1 in 88

That is the number of children in the United States that will be diagnosed with autism. Did you know that this statistic rises drastically to 1 in 54 in boys?  Go here to learn more.

As educators, we may have children in our classroom who have autism.  Sometimes, our students do not understand why their classmate behaves so differently.  Here are few resources that I used to teach myself, help my student with autism and to help my class; all with the hope of teaching acceptance of others. 

 I do not claim to be an expert on this subject.  I understand that all children are different. 

I am hoping that you will help me raise awareness. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. On this day, you can wear blue or if you choose use the image below to post onto your blog or blog sidebar.   

Source

Together, we can raise awareness.

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How Rude! Teaching Grammar in Writing

My students love to write about their friends.  What five year old doesn't!  But, we have a little problem. Problem? Yes, problem.

Here's what our worked may have looked like.

Did you notice?  My students lacked manners in their writing. They talk about themselves first and then, mention their friend.

So, this week, we worked on changing our bad habits.  To begin, we read Manners at School. I wanted them to understand, the word, manners.  Then, I quickly created this anchor chart to help explain what to do instead.

Friends First Anchor Chart

I talked about how I liked my friend a lot and to show that I did, I would write her name first.  Here was the biggie. I also told them that it was bad manners to use the word me.  After much thought, the kids decided that I could use the word I.   

Since I have many English Language Learners, we practiced orally using the phrase ______ and I.  I had different kids come up and we just practiced the vocabulary.  Then, I sent them off to write. I watched and reminded them Friends First.  Almost all of them could do it. 

Here is what their worked may have looked like afterwards. 

There is still work to do but we are moving in the right direction.  Teaching grammar to young writers is important.  To help me, I love using this resource.  

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Cat the Cat, How Cute is That

Look what we made! As I mentioned in a previous post, my class loves the Cat the Cat series by Mo Willems.  The engaging pictures and repetitive text captures the interest of every reader in my classroom.  Our shared reading text last week was Cat the Cat, Who is That.



We decided to make this into a big book. First we learned how to make Cat the Cat.  I wish I had taken pictures of their work because they turned out adorable!  Then, we divided the work.  Each child had a character from the book to draw.

I typed up the text and used their pictures to make our big book.  What I loved about this project is the each child was involved in the making of the book.  And, now, I have a big book that I can use for many years to come!

Happy Teaching and Learning!

PS- I have been emailed regarding Permission to Pin. Yes, you can but please pin directly from my blog.

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Engaging Books for Beginning Readers

Read Across America has sparked an awareness for some of my students that they have become readers.  It is amazing to see my students so engaged in a book.  They are so proud of their accomplishments and so am I!

As a teacher of beginning readers,  I am always looking for books that will "hook" my students to want to read.  I really believe in the reading theory that more students read for pleasure, the more successful they will become later.  I also realize, that I can help my students make good choices during their reading time by exposing them to literature which is high interest but "easy" enough for them to read; meaning there is an abundance of sight words or pattern in the text.

Here are a few books that our in my Teacher Favorites book basket.

Have you read this book? It is great for inferencing. Funny and witty.
The point of view from the illustrations are wonderful!

I love the Cat the Cat series by Mo Willems!

The repetitive text is perfect for many of my students.

In an age of technology, this book engages you as a reader.
It's magical in the most simplest of ways.

What books are your kids excited about?  

Happy Reading!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program.  All commissions go towards books for my classroom. 

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