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Showing posts from August, 2012

100 Powerful Learning Specialist and Educational Therapy Materials

This week I wanted to tell you about my online store, Good Sensory Learning. I’m Dr. Erica Warren, and I established this site so I could share all the materials that I have created over the last 20+ years as a learning specialist and educational therapist. When I first began my private practice, Learning to Learn, I had great difficulty finding fun and multisensory materials for my students that were effective and engaging. So back in 2005, I made it my mission to design and distribute high-end, remedial products as well as memorable, motivating lessons that bring delight to learning. If you would like to try a free sampling of my activities , CLICK HERE . How Are the Products Organized at Good Sensory Learning? You can download my Free Printable Catalog or you can browse the site using the grey “search all products” bar in the top right of any page with keywords such as dyslexia, working memory, and executive functioning. What’s more, drop down menus in the red banner allow you t
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Five Specific Ways to Integrate Mindfulness into the Classroom

Mindfulness in education is a rising topic of discussion. Mindfulness refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment, as well as maintaining a non-judgmental approach to one's inner experience. It helps to develop emotional intelligence and it teaches students to pay attention on purpose. What’s more, mindfulness can help improve test scores, classroom behaviors, and stress management. So how can teachers integrate mindfulness into the classroom? 1) Teachers must practice mindfulness in their own lives. If a teacher does not have the time to meditate and listen to his or her breath and thoughts, they can be mindful or present even while doing household chores. For example, instead of quickly watering the plants while chatting on the phone. One can pull themselves into the present and find the joy of offering plants sustenance. Notice each plant and appreciate the beauty and contribution it makes to your home. 2) Define and discuss mindfulness with y
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10 Ways to Teach Planning, Time Management and Organization

Teaching students planning, time management and organizational skills is necessary in the classroom as well as at home. Although some find executive functioning to be quite obvious, there are those that need to learn the process. Here are 10 recommendations: © 2012 Good Sensory Learning Click on image to learn more Provide verbal, written and even electronic reminders. Let students select their preferred calendar option. There are daily, weekly and even monthly calendars. In addition, a calendar can be maintained on electronic devices, computers, wall charts, as well as printed planners. Offer a calm, supportive and mindful environment. Avoid name calling. Using terms like "careless" or "unmotivated" only creates negative energy, frustration and helplessness. Provide short breaks. Schedule "unstructured time" in your daily routine. Offer a structured and organized environment with clear expectations. Set an example and sh
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Dry Erase Pockets Can Save Time and Money

I just love these dry erase pockets. Students enjoy working on activities when they are able to use colorful dry erase markers!  You can save a ton of time and money by not having to copy handouts. I personally got 25 pockets. They were quickly filled with worksheets, large graph paper and more. They are perfect for doing activities with clocks, tracing letters, fractions, and graphing to name a few. Have any of you used these? Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at  Good Sensory Learning  and  Dyslexia Materials . She is also the director of  Learning to Learn  and  Learning Specialist Courses . · Blog:  https://learningspecialistmaterials.blogspot.com/ · YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1 · Podcast:  https://godyslexia.com/ · Store:  http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/  &  www.dyslexiamaterials.com · Courses:  http://www.learningspecialistcourses.c
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Teaching Higher Order Language Skills: Abstract and Critical Thinking as Well as Multiple Meanings

Concrete learners, as well as those who struggle with higher order language processing, often experience difficulties when shifting to more abstract ways of learning.  Difficulties may arise when multiple meanings are used in conversation or when reading. Consequently, “reading between the lines” or searching for a deeper meaning can be a challenge. Additionally, concrete or rigid ways of thinking can create miscommunication. It’s easy to misunderstand someone’s intended meaning when they are being sarcastic or they are using unfamiliar vocabulary. I’m sure you have had one of those ah-ha moments in life where you thought, “Oh, that’s what she meant!” Finally, difficulties interpreting jokes, puns, or inferences can lead to one feeling confused or embarrassed. I am sure we all know of a time when someone told a joke and although we laughed along with everyone else, we did not really “get it.” Although learning this important skill is a process for many students, it does not have
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