a lot of unnecessary paper files
meachie - cheryl my fiance is jealous of my job lol I think this job gets easier with time hope so anyways
LocoLouie in NY - the one thing I'm glad for is that he didn't try that stuff on one of my little cholitas -they would have gutted him
Cheryl - My husband is too....that's why I try to appease him by sitting and typing at home
Cheryl - He still gets aggravated because of work load, but I think he is starting to understand
Sonja - loco whats he doing now
LocoLouie in NY - the larger the school system the more the paperwork
Cheryl - True, true louie
Cheryl - Who will stop the insanity? LOL
Cheryl - Think about all those trees we have killed.
LocoLouie in NY - good going miche that' s a proactived approach that should satisfy you worry about what people will think-You know you've done a good job that's the only thing that's important
Cheryl - Thanks Louie, I needed to read that too
Cheryl - Dave....what do I do about a BD child who is in my room for socialization skills...he is very defiant (especially to women teachers, namely me) and he is causing great turmoil when he's in my room
LocoLouie in NY - well gang I've got to go _the good neews is I'm going back to the classroom-the bad news is that the counselors are already to transfrer in those students who can't function in other classes OYeVAY
LocoLouie in NY - Dave stick close buddy I will need you next year
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl actually my expertise is students wiht visual impairments and blindness but it sounds like he has a problem with authority figures
LocoLouie in NY - cheryl he needs a male teacher with an all girl classroom
Cheryl - No, he's fine with the male BD teachers...just has a problem with me. He wants to be in control and has told me so....I've tried subtly, unconditional caring, getting in his face...you name it
Sonja - does he have a behavior sheet
meachie - cheryl I have behavior plans for my students with ED
meachie - cheryl I have behavior plans for my students with ED
Cheryl - Funny Louie.....this 14 year old would LOVE that
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl does he behave this way with male teachers
Cheryl - Have tried behavior sheet....he likes to be in trouble
Cheryl - Even tried sheet with positive tally marks.......no good
Sonja - time outroom
Cheryl - No, Dave, just with me.....Time out doesn't work either
LocoLouie in NY - No I serious those girls will cut him to the quick about his behavior I did that with a 14 year old who lusted afrer the girls and they could care less- broke him like a rag doll
Cheryl - He treats his mother same way
Cheryl - Oh okay louie....most of my students are boys though
Sonja - have a new meeting
meachie - cheryl I tell my kid that sounds similiar to yours all the time how much I like him he thinks he is the apple of my eye
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl I wonder if his dad taught him that or some other male figure in his life kids often learn these things from other family members
LocoLouie in NY - Sounds hispanic- I had one like that-too macho to listen to his mom I told her to have him commited and to get on with her life
Cheryl - I've told him 1000s of times that
meachie - cheryl seems to work also I became friends with his mom (who is a very masculine lesbian interesting?)
Cheryl - Yeah, I think it is Dad.......
Cheryl - Dad jokes when he gets in trouble....mom just cries and is ready to commit him to group home
Dave MontrealCan - Cheryl I thought so
LocoLouie in NY - cheryl just let mom committ him
LocoLouie in NY - better yet tell mom to leave the boys and start a newe life
Cheryl - That's what his BD teacher is hoping.......
meachie - lol cheryl yeah that is learned at home its impossible to change that, but gosh it makes me angry
Cheryl - I guess that would be easier said than done though.
Cheryl - I think she's ready to Louie
Dave MontrealCan - It is 10 pm I would like to thank teachers net for allowing me to chair this meetign tonight thank you everyone for comming
Cheryl - Me too Meachie....
LocoLouie in NY - Dave this has been exciting
Bananas - Is this boy getting any counseling?
Cheryl - Thanks Dave
meachie - i am having success with my kiddo the school was considering an ed class for him
Cheryl - Yes, but he makes his brags on how he pulls the wool over his eyes
Dave MontrealCan - Louie glad you enjoyed it
Cheryl - He's very intelligent
Cheryl - I'm just hoping I find his thorn on the flesh.......SOON!!!!!!
meachie - I actually make this boy cry now when I get upset with him he cares!!
Cheryl - That's what I want to do with this kid.......just to get him to realize he could do so much more than be a pain in my tooshie
meachie - keep trying if it can be done you will do it cheryl
Sonja - the eagle hasnt landed
Cheryl - Well, am gonna get off here and get some sleep. Night all...thanks for all the wonderful advice
Bananas - I have one of those Cheryl. I have had a better couple of days with him.
meachie - lol cheryl mine worked woohoo its really coming down here
meachie - I am going to bed now sooo sleepy dreams of snow days are runnign through my head
meachie - gnight all Thanks Dave for hosting!
