 Educators have developed various teaching techniques for students with disabilities. Many of these techniques, such as sequential and multi-sensory, can benefit struggling students without an officially diagnosed disability.
While many students thrive by learning independently through educational resources and working with peers, students with disabilities often require a more pronounced emphasis on direct teacher instruction. Because these students often benefit from a sequential approach to learning, instructors often break their lessons into a series of small steps. Educators also often use a multisensory teaching approach with students who have disabilities. This might mean using highly visual elements such as photographs and diagrams in conjunction with verbal instruction. In some cases, teachers will use kinesthetic and tactile methods, such as tracing the letters of words and completing hands-on experiments. Multi-sensory teaching might also mean incorporating purely auditory elements, such as music, and even purely gustatory elements, such as food. Other tips for teaching students with disabilities include eliminating all potential distractions and focusing on student strengths rather than weaknesses. It is also important to provide more frequent assessments and feedback for students with disabilities.
0 Comments
 The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes seven bully breeds whose ancestry stems from bloody bullbaiting competitions of medieval Europe. The English bulldog maintains several traits, such as predictable mannerisms.
Although the bully dog breed has a history of violence, English bulldogs or bulldogs have a friendly and easy-going demeanor. Unlike other bully breeds, such as the Working Group Bullmastiff and the Terrier Group bull terrier, the English bulldog falls into the Non-Sporting Group according to the AKC. This places it in a diverse “catch-all” category of non-working dogs that primarily serve as household pets. With a gentle and loving disposition, the English bulldog behaves calmly and predictably, making it a great pet for families with children. Bulldogs rarely exhibit aggression toward humans, but their genetic history as bullfighters can manifest in a tendency to become violent around unfamiliar dogs. English bulldogs also have relatively low energy levels, can overheat easily, and often experience breathing problems. Therefore, they require less physical exertion than most other dog breeds and generally thrive indoors.  In 2016 the Chicago Cubs overcame a 108-year drought, winning the World Series in a hard fought series against the Cleveland Indians that went seven games. The pennant was the culmination of a seven-year rebuilding process that began when the Tribune Co. sold the team for $845 million to the Ricketts family, which founded TD Ameritrade, a pioneering online brokerage.
The Chicago Tribune had long relied on “Cubbies” baseball for newspaper content, as well as for WGN superstation broadcasts, and winning was not a priority. Everything about the team’s operations was outdated. For example, while Wrigley Field, with its iconic ivy-clad outfield wall, was historic, the facilities were in disrepair. As reported by Time Magazine, many employees worked from trailer offices, and rain leaking through the stadium roof was such an issue that cafeteria trays were used to protect computers. The team’s Dominican Republic player development academy and the Arizona spring training camp were known as some of the most poorly maintained facilities in baseball. This all changed with an infusion of capital and winning-focused leadership, with $500 million put into a Wrigley Field renovation that included placing large video screens and billboards in the outfield. While many tradition-bound fans complained about the changes, the act of winning changed the perception of all but the most diehard traditionalists. Critically, the Cubs brought in Theo Epstein as general manager. Known by his first name, Theo had just left the Boston Red Sox, where he had broken the “Curse of the Bambino,” engineering Boston’s first World Series win in 86 years. Upon arriving in Chicago, he created a new “Cubs Way” player development manual that set out steps to individual and organizational greatness. Theo also utilized advanced analytics in finding untapped potential in players. He had been one of the early proponents of the Moneyball approach to scouting players in the late 1990s. Theo instituted a five-year draft plan that eschewed the usual route of selecting young pitchers and focused on hitters, because “they don't get hurt as much.” He sought out talented players of high character, who would inspire teammates to give their all on the field. Among his noteworthy picks was hitter Kyle Schwarber. