Saturday, April 30, 2011
Dys- Respect - Dyscalculia
Monday, April 25, 2011
Dys- Respect: Watch this Sensational 4 Part Series About Dyslexia
Click here to access Parts 2 through to 4
Remember to check out my Twitter account - see the widget link in the left margin, for the reading linked to this topic and a whole range of inclusion issues.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Free Visual Making Program
http://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/
Many thanks to Angela, for showing me this terrific site for making visual supports for home and school. This program imports pictures from your computer straight into the frames. it is very useful for children who may not be ready to use symbols such as Boardmaker, but respond well to photographs.
Click on the links to explore the site for yourself.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dyslexia Explained - Podcast and Written text Resource

Dyslexia explained - Better Health Channel
People with dyslexia - more often referred to as a specific learning difficulty (SLD) - have difficulties with reading, language and words for no apparent reason. Common problem areas include spelling, comprehension, reading and identification of words. Dyslexia isn't a symptom of low intelligence.
Dys Respect - Dyslexia
My son started university this month.
He has battled with dysgraphia throughout his schooling.
The university he is attending ( RMIT Melbourne Campus) has been sensational in providing him with the supports and accommodations he needs to do well.
This month I am going to focus my professional reading on the 'dyses' - dyslexia and dysgraphia.
I found this great video about famous people with dyslexia, on the Pedia Staff website this morning.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Decoding the Spectrum - Dr Valerie Hu
Hi Everyone,Here is the link.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Apps for Children with Special Needs

Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Coffee Klatch Podcasts on Blog Talk Radio
Hi Everyone,Thursday, January 27, 2011
American Speech Language Hearing Association Podcasts(ASHA)
HI Everyone,Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Let me tell you about Asperegers Syndrome
Hi Everyone,
I use this video when I am working in Middle Years and Secondary settings, when I am invited to speak to groups of students and staff about Aspergers Syndrome.
It is a great tool to loosen tongues and open minds.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
What is Twitter - How can I use it?
What is Twitter? - Explania
Friday, January 21, 2011
Innovation In Education - Special and Inclusive too!
Hi Everyone,Thursday, January 20, 2011
New to teaching a student with additional Needs? -Misunderstood Minds
Hi Everyone,Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Understanding the Parent Perspective : AUTISM IS NOT THE BOSS
Hi Everyone,Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Free language Stuff
Hi again,Connecting, sharing and being what tomorrow needs


Sunday, January 9, 2011
Multiple Sclerosis Online Information - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Hi Everyone,Saturday, January 8, 2011
Special Education Apps
Hi Everyone,Friday, January 7, 2011
The Proprioceptive Sense in children with Hearing and Vision Impairment
You might have guessed that I am taking some time this week, to up skill myself in the area of vision and hearing impairments and the impacts that they have on learners.
As an autism consultant, I am finding that I am frequently in the position of supporting teachers with students with a co-morbid hearing and/ or vision impairment.
This article by David Brown, is a very informative and easy read. It describes what the proprioceptive sense is, how it impacts our ability to learn and strategies teachers can use when this sensory system is challenged.
If you want to join me in some quick professional learning, follow this link to the article.
Auslan Tutor App - Free from the iTunes Store
Hi Everyone,Monday, January 3, 2011
Auditory System and Hearing Impairment - Free E-learning Course

- The anatomy of the ear
- Causes of hearing loss
- Types and degree of hearing loss
- Audiograms
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Tactics to help when communicating with people who have a hearing loss.
Happy New Year

Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Specials - A series exploring young adulthood
I love this british TV Series called 'The Specials'. The series follows the lives of a group of young people with special needs, as they make their own way in the adult world. All of the episodes of Series 1 are available via YouTube.I can't wait to share this series with our teens at my Special School and I am really looking forward to Series 2!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Autism Help - Autism Information
Hi Everyone,If you have a new diagnosis of Autism and you looking for a website that will provide you with easy to read information, that is simple to navigate through, Autism Help is the site for you.
Autism Help covers all the information , that you will need to understand both the strengths and impacts of an autism diagnosis, from pre-school through to the tertiary years.
I wish you well on your journey.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Science Bob - Science experiments for kids
Hi Everyone,I had a great time working with the junior classes, at Belvoir Special school today. The highlight was making a home made lava lamp, during the science lesson. Joanne, their amazing classroom teacher, found the lesson plan on the Science Bob website. What a sensational find! It is full of simple and highly engaging science experiments and multimedia presentations, suitable for primary aged kids, in both special education and inclusive classrooms. I will definitely be adding this site to my science links.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
What is Communication Shutdown ?
Social communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism. Shutdown Facebook or Twitter on Nov 1 to have some idea of what it's like.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Safe 4 Kids - Protective Behaviours Resources
Hi Everyone,I have been on a web quest all year, trying to get my hands on the 'Sing Yourself Safe' CD. I posted a plea for help to locate the CD, earlier in the year, and it was read by the owner of Safe 4 Kids , Holly -ann Martin, during the week.
Hooray ! Not only is that quest now over but I have also found a terrific range of other resources, to support my protective behaviours program in mainstream and special education settings.
Visit the Safe 4 Kids website to check them out for yourself.
Thanks so much for getting in contact, Holly-ann. : - )
Saturday, October 2, 2010
White noise Improves memory in children with attention disorders

Here is a link to the Stockholm University research paper, if you would like more specific details about the research project.
Monday, September 27, 2010
IN THE NEWS & ON THEIR LIPS

