During the month of September I had the privilege of working with a special needs student, Molly*, in my master teacher's fifth grade classroom. Molly has an IEP for reading and math. She is at a 2nd grade level in math and is very self conscious about doing her math worksheets in front of her peers. She tries to hide her work by putting it on her lap, practically underneath her desk.
After looking at all the available placement options for Molly within the district Molly's mother, along with the school staff, decided that her current placement in the 5th grade classroom was the best option at this time.
During the month of September I would take Molly to an empty table and work with her on reading the directions in her math packet (while my MT worked with the rest of the class at the carpet). Molly is not able to do all the pages by herself because she cannot read the directions without help. One-on-one help during the entire math period only works when two teachers are in the room. While researching math Apps for the iTouch I came across MathToFlash, an interactive flash card game. In just a few moments, I was able to set the features to fit Molly's math level and show her how to adjust it if necessary. Now Molly can practice her math facts, without any help. She feels more independent and does not try to hide her work from her peers.
Since Molly is able to work independently, I am able to observe my MT's lesson and I am free to help wherever I am needed.
I have asked Molly's para if she knows about any apps that would be beneficial for Molly. She mentioned a computer program that compliments the curriculum used by the school. Unfortunately, my MT has the only computer in the classroom, which is ancient, and will not load most updated technology. Having an iTouch for Molly to use in the classroom has proved to be valuable.
I am still searching for more Apps that will scaffold Molly's learning in math and reading as well. I am excited to share all the apps I find. I just wish I could leave the iTouch in the classroom on the days I am not scheduled to be there. I wish this district had the funds to provide the technology that is so desperately
needed.
There are two other students who have IEP's for reading. Both of these students would benefit from working with Touches as they are both at different reading levels, and they are both not reading at their grade level. Each of these students could work independantly at their own level. A limitation may be that they may miss out on peer interaction. (*pseudonym)
After looking at all the available placement options for Molly within the district Molly's mother, along with the school staff, decided that her current placement in the 5th grade classroom was the best option at this time.
During the month of September I would take Molly to an empty table and work with her on reading the directions in her math packet (while my MT worked with the rest of the class at the carpet). Molly is not able to do all the pages by herself because she cannot read the directions without help. One-on-one help during the entire math period only works when two teachers are in the room. While researching math Apps for the iTouch I came across MathToFlash, an interactive flash card game. In just a few moments, I was able to set the features to fit Molly's math level and show her how to adjust it if necessary. Now Molly can practice her math facts, without any help. She feels more independent and does not try to hide her work from her peers.
Since Molly is able to work independently, I am able to observe my MT's lesson and I am free to help wherever I am needed.
I have asked Molly's para if she knows about any apps that would be beneficial for Molly. She mentioned a computer program that compliments the curriculum used by the school. Unfortunately, my MT has the only computer in the classroom, which is ancient, and will not load most updated technology. Having an iTouch for Molly to use in the classroom has proved to be valuable.
I am still searching for more Apps that will scaffold Molly's learning in math and reading as well. I am excited to share all the apps I find. I just wish I could leave the iTouch in the classroom on the days I am not scheduled to be there. I wish this district had the funds to provide the technology that is so desperately
needed.
There are two other students who have IEP's for reading. Both of these students would benefit from working with Touches as they are both at different reading levels, and they are both not reading at their grade level. Each of these students could work independantly at their own level. A limitation may be that they may miss out on peer interaction. (*pseudonym)
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