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Theo described Schwarber as playing baseball “with a football mentality. He would run through a wall in order to catch a ball.” Meanwhile, manager Joe Maddon had a team-building tactic of accentuating the positive, placing an emphasis on small gains and never giving up, even in the face of adversity. Part of this involved bringing together the catching coach and catchers in creating in-depth scouting reports. As Theo put it, great effort was put into understanding each opposing batter’s tendencies: “Maybe understand the hitter better than he knows himself.” With defense another point of emphasis, hard work and a supportive clubhouse culminated in a World Series Game Seven for the ages. The final game of the 2016 Series was tied 1-1 in the top of the fourth when a sacrifice fly by Addison Russell, followed by a double by Willson Contreras, scored two Cubs runs. A solo Javier Baez home run added to the total, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo had a single RBI that brought the score to 5-1. Unfortunately, a wild pitch by Cubs’ reliever Jon Lester in the 5th allowed the Indians to score two runs. The score was 6-3 in the eighth when the Indians mounted a comeback, with Rajai Davis connecting for a two-run homer against closer Aroldis Chapman. At this point, with the score tied 8-8, many long-suffering Chicago fans were expecting another heartbreaking loss. However, the baseball gods shifted in the Cubs favor, with veterans Ben Zobrist and Miguel Montero teeing up for a pair of clutch hits in the top of the 10th, which earned Chicago a single run. As it turned out that was enough, though the sold out stadium was hushed until the final pitch. Only when the Indians failed to score in the bottom of the 10th, with the ball thrown to Rizzo, who stepped on first base for an out, did the city of Chicago explode in a celebration for the ages.  Millions of Americans serve as caregivers, part-time and full-time, to elderly loved ones or those with disabilities. Many of them face challenges in their roles and benefit from increased assistance, such as
The US Census Bureau confirms that America's population continues to age. The population of Americans aged 65 years and above hit 58 million in 2022. It expects this number to rise to 82 million by 2050. In addition, the CDC estimates that two-thirds of seniors will need caregiving assistance. A 2020 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that 41.8 million Americans provide care to a loved one aged 50 years and older. Their care involves assisting with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, managing medication, and shopping for groceries and household items. They also help with managing finances and transportation. Caring for seniors offers several benefits to caregivers, such as fulfillment. Some caregivers receive gratitude as caregiving uplifts and increases their self-confidence. Caregivers can also enjoy talking to seniors as they share their life experiences. Moreover, caregivers can learn and expand their social networks and develop new skills as their care recipients have varying needs. Nonetheless, caregiving has challenges, such as physical and emotional stress. In addition, some caregivers have jobs besides caregiving. The National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP study found that 61 percent of caregivers juggled work and caregiving. Given that caregivers provide, on average, 23.7 hours of care weekly, many become fatigued from rotating between work and caregiving. Some caregivers face financial challenges. They may provide their caregiving services for free and chip in with expenses like groceries, transportation, and health care. On top of that, they might make professional sacrifices to provide care, limiting their earning potential. A 2023 AARP survey found that one in four caregivers moved from full-time to part-time work or reduced their work hours to give care, while about one in six turned down a promotion. Further, 16 percent of caregivers stopped working completely for some time. These challenges can burden caregivers, compromising their physical and mental health. The CDC has found that 20 percent of caregivers report fair or poor health. For example, senior caregivers aged above 65 face a higher risk of developing heart disease. Caregivers provide an essential service to society. Therefore, society benefits from supporting them. People can support caregivers by lending a helping hand where possible. They can visit their caregiver friends and help them do housework for care recipients. They can also do light errands, such as picking up prescriptions. Sorting house expenses is another way to help. They can complete grocery shopping or help with out-of-pocket medical expenses. Some people can step in for the caregivers, allowing them to take breaks. Having these breaks will help them relax and recharge, preventing caregiver burnout. Finally, people with caregiver friends should contact them often to help them cope with stress. Simply checking up on them, asking them how they feel, and listening to them non-judgmentally helps. After listening, they could recommend self-care activities and remind caregivers to set aside time for themselves. Companies that employ caregivers can also support them. Flexible work schedules, remote work options, and paid leave can make a difference. Organizations can also sponsor access to caregiving support groups and financial coaching for caregivers who manage their loved one's finances. Lastly, executives can enact caregiver-supportive policies and train managers on caregiver-supportive managerial practices.  For most educators, a key goal is to create engaging lesson plans that keep students' interest and promote effective learning. Not only do well-designed lesson plans increase student participation and motivation, but they also help students retain information, ultimately leading to better academic performance.
