Welcome to Teacher Space. Scroll down the right margin to discover hundreds of quality, teaching and learning links for mainstream and special education teachers.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Typing / Keyboarding Programs for Kids

Power Typing

Dance Mat
Hi Everyone,

This term I used the Dance Mat Typing Program in my classroom to teach the kids keyboard awareness skills. I had no expectations that the kids would learn to touch type, but that is exactly what happened!

This highly engaging program kept my kids glued to the keyboard during keyboarding lessons and I found them choosing to work on their typing skills during 'choice time'.

I have been looking for a follow up program that will appeal to my students who have finished the Dance Mat program. I think the Power Typing program might just be the one!
Scroll down the right margin of the blog until you find my ICT links. You will find lots of great keyboarding games there.




Mr Jenkinsons' Cupboard


Hi Everyone,
If you haven't discovered Teacher's TV yet the site has set up a fun way of generating interest. A visit to Mr Jenkinson's Cupboard might be just the motivation you need to become a Teacher's TV devotee!
When you visit the cupboard you will be asked to choose a primary or secondary focus, play a quick game and then you will be presented with 6 inspiring short videos that relate to your setting . Check it out!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

ESL Flashcards.com

Hi Everyone,
ESL Flashcards.com is a great source of free visual materials for children who are visual learners as well as those students learning a second language. it covers a huge range of topics and has a host of other resources linked to it that will have you browsing for hours!

Eye Tracking Exercises

Hi Everyone,
I have been working on eye tracking exercises with some of my students who are challenged in this area. Eye Can learn is a fun site which allows children to work on exercises online. Some of these activities work brilliantly on our Smart Board for a quick whole group focus. I have added them to my class blog page so that we have quick access in breaks between lessons. Little and often is the rule that I use when presenting students with this kind of activity because your eyes will definitely feel like they have had a work out when you have finished!
The site also has lots of links to other vision sites which may be of interest. Have fun with it!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sparkle Box

Hi Everyone,
Sparkle Box is a great site to explore if you are looking for downloadable resources to support visual learners in both mainstream and special education settings.Take the time to download the free tool bar and save yourself loads of time preparing visual aids for your classroom!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Ten things Every Child with Autism Wishes You knew


Hi Everyone,
While researching information for an I was writing, I found Ellen Notbohm's web site. Ellen wrote the book Ten things Every Child with Autism Wishes You knew. You will find information on all of her books by clicking on the picture link to her web site. Or you can have a look at a PDF version of her Ten Things Every child with Autism Wishes You knew by clicking on the PDF picture link. it's a good read so check it out.




Thursday, June 4, 2009

Sensory Processing Disorder


Hi Everyone,

I am on study leave at the moment writing an essay for my ASD course. The topic is on Sensory Modulation Disorder. This is a huge issue in my classroom for my students with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students with Sensory Processing Disorders are often incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD and given inappropriate drug interventions for a problem better worked through with an occupational therapist.

Lucy Jane Miller Ph. D. has produced a great body of literature and research on the topic. The first photo link will take you to a 1/2 hour podcast where Lucy explains in very simple terms . Click on the red arrow to download the podcast( it took about 3 minutes to download on my system ).
The second photo link will take you to a video news report about sensory processing disorders. Following this hyperlink will take you to an interesting article I am using for my research into the topic.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Autism Speaks - Video Glossary

Hi Everyone,
While searching for some information on sensory arousal management strategies for kids with ASD, I came across the Autism Speaks Video Glossary. Once you have registered you can watch a great range of short videos on autism topics. It's well worth a look.

Universal Design for Learning

A is for Autism F is for Friend - Video