South Miami Senior High School

Every month I try to come up with a "theme", that is, concept skill etc. that I will work on continuously throughout the month. This month we will be visiting Barnes & Noble and are focusing on reading. Although my students are essentially non-readers (of print), I still look for ways to make a literacy connection for them. Many of my reading materials are supplemented by pictures, interactive activities, etc. My students enjoy looking at books that incorporate manipulatives and tactile stimulants. Books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar let me incorporate counting skills, the colors are very visual, etc. (The holes are cool too!) I take advantage of their interests to motivate and teach skills . Some books my students enjoy include books on maps, picture books, and books that incorporate sound etc. To promote "responsibility" we practice behavioral skills that include reading/looking at books quietly, lowering speaking voice to an appropriate level, returning books back on shelves, and learning to leave the store without the books unless purchased. I have seen significant growth in all of my students in this area and we are proud when we can see our students demonstrating skills as effectively as their "non-disabled" peers. Sometimes.....they actually behave better! :)