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REACH - Reaching to educate all children for heaven

The REACH (Reaching to Educate All Children for Heaven) initiative provides teachers with resources, training, and ongoing support.

Inclusion for Secondary

Written Expression

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Frequently fails to form letters correctly
Frequently has sloppy writing, illegible
Frequently fails to punctuate correctly
Frequently has spelling problems—omits, adds, or substitutes letters
Frequently demonstrates letter reversals
Frequently has trouble copying (close-up/distant)
Frequently fails to capitalize correctly
Frequently fails to write within a given space
Frequently grips pencils, crayons or scissors awkwardly
Frequently shows difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., nuts and bolts, screwdrivers, puzzle pieces, buttoning, zipping, tying)
Frequently shows inconsistencies in printing upper and lower case, printing and cursive
Frequently does not complete written assignments
Frequently has inconsistent spaces between words and letters
Frequently is unsure of right or left handedness
Tires quickly while writing
Says words out loud while writing
Has difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
Exhibits large gap between written ideas and understanding demonstrated through speech
Exhibits poor use of punctuation
Engages in slow, tedious, incomplete note-taking
Has poor handwriting, poorly shaped letters, and irregular spacing
Often does not use complete sentences when speaking or writing
Is clumsy, uncoordinated, poor at ball or team sports; prone to motion sickness
May use either hand for fine motor tasks; confusion with right/left dominance
Has difficulty writing thoughts orderly and clearly

Written Expression

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Spelling
Provide technology such as word processors, AlphaSmart, electronic spell-checkers (see resources)
Assist students to create a personal spelling dictionary
Use on-line websites i.e., spellingcity (see resources)
Writing / Processing
Offer different options for communicating ideas, such as power point presentations, models, speeches, mime, murals, rap, video productions, creative movement
Provide a copy of class notes on No Carbon Required (NCR) Paper
Allow extra time for writing assignments
Explicitly teach different types of writing
Allow students to dictate written assignments and tests
Give students a checklist for editing work-spelling neatness, grammar, syntax, clear progression of ideas, etc.
Have students proofread work after a delay—it’s easier to see mistakes after a break
Have student complete task in small steps
Encourage practice through low-stress opportunities for writing such as letters, diary, making household list or keeping track of sports teams
Group students together to write “round robin” story
Encourage students to include the wording of the question in their sentence answer (complete sentence responses)
Use graphic organizers
Alter written assignments
Allow student to create illustrations in lieu of writing
Grade written assignments according to content, rather than spelling and mechanics
Use “cut and paste” to create research projects

Written Expression

Step Up To Writing 2nd Ed. Teachers' Manual
By Maureen E. Auman (ISBN: 157035457X)
Teaching strategies and student writing activities, using multisensory methods. To teach students to write orgined paragraphs, reports, and essays. Good for students grades 2 and up; helpful for older students with writing challenges.
Don Johnston Assistive Technology-Writing
Assistive technology to help students with dyslexia and dysgraphia succeed in writing tasks. Software includes Co:Writer; Write:Outloud; Solo Literacy Suite.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Dragon speech recognition software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer. Use your voice to create and edit documents or emails, launch applications, open files, control the mouse, and more. Quickly and easily capture thoughts and ideas while Dragon helps you get more done faster.
Webspiration
Use graphic organizers and webs to capture ideas; easily switch to outline view to help organize writing. Products include Inspiration (grades 4 - 12+) Kidspiration (K-4) and Webspiration (online version of Inspiration).
AlphaSmart Laptop
A small, durable, inexpensive laptop that interfaces with standard computers. Can be used to take notes in class.
Franklin Speller
Electronic speller
NCR (No Carbon Required) Paper
Allows students to benefit from copies of notes taken by others. There are a variety of notebooks at office supply stores. Lined, hole-punched NCR paper available from Mayer-Johnson or Learning Differences.
Resource Room: Older Students
Subject area resources for older students. Tools, strategies and structured explorations for interesting learners. Click on folder tables for lessons, ideas, articles and links for multisensory learning for people of all ages; find resources for people who learn differently or have learning difficulties.