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How to teach persuasive writing Have students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases and techniques that helped the writer persuade the listener. Brainstorm something that is important to an individual child or the group. Is it extra recess? Another chapter of the read aloud? The potential closing of a library? The more authentic the issue, the more passionately your students will write. Once the important privilege is chosen, have the child (or class) start to list reasons why they should be allowed this privilege. "Just because," and "because I like it" should not be considered valid reasons. Students can work together to generate at least three good reasons to support an argument. This list of persuasive words (44K PDF)* and phrases from the site Teaching Ideas may help get students started. Have students do some research to gather facts or examples that support their reasons. Have students summarize their position.

Media Sharing

Pinterest  Create connections, encourage collaboration, ignite discussions, or simply share mutual interests through Pinterest. Uploaded or “pin” images and videos from websites, blogs, or your own computer, smartphone, or tablet to create boards. These boards can be private or public, and others can be invited to pin on any of your boards. Any “pin” can be "repinned", and all pins will link back to their source. Grades 6-12. Tip: Have students work in groups to create research projects and share their sources visually.

Manage & Organize Standards for the 21st-Century Learner 2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful. 2.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information. 3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess.

10 Tips for Teaching Technology to Teachers

1. It isn't really about the tool it is about how you use it:

2. Differentiate:

Make communication easy so that communicating is motivating. At this stage of development it is most important to make communication easy for your child so that s/he experiences success when communicating. Once your child is successful at communicating, s/he is more likely to understand and develop more sophisticated ways of communicating. Pick a type of communication for your child that is meaningful. If your child needs a lot of concrete visual information to communicate then use objects to help him/her communicate. If your child is able to understand pictures but has trouble using words, then use pictures. Your child will not be able to communicate successfully unless the form of communication that you teach, is a form that s/he can understand. Your child's communication development is likely to be uneven. Your child might start communicating using physical movements such as taking your hand to show you what s/he wants. Then s/he might start to use objects, then pictures, and then words. At any point in this progression, however, your child might use more than one method. Your child might use words some of the time and pictures at others. If your child is using several different levels of communication you should respond to all of them instead of "holding out" for the highest level. You should model the type of communication you want your child to use but still respect his or her initial response so that communication continues to be successful and motivating. The most important form of communication to teach is the form that your child will use spontaneously. If your child will show you a picture but will only do so when you say, "show me cookie," then your child is not communicating spontaneously. If this is the case, use an easier way to communicate and give your child lots of practice using that method. Teaching your child vocabulary words can be helpful. However, if your child doesn't use his vocabulary spontaneously, then the time will not have been useful. You will always need to spend as much if not more time teaching spontaneous communication than vocabulary. It takes more creativity to create an environment in which your child will communicate spontaneously. Your are, however, the best person to do this because you know your child well and are with him/her in many situations so you have many opportunities to encourage communication.

Educational Technology in the Special Education Classroom In the special education classroom, attention should be given to optimum learning conditions, in the form of accommodations and modifications that will allow the student with learning disabilities to demonstrate his existing skills while learning new ones. In contrast to traditional paper-pencil tasks, interactive technology is providing many alternative methods for students to demonstrate what they have learned. Computers are powerful tools for students with special needs and should be utilized as much as possible.With the use of technology students who have difficulty getting their thoughts on paper because of poor handwriting skills, can write their thoughts with the use of a keyboard. A child whose visual processing disorder makes reading difficult can use his stronger auditory skills to listen to a recording of a book. When the visual book is utilized together with the auditory recording, the child receives the benefit of matching the sound with the words. This has the potential of improving his reading skills.

Keynotes, Workshops & ConferencesI have been a presenter and keynote speaker around the world on a variety of topics in the areas of 21st century modern teaching and learning, heutagogy, blogging as pedagogy, personal learning networks, digital storytelling, world language teaching, presentation design,  visual literacy and globally connected learning. Learn More Blended Coaching ModelSchools are struggling to keep up with the demands of curriculum design and upgrades to prepare students for modern skills and emerging literacies. Professional Development needs to offer opportunities for teachers to transform traditional experiences and redefine their own learning and in consequence their teaching practices. Learn More Webinar & Video ConferencesFor a cost effective alternative to bringing in a consultant, consider inviting me to support your teachers online. I am available for online 1:1  coaching, small group or large group professional development in the areas of modern teaching & learning.

“Publish” your students’ work.

“Publish” your students’ work.

“Publish” your students’ work.

teaching each letter you focus on only one sound at a time.  The letter A, for example, has many different sounds.  The first time the letter A is taught, I have chosen to focus on its short vowel sound.  While words such as airplane, acorn, and aerobics, start with the letter A, they do not focus on the short vowel sound.  Focus on one sound a week, and reading skills will come quickly for your child.