Links for Practical Help with Behaviour
Behaviour: Social Stories (Autism, Aspergers') Practical pre-made pdfs to download, ready made on a wide variety of topics
Geneva Center: Toronto, ON - Autism Spectrum Power Cards How to make, how to use. | Strategies for solving social difficulties, teaching desired behaviours
Kids' Mental Health: Where to get help in Simcoe County Bringing School Home: Sign up for an eBulletin sent to your email, or download past issues in pdf format. |
Welcome to Emma King Learning Center Web Site
While our students enjoyed the sunny Friday weather, our teachers were working very hard to set our goals for the year. We looked at our class data--marks from reports, EQAO results, language and math diagnostic tests, and reading records. Looking at the data gives us valuable information to see what our students need. For instance, there is still a discrepancy between girls and boys in reading and writing.
We brainstormed ideas on how to engage boys in developing stronger interests and engagement in reading. Last year, we were very careful to use a lot of non-fiction, which research tells us appeals to boys. Some of the ideas we came up with include having more leadership from our older boys to read with younger boys, provide more choice in writing topics, teach more technology, include more graphic novels in our mentor texts. If you have ideas, please share them with your child's teacher, or call me at 705-728-5401. Ms. Guthrie, our librarian always has a display and gives book talks specifically for boys. She is looking to book some male authors who write for boys. It is important that we still read to all our students, at all ages. Have a look at what your sons and daughters are reading. Ask if you can read a chapter to them, and talk about what they like about reading and writing. Provide opportunities for your child to write for authentic purposes--lists, instructions, drawing and labeling, making comics. Check out bitstrips.com on the front page. Read a few books on line: Tumblebooks are linked to the main page of emmaking.com.
We brainstormed ideas on how to engage boys in developing stronger interests and engagement in reading. Last year, we were very careful to use a lot of non-fiction, which research tells us appeals to boys. Some of the ideas we came up with include having more leadership from our older boys to read with younger boys, provide more choice in writing topics, teach more technology, include more graphic novels in our mentor texts. If you have ideas, please share them with your child's teacher, or call me at 705-728-5401. Ms. Guthrie, our librarian always has a display and gives book talks specifically for boys. She is looking to book some male authors who write for boys. It is important that we still read to all our students, at all ages. Have a look at what your sons and daughters are reading. Ask if you can read a chapter to them, and talk about what they like about reading and writing. Provide opportunities for your child to write for authentic purposes--lists, instructions, drawing and labeling, making comics. Check out bitstrips.com on the front page. Read a few books on line: Tumblebooks are linked to the main page of emmaking.com.
Collaboration Computer Use
All students must follow school policy regarding computer use. This includes using their own student login. Student must not share their password with others. There is to be no harassment, no use of unacceptable language, name calling, or viewing or downloading of inappropriate sites.
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- Some of the Board licensed computer software that we train the students to use are: Kurzweil which is a text to voice sofware which allows students to hear texts as they read. They can make notes, add sticky notes, or a voice file to help record their thoughts on the text as it is read to them. WordQ is a predicted spelling list that drops down as the children type their thoughts on a Word Document. WordQ reads the student's typing back to them, which helps them to revise and edit.
- Students are taught to use Inspiration, which creates a graphic organizer to brainstorm and research topics and makes a draft outline of their thinking. Google some of these and see if a 30 day trial can be downloaded at home.
