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If you are like those of us at SiLAS, you find yourself asking, “Where did the day go? What day is it?”  For many states, the governor has already announced school buildings will remain closed at least through the end of the school year. Some states have even mentioned the possibility of carrying distance learning into the fall in some fashion. Other states may open within the next month. No matter what type of instruction you will be providing, SiLAS has the solution! 

April brought with it significant additions. These changes and additions made were in response to the need of supporting students in the digital environment. Below is a short review of the latest curriculum developments. 

• A Distance Learning component offers educators five day lesson plans with step by step instruction on skills related to SEL needs during these unprecedented times. Each lesson includes a link for parents, teachers and students. Just click on the Distance Learning Tab. 
•  We have created a series of social narratives centered around the issues facing us all due to the pandemic. This use of Evidence Based Practices introduces, reinforces and provides continuous support to share with your students.
• Free Resources for All! Our team believes the most effective way to support students in these uncertain times is to provide any and all teachers, administrators, practitioners and parents free access to all of SiLAS resources including; lessons, teacher and ability to create animations. Sign up for a free account by clicking on this link!  Free SiLAS Resources
• The Create Link provides students the opportunity to create their own movies AT HOME! No video system or hardware required. All a child needs in a device with a keyboard, internal microphone and internet connection. Click on the link for step by step instructions. Social Narrative Create Option 

How can I possibly make that accommodation???” 

Thanks to COVID-19, a vast majority of us have had our world turned upside. As educators, the expectation is to continue implementing instruction and meeting the needs of ALL students. This is a challenge under the best of circumstances. That challenge becomes extraordinary when a child has an IEP. SiLAS is here to help!

Both the States’ and the Federal Department of Education, educational organizations, and companies continue to collaborate with schools and each other during this unprecedented time to support educators in continuing the education of students across the country. 

The focus of this “Tips and Tricks” is on providing suggestions on the most common accommodations. Both high tech and low tech options are given. The accommodations are presented under the following headings; student response, scheduling, presentation and setting. 

Student Response 

• Use of Graphic Organizer: 
  • Reading Rockets
  • ReadWriteThink
  • Teachnology 
• Scribe:
  • Parent/Adult Acts as Scribe
  • Teacher/Staff Scribe Through Virtual Meeting or Phone Call
  • Text to Speech
    • Google Docs
    • Microsoft word
  • Oral Presentation: 
    • Live Virtual Meeting
    • Submit Recorded Video
      • Screencastify
      • Flipgrid
• Word Prediction 
  • Using Word Prediction for Inclusive Classrooms
  • Microsoft Predictive Text Instructions
• Use of Calculator
  • Provide Instructions on Using Computer/Phone Built-In Calculator Feature
  • Mail the Appropriate Calculator
  • Four Function Calculator
  • Scientific Calculator 
  • Graphing Calculator 

 

Scheduling

• Extra Time
  • Review with Family the Appropriate Time Allotments for specific tasks, assignments and assessments
  • Investigate Apps, Sites and other Online Resources the Student May Use to Ensure Any Time Keeping Device is Disabled or Adjusted
• Written or Visual Schedule 
  • Provide Family with Current Visual Schedule and Work Collaboratively to Make Appropriate Changes to the Schedule
  • Create Written and/or Video Instruction with Examples of How and Why Schedules are Used 
• Additional Breaks
  • Share Student’s Current Break Schedule, Then Create an Appropriate Break Schedule for Distance Learning
  • Discuss Activities/Transitions Where Breaks are Needed to Ensure Opportunities for Student Success, i.e. Chunk Math or Reading Instruction in Between other more preferred Activities, 
  • Share with Parents Insights on What Visible Signs May Be Displayed When Student is Frustrated 

Setting

• Behavioral Supports
  • Discuss Current Plan and Update to Reflect Distance Learning Needs
  • Continue Building Relationships through video chats, phone calls and emails 
  • Provide Copies of Current Behavioral Supports
    • Choice Boards
    • Social Narratives
    • Daily Behavior Sheet
• Flexible Seating
  • Discuss with Family Seating Options 
  • Provide Seating Options for the Home if Appropriate
    • Wiggle Seat
    • Bean Bags
    • Exercise Ball
• Preferential Seating 
  • Discuss with Family the Environmental Settings Providing Optimal Success
  • Identify Places in the Home or Environment Available to Use During Instruction 
• Small Group Setting
  • Provide Virtual or Phone Instruction to Student Individually or with Fewer than 5 Students 

Presentation 

• Chunking Assignments
  • Provide Assignment Components Completion Timeline
  • Break Assignment Down then Provide Follow Up on Assignment Completion Dates
  • Grade Components of Assignment Throughout the Assignment Completion 
  • Chunking Guidance and Explanation for Teachers and Families 

• Directions/Content Read Aloud
  • Parent/Caregiver May Read Aloud
  • Teacher Records the Directions to Be Shared with Students
  • Phone or Virtual Session with Student to Review Directions
  • Provide Families and Students With Text to Speech Options
    • Microsoft Immersive Reader Chrome Extension 
    • Snap&Read
    • Natural Reader
• Use of Manipulatives for Mathematical Instruction
  • Provide Manipulatives Used in the Classroom to Student/Family
  • Didax Virtual Math Manipulatives 
  • National Library of Virtual Manipulatives 
• Copy of Notes Provided
  • Provide Outline of Lesson Concepts
  • Provide Note Framework for Student to Complete by filling in the blank, choosing correct response, etc.
  • Provide Student with a Classmates Notes as Appropriate 
• Visual Cues
  • Have Materials, Resources, Assignments Pre-Organized
  • Highlight, Bold, and/or Color Code Assignments 
  • Microsoft Immersive Reader Chrome Extension
  • Incorporate Familiar Icons or Images

What are you using? 

Not that we have shared or tips and tricks, it is your turn! If you have found a great resource or strategy, share with your colleagues and SiLAS Community. We are all better together. Stay well!

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