September 2013

Brittany Ammons added a total of 116 apps to her Apps on Sale blog throughout the month.

Jeannie Bolstridge created the posts Your G-mail is Still in Your Control! and “Dyslexia-Kids, Teachers, Parents, My 5-Point Tutoring Plan” on her blog. The Social Prompter app download was removed from the Social Prompter site because it was found to have an unresponsive design. Jeannie contacted Georgia Tech. about this problem.

Think “outside the box” like your kid

Following a child-initiated interest is the fastest “ticket to success” that I know for teaching a child anything.  During the most surprising fun activities, a child can be “slipped”  customized learning material  almost unknowingly IF initially time is taken to watch and see what is important to them. Here are some helpful techniques that I work into a plan of getting a child’s attention:

• Work with them initially one-on-one. Working side by side and encouraging them builds trust and confidence. A little investment of your time with them to get the “brain moving” helps to set our young creative thinkers on the right path.  After a while, you can leave them with a project for a short time knowing they are “on a roll”.  This tip applies to a spelling word list or setting the table for dinner.  Having pets that you both care for together is another great opportunity to work together and talk about their interests.
• If a specific skill needs to be addressed and the child’s interest or cooperation is just “not there”, move outside of the immediate work challenge to find interests that indirectly relate to the task at hand.  For example, take a fresh air walk around a track or building or pick some flowers (or weeds) to put in a vase.  Going outside really works with some kids to clear the mind. Take the time to discuss topics that arise from this time and that may include the skill/subject that needs mastering.  Then show how the need to learn what needs to be learned will bring the child to the expertise of being able to follow through on their “real” interests.
•  Example: Dr Ben Epstein learned his math, and used it to go on to more exciting, creative projects, like putting microphones on the belly of a cockroach to help find people lost in earthquakes or tsunamis.

Now THAT’S thinking outside the box, isn’t it !

http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Cockroaches-equipped-as-wireless-networks-3675973.php

How could WiFi Phones help SN Kids during school?

If your special needs child is using an Android mp3 player or an iPod as an assistive technology device, there may be a need for your child to quickly connect to you or any support person in their lives. Your child will probably be in an environment where there is WiFi, and as part of their approved usage of the AT device,  the facility should give you  a WiFi password. This password put into your child’s device will enable their “non-phone” to become a phone or texting device. I’ve tried these apps and found them to be very reliable for this purpose. I still have more to learn about Google Voice and will update this post when I can present a step-by-step tutorial.

Google Voice for Android or Google Voice for iPhone

After-School Program Student Intake 006

Hey Everyone,

Happy Thanksgiving!  I’m writing this blog journal the day before Thanksgiving.  I’m thankful that we are ready to receive our three daughters with their spouses and young children for the next four days!

Thanksgiving Pilgrim company

After-School Program Vision 005

Hey Everyone,

During this blog journal and audio file 005 we’ll  discuss your Vision, Members, and/or Board of Directors who will help you to stay on course during the building process and maintenance of your after-school program.

After-School Program Educational Apps 004

Hey Everyone,

After-School Program Apps 004  is all about educational iPad and Android apps. I also include a video presentation of one of the apps used in our learning center. The easy instructions within this presentation can be found on this blog page or on my old YouTube channel  named “Dogs Help Kids” . Please let me know what you think.  I’d love to hear  your feedback!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB-aMAjNRwk

After-School Program Requirements 003

Hey Everyone,

First off today, I’m going to take a minute to encourage you. The previous blog journal #002 was foundational and it requires your involvement over a period of time. Ok, this time period is really a win-win setup for you. While you are volunteering within the school tutoring one-on-one, you are gaining understanding of the children’s needs and you’re building friendships. Your extra daytime (or nighttime) hours are also productive working on the details of building your after-school program. There are a BUNCH of steps to be accomplished, so you need this period of time while you are tutoring within the school to put every program “block” in its place.

After-School Program Strategies 002

Hey, Everyone,

We’re going to dig right into the content. There are a lot of printed examples mentioned today so be sure to go check the blog journal to print and customize those forms.

After-School Program Passion 001

Hey, Everyone,

Today I’ve written and recorded the first of nine step-by-step plans  for building a successful after-school program serving remedial readers and other special needs children in your community. I’m so happy that you’ve joined me.