To create effective, engaging lesson plans, teachers must first understand their students’ unique needs, interests, and learning styles. Conduct a thorough needs assessment to gather information about your students' background knowledge, preferences, and areas of difficulty. By incorporating students' interests and aligning the lesson content with their real-life experiences, you can enhance their engagement and make the material more relatable. For example, if teaching fractions, you could relate the concept to everyday scenarios like cooking or sharing items among friends. Next, set clear objectives. Clearly define the learning objectives for each lesson. Well-defined objectives provide direction and focus, helping students understand what they will learn and what is expected of them. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Communicate these objectives to the students, ensuring they understand the purpose of the lesson and how it connects to their overall learning journey. Most experienced educators find that interactive teaching methods can cater to many different learning styles. Active participation encourages students to think critically and engage with the material. For instance, use group discussions, debates, hands-on activities, role-playing, or multimedia presentations to foster a dynamic learning environment. By appealing to multiple senses and encouraging peer-to-peer interactions, you create a more engaging and inclusive classroom atmosphere. Today’s teachers have more technology available to them than ever before, and incorporating technology into lesson plans can significantly enhance engagement. Use interactive whiteboards, educational apps, online quizzes, or virtual simulations to make the learning experience more immersive and interactive. For example, during a history lesson, students could explore historical sites using a virtual reality program, bringing the past to life and deepening their understanding. Because many kids are already using technology at home for entertainment purposes, this strategy can help them connect to the material in a more familiar way. Consider your students’ lives as you design your lesson plans, and utilize meaningful and relevant content. Incorporate real-world examples, case studies, and current events to demonstrate the practical applications of the concepts being taught. For instance, in a biology lesson, discussing the impact of climate change on ecosystems or the development of vaccines can make the subject more relevant and captivating. Another key aspect of effective lesson plans is including differentiated instruction. Recognizing that students have diverse needs and abilities, you can tailor your instruction to cater to individual students' learning styles, interests, and skill levels. Provide opportunities for students to work at their own pace, offer extension activities for advanced learners, and give additional support to struggling students. Differentiation ensures that all students feel both challenged and supported, which promotes a positive and engaging learning environment. To gauge students’ progress and engagement levels, you will need to incorporate regular formative assessments, utilizing strategies like quizzes, exit tickets, and class discussions to guide instructional decisions. Through these assessments, you can identify areas of confusion or misconceptions and address them promptly, leading to more engaging and effective learning experiences. This, in turn, not only enhances students' academic performance but also fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities dramatically impact learning, threatening the academic achievement of countless students across the United States. These disabilities may not be easily recognizable, which further complicates a teacher’s work in the classroom. To address this challenge, teachers can implement strategies to better support students with one or more disabilities. Critical to a student’s learning experience, teachers may not be fully aware of the scope and nature of learning disability. One third of educators admit that laziness and learning disability can be easily confused, raising a problematic issue regarding awareness and understanding of disability in the teaching community. Typically, learning disabilities refer to a group of conditions that hinder learning and academic performance. Common examples include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and cerebral palsy. However, not all learning disabilities are rooted in visible intellectual or cognitive issues. For instance, temporary limitations such as bone fractures or long-term conditions like epilepsy and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) can also negatively affect learning. Other hidden disabilities range from lupus and diabetes to psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. Learning disabilities usually influence a student’s reading and writing progress. Some may need to repeat tasks multiple times, while others find it difficult to focus on classroom activities. Interacting with other students can be an obstacle for children who face challenges in processing social cues. Teachers must approach students with a nuanced awareness of learning differences. Overlooking learning disability means struggling students don’t receive the attention they need to lead a healthy life in school and at home. Organizational strategies are important in optimizing the classroom environment for better learning. Teachers should limit the number of distractions in the classroom to support students with attention problems. They can also resort to visual cues to make it easier for students to navigate the classroom. For example, using colored tape to demarcate boundaries for different areas can signal different functions like studying, playing, snacking. Organization also entails time management with clear time slots for teaching and breaks. Breaks can benefit students overwhelmed with information processing. A predictable daily schedule