Working with students with special needs since I graduated from college (that was more or less seven years ago *wink), I have observed that one reason my students are struggling is because the educational system is strongly biased toward the verbal learner; their unique learning style is not addressed by most curriculum used in schools. I have tried different strategies where they will still struggle to read and write, until I discovered that they are more successful in doing things by visualizing.
I show different colorful overhead transparency presentations of our topic/ lesson, and the most effective in presenting my lessons to them, even geometry and algebraic equations, is using powerpoint presentations. Inside the classroom, we also play jeopardy and scavenger hunts using powerpoint presentations in language arts, science, social studies and math, as a fun way of assessing what they have learned. I am not one of the fortunate teachers who are given their LCD projectors to use for their class; we don't even have one in the special education department of my school. I bought my own LCD projector (a very good investment) which I use with the laptop that my school district gave me for my National Board Certification.
No, I did not create all these powerpoint presentations. Why do I have to reinvent the wheel? I have been very resourceful in finding ways on how to help my special needs students so I can give them quality and effective instruction. Here are some of the presentations that I use for Mathematics:
NUMBER SENSE:
Multiplication Table
Divisibility RulesDividing by 10
Integers #1
Integers #2
Multiplying and Dividing Powers
Decimals #1
Decimals #2
Fractions #1
Fractions #2
Fractions #3
Sequences
Squares and Square Roots
Multiples
Function Machines (Single-Stage)
Function Machines (Double-Stage)
TI-83 APPS (Topics in Algebra): NUMBER SENSE
ALGEBRA:
Transforming the QUADRATIC Function
Transforming the ABSOLUTE VALUE Function
Transforming the SQUARE ROOT Function
Transforming the LOGARITHMIC Function
Equation of a Straight Line
Algebraic Expressions: Expanding and Factoring using Algebra Tiles
GEOMETRY:
Angle Between Two Planes
Basic Properties of Circles
Cartesian Plane (Reading & Plotting Points)
Horizontal Lines
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Analytic Geometry
Congruent and Similar Figures
Cones and Pyramids
PROBABILITY:
Counting Principle
STATISTICS:
Pie Charts
GAMES:
Jeopardy (Blank Template)
Jailbreak (Multiples)
Treasure Hunt (Sequences)
Yep, I didn't have to reinvent the wheel. It's all over the world wide web. You just have to be resourceful... I will share with you some Language Arts, Science and Social Studies presentations next time.
CHECK THIS OUT: Tips for using powerpoint in academic presentations
1 comment:
Hi,
my name is Kaj Rietberg. I'm a special needs teacher in the Netherlands. I have children in my class with ASS and ADHD.
I understand what you say. You're right about the visualization that is so important. I find it strange that there isn't really thought over at my school. I really think that digital schoolbords (we call them that, I hope you understand) are very good to learn with because the children can see what I'm saying and it will be easier for them to listen.
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