Arts Alive Virtual Dance Studio and the Help Kids Learn Train Tracker Game
Free Children's Stories.com - Daniel Errico

My name is Daniel Errico and I'm owner of the site freechildrenstories.com. I've been reading up on your Teacher Space and Junior Crew Book Shelf sites and enjoyed them.
If you have any interest, my site offers free stories for kids and includes a fully illustrated and narrated online storybook, The Journey of the Noble Gnarble. Hope all is well. Thanks,
Daniel Errico
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Free eBooks for Kids
Hi Everyone,Thursday, September 23, 2010
What happened to the Priory Woods Website?
Hi Everyone,The Priory Woods website has a new look. I was a huge fan of the old Special School site's cause and effect programs and was disappointed to see, that due to legal issues, many of my favourites are missing from the new line up. The new site is still in the process of being built but the pre-build teasers look very interesting. Click on the picture to check out their program resources to play online or download.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Into the Book
Hi Everyone,I spend a lot of time talking to teachers about how to assist students in developing reading comprehension skills. I am also a big fan of providing kids who need extra support, with the opportunity to work independently . This morning I was visiting the Tips Tools and Technology for Today blog and found this sensational reading comprehension program - Into the Book.
The program is a free, highly interactive, multi-media package which focuses on these eight learning strategies:
•Using prior knowledge
•Making connections
•Questioning
•Visualizing
•Inferring
•Summarizing
•Evaluating
•Synthesizing
I can see this program being put to great use in Grade 3 + classrooms and can't wait to see it in action with the kids I am currently supporting in inclusive classroom settings.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Individual Learning Plans Dr. Seuss Style

(author unknown)
Do you like these ILPs?
I do not like these ILPs
I do not like them, Geez Louise
We test, we check
We plan, we meet
But nothing ever seems complete.
Would you, could you
like the form?
I do not like the form I see
Not page 1, not 2, not 3
Another change
A brand new box
I think we all
Have lost our rocks.
Could you all meet here or there?
We could not all meet here or there.
We cannot all fit anywhere!
Not in a room.
Not in the hall.
There seems to be no space at all.
Would you, could you meet again?
I cannot meet again next week
No lunch, no prep
Please hear me speak.
No not at dusk. No, not at dawn
At 4 p.m. I should be gone.
Could you hear while all speak out?
Would you write the words they spout?
I could not hear, I would not write
Sign here, date there,
Mark this, check that
Beware the student's ad-vo-cat(e).
You do not like them
So you say
Try again, try again!
And you may.
If you will let me be,
I will try again
You'll see.
Say!
I almost like these ILPs!
I think I'll write 6003.
And I will practice day and night
Until they say
"You've got it right!"
Telling others about Aspergers Syndrome - Kids Health Website
Hi Everyone,This week I had the opportunity to speak to some parents of a 10 year old student with a brand new diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome. The couple shared that the Kids Health website was helpful in explaining the diagnosis to their child's brothers, sisters, cousins friends and classmates.
Of course, I had a look and discovered that it is also a terrific site to explain all sorts of health and well being issues to kids. Definitely worth checking out for yourself.
Monday, September 20, 2010
90 Ways to help Students with ADHD - Darren Tagliarini

Hi Everyone,
I was just visiting 'The Behaviour Guy' website which is maintained by Darren Tagliarini, a psychologist specialising in challenging behaviour. The site is amazing. It is full of resources which are in line with evidence based research, to read and download.
One of the things that caught my eye today, was this nifty brochure of 90 Ways to Help Students with ADHD. It is definitely going to be part of my travelling resource pack as so many of the children I support in schools have a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
The thought that goes through my mind so often when I am recommending resources for students with special and additional needs, is that if they are implemented as whole class structures and embedded in regular teaching practice, they are common sense strategies that will assist all students. That is what inclusive education is all about!
Here is a direct link to the brochure
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tots & Tech - Early Years Resource
Hi Everyone,I have been spending a lot of time this morning checking out resources on Tots and Tech . I am going to spend the next 20 minutes emailing the URL to every Early Years professional I know.
This terrific site contains loads of very practical ideas to help students with disabilities engage in functional and play activities at home and alongside their peers in Early Years settings. The 'Ideas to Share' section is amazing!
I wish I knew about this site when I was teaching in an Early Years Classroom but I am so glad that I am in a position of being able to share the site with others. Check it out. It will be well worth your time and effort.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
ZuiTube - For Calming and Learning

Thursday, September 2, 2010
Inclusion is a Whole School Approach - Which character do you identify with?
This video is not about inclusion.
It is about people and their response to change.
A school staff is made up of all of the characters in this short video.
I would like to think, that most of the time, I am the person who serves as a bridge that supports others in their journey across the divide between past and future.
Some days though, I'm not. Some days I am the pessimistic, frustrated one or part of the crowd following an inspirational leader in the field.
It's okay to change roles, as long as I don't get caught up with the defeatist crowd.
Have a look for yourself and decide which character best illustrates your stage of the journey at the moment.
Thanks very much to Damien Keel, for introducing me to the video.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Whiz Kid Games - Swinburne University
Hi Everyone,It's a week for great tips. My colleague Jessie, sent me the link to this terrific life skill focused website, for Early Years and younger students with an intellectual disability. I have had a lovely time playing ( whoops - learning) on this site this afternoon.
Thanks, Jesse : - )
Monday, August 16, 2010
Cooking for Engineers - Easy Visual Recipes






