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Kurzweil 3000 is a reading, writing, and listening program.  Kurzweil 3000 supports students through text to speech, differentiated instruction, and the ability to scan documents for read-aloud accommodations. Kurzweil is great for English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and for those who are at risk.

Kurzweil has a wide selection of texts on different reading levels. Students can highlight, magnify text, have text read aloud, and look up words that they do not know.

Kurzweil uses all three principles of UDL.

Multiple Means of Engagement.

Teachers are able to recruit the interest of students by using checkpoint 7.3 which minimizes threats and distractions.

Some students may not want to read a text when they know they have difficulty reading.   Kurzweil 3000 already has tons of stories uploaded into it.  Teachers only need to find the text they want to use and modify it to the student's ability.  This will take away the threat of having to read independently.

Multiple Means of Representation

UDL Guideline perception checkpoint 1.1  provides students with various ways to customize the display of visual information.

Students are able to highlight text and change the font and appearance of the selection

Students are given ways to clarify syntax and structure through the guideline Language & Syntax 2.2

2.4 Promotes understanding across languages.

There is a translation function that allows students to hear the story in their own language or look up a definition to a word they do not know.

Multiple Means of Action and Expression.

The guideline of physical activity is represented in checkpoint 4.2.  Students are able to optimize access to tools and assistive technologies.

Tools are easy for students to navigate and use. They can highlight text, enlarge text, change the background, and make notes.

The guideline Expression and Communication is shown in checkpoint 5.3.

Students can build fluencies with levels of support.

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Drive Meaningful Progress

Customizable tools in Kurzweil 3000 align with research-based learning strategies and provide support throughout the learning process. As a result, students are able to independently grasp and articulate concepts more effectively.

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text reader reading adaptive accessibility

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Assistive Learning Technologies & Literacy Software from Kurzweil Education

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Customizable tools in Kurzweil 3000 align with research-based learning strategies and provide support throughout the learning process. As a result, students are able to independently grasp and articulate concepts more effectively.

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Smarty Ants is a foundational literacy program by Achieve 3000 used for Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd grade.  Students are presented with literacy skills in the form of fun interactive games.

They are provided with a coach that gives them feedback on how they are doing.  Teachers can use this resource as a small group station, or it could be used as a form of Response to Intervention (RTI).

Teachers are able to track and monitor student progress as they go through the system.

Smarty Ants uses the principles of UDL in various areas.

Multiple means of Engagement.

Smarty Ants engages students by giving them autonomy and individual choice in which assignments they want to complete 7.3.

The computer program tailors itself to individual student needs through diagnostic assessments which will vary the demands being asked of students and optimize the challenges presented to them checkpoint 9.1.

Multiple Means of Representation.

Students using Smarty Ants can use all of the checkpoints in the guideline of Perception, as the program offers learning activity in different visual and auditory means.

The guideline language & syntax are represented in checkpoints  2.1, 2.2, 2.5.

Multiple Means of Action & Expression.

This principle is shown in the guidelines of expression & communication and executive functions.

Smarty Ants allows students to build fluencies 5.3 and it allows students to monitor their progress 6.4.

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Accelerate your PreK-2 students towards mastery of foundational reading skills with Smarty Ants ®

Differentiating the First Steps to Literacy Success

The first step towards college and career literacy is foundational reading skills. With Smarty Ants, you can ensure every student in grades PreK-2 is on track for success from day one. Smarty Ants is an effective, research-driven solution that differentiates instruction in foundational reading skills and accelerates student achievement - all in an engaging, interactive, online learning environment. The