Learning+Log+10


 * Learning Log #10- 5/5/09**

This is the final post for a class that has been an incredible experience for me. The folks in this group are all so diverse and interesting and talented. Every single member of the group brought something different to the table and I feel like we learned as much from discussions with each other as we did from the actual course content itself.

There were two final software reviews, the first of which was Kurzweil (Kurzwiel?). It is something that we have talked about in our school for years; mostly about how expensive it is. It seems to have so many exceptional features, that it is worth a look, no matter how expensive and cumbersome it may be. Read Please 3000 is another similar piece of software that is cheaper.

The second piece of software reviewed was entitled WordMaker. It is designed by Patricia Cunningham, who is a goddess in the reading world. While the students I work with immediately are well above being in need of phonemic awareness, we have many students in other classrooms and in other areas of the building who would definitely benefit from this program. I am very interested in exploring this software!

The other thing we spent a fair amount of time on was low tech accommodation we could make from commonly found items (like at Lowe's or The Dollar Store). I think I might consider looking for a new kitchen counter top...

Some of the items include: Repostional glue sticks. Magnetized clips. Sock snake (for kids with Autism who need to sensory feedback). Answer chips- poker chips as a marker/pointer for multiple choice responses (4 chips with A,B,C,D marked with visible marker or puffy paint. Popcicle sticks as spacer (spaceman). handle from milk carton as a grip for crayons or markers. Old window envelopes as readers. non-slip shelf fabric and pringles can to make a slant board- velcro on clipboard to make a non-skid writing surface. Proofreading "Perfect P" from a folder wiith a window and then the things you want them to look for on the stem of the "P".Abacus with beads and puffy line.

My recommendation to anyone who is undecided about whether to take this course, or whether to take this class versus another, would be to take this! It is great!!