enforces a clear routine for all students. Posting the schedule with easy-to-process symbols such as a pencil for studying and an apple for snacking is one approach. Teachers can facilitate access to school supplies and games by careful placement on low shelves or labeled see-through cabinets. Students with learning disabilities, particularly intellectual ones, may find it hard to follow long or complex instructions. Teachers can break down instructions into clear and simple steps so students can manage tasks more effectively. To ensure complete understanding, teachers should phrase their instructions and task description to cover three main points: how long the task is expected to take, specific actions expected of students, and any reward for completing the task. Teachers can introduce awards for positive results or specific achievements. This is a form of positive reinforcement that helps students celebrate their accomplishments and boosts morale. Teachers don’t have to handle the responsibility of supporting students with disabilities alone. They can collaborate with administrators, therapists, families, and specialists to improve the learning experience for students with disabilities. Maintaining open communication with parents is especially beneficial, while regular updates about the children’s progress can guide parents in their efforts at home. via Blogger https://ift.tt/iIYoAtL August 16, 2022 at 05:31AM
An Overview of Performance Art
Performing art involves presenting a creative act in front of a live audience, such as theater, music, or dance. The origins of performance art in the visual arts can be traced back to the dada cabarets and futurist plays of the early 1900s. Due to its frequently immaterial nature, performance in the post-war era began to resemble conceptual art. Since then, people have also used the phrase to refer to artworks that use film, video, photography, and installation-based techniques to communicate the actions of the creators, performers, or audience. Various forms of performance art are separated into three major groups: language-based, music-based, and live art. Under language is poetry, spoken word, storytelling, and protest. Poetry and spoken word are alike because, like poetry, spoken word emphasizes cadence and rhythm. The major difference is in how the performance is delivered. While performing poetry, poets do readings while employing standard guidelines for structuring and critical thinking. These structures include proper rhythm, rhyme scheme, and metering. The performance of poetry is mainly live. On the other hand, spoken word performances are usually done in the form of a digital podcast or video to reach a larger audience. Performers use gestures and carefully crafted words to drive home whatever meaning they want the audience to get. Storytelling is a way of sharing experiences. A good example of storytelling in performance art is Ted-talks. Meanwhile, since the 1960s, protest as performance art has been a powerful tool for change. Every time there is a protest, the artist does so merely to promote a cause. Music-based performance art includes dance and musical performances. Dance is a term used to describe the human movement to move an audience during a performance. What determines the boundaries of dance are social, cultural, aesthetic, artistic, and moral considerations. They do so because the audience's perception of what dance is meant to be will ultimately determine the dancer's movements. For example, dancing ballet to an afrobeat song is like not dancing at all. Dance performances are often choreographed (practiced and learned). However, the contemporary dancing style known as the free dance style (freestyle) appeared in nineteenth and twentieth-century performances. Live music performances are live reenactments of songs by artists. Dance and music performances are sometimes infused together, especially in modern music videos. Live art performances are staged as works of art by an individual or group and are typically experimental and original. All performance arts possess common characteristics such as live acting and lack of rules (whatever a creator declares is art is art.). Performance art is not for sale and can be funny, surprising, entertaining, or disturbing. Every performance artist has one or more skills that make them stand out or remain relevant in their work. The most important thing is courage. All performers must learn to control and manage anxiety to deliver an effective performance. Other important skill sets are creativity, flexibility, resilience, and self-discipline. Performance art is typically presented to an audience in an interdisciplinary fine art context, to be watched live or through other means. It may be formed spontaneously or written - however, it's created, it is also artistic action, and it has evolved into a genre on its own. via Blogger https://ift.tt/JLIzEtA August 10, 2022 at 05:54AM
An Overview of the Roles and Benefits of a Home Care Provider
A home care provider helps older adults and adults with disabilities, allowing them to live independently in their own homes. Unlike home healthcare workers or private nurses, home care providers do not offer medical care; they help with everyday activities that individuals may not be able to complete on their own. Daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation may not be practical for adults with limited mobility or impaired cognitive ability. In these cases, a home care provider may work full or part-time to assist with tasks such as bathing, grooming, and using the toilet. Additionally, home care providers can help older adults move safely through the home, supporting them in the transition from bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to the toilet. Because falls pose a significant risk to older adults, home care providers also can help clients up and down stairs. Meal planning and preparation fall within the scope of home care providers, as do light housekeeping and errands. In many cases, home care providers drive clients to doctor’s appointments and remind them to take medication. Many older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia require supervision to ensure they do not wander off or engage in dangerous activities. Home care providers cover these issues and provide companionship and personal interaction to prevent isolation and loneliness. While many insurance policies cover in-home nursing care, home care providers typically receive compensation directly from their clients in a private pay arrangement. Alternately, some long-term care insurance policies or Medicaid cover select home care services. Non-medical home care does not require a prescription from a physician. When aging family members begin to require assistance, relatives often step in temporarily. As the family member’s needs increase, loved ones simply may not have the time or ability to meet the demand. Outside professionals provide respite for exhausted family members and may have technical skills and experience that better serve patients. For example, some home care providers receive special training to deal with patients with memory loss, helping these people live safely at home. Hiring a home care provider can allow family members to enjoy more quality time with their relatives without the need to tend to household chores or run errands. Home care also eliminates the necessity and expense of moving the adult into a skilled nursing home. Along with substantial cost savings, home care allows adults to maintain their dignity. Rather than living in a care facility where they share a bedroom and bathroom and receive assistance from multiple caregivers, aging adults can remain in the comfort of their own homes. Further, they may develop meaningful relationships with their care provider while enjoying companionship and company. Once seniors move into a long-term care facility, leaving may be difficult. Home care plays an essential role in the healthcare system, giving patients and their families greater control of their care. Family members can look for recommendations or consult home care agencies to find a reputable non-medical care provider for their loved ones. via Blogger https://ift.tt/Rj0eQz6 July 29, 2022 at 03:12AM  Buena Park School District received the 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award from state superintendent Tony Thurmond. The award recognized academic programs that exhibited innovative practices in student engagement, social-emotional well-being, nutrition services, and technology in the previous academic school year.
This award reflects Buena Park School District’s commitment to seizing opportunities to facilitate learning. For example, the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program hosted a Super Saturday event in November 2021 that focused on environmental literacy. Super Saturday events help students dig deeper into their interests in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). In the bi-annual event, the district collaborated with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Inside the Outdoors program at Buena Park Middle School. There, 70 students learned about water conservation, recycling, plant life, and wildlife. Students spoke with OCDE instructors while visiting different stations. The event gave the students opportunities to learn about the role of bugs, worms, and other creatures, and they were permitted to touch bugs and snakes native to California. These events allow students to connect with nature outside the classroom. Another event the school district hosted was Astronomy Night, which was held on March 30, 2022, at Emery Elementary School. Astronomy Night gave Buena Park students the opportunity to gaze at the moon, stars, constellations, and the planet Venus. Students from around the district attended the event and participated in games and music, along with enjoying visits from various Star Wars characters. Students used three telescopes set up by the Orange County Astronomers. They also created 3D constellations from pasta and marshmallows at an arts and crafts table. The purpose of Astronomy Night was to get students excited about science and careers in science. In addition to events designed to encourage interest in learning, Buena Park School District promotes reading literacy. In the 2021-2022 academic year, Pendleton Elementary School installed a book vending machine that allows students to pay for books with tokens they earn. The machine will contain books covering a variety of interests. Examples of the titles include Goosebumps, Clifford the Dog, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Pendleton Elementary is transitioning to an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program that will help students create academic goals and provide students whose parents are too busy to read with them with access to books to improve their literacy and make them more confident readers. Moreover, it will prepare them for the IB program, which is designed to get students to think critically. Finally, Buena Park School District students had the opportunity participate in the Orange County Academic Pentathlon, which was held March 12. Students from Gordon H. Beatty Middle School participated and took home 48 awards. During the competition, 14 seventh and eighth-graders answered 220 multiple choice questions across academic disciplines and competed against 40 other schools. The academic competition ended on March 19 with a “Super Quiz,” which involved students having to respond to questions rapidly. By the end of the competition, seventh- and eighth-graders walked away in the top five teams, with seventh-graders placing fifth and eighth-graders placing first. Beatty Middle School students prepared by staying after school and studying topics such as marine biology. According to Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes, the competition provides students with a chance to work together and gain knowledge that can be used beyond middle school. |
RSS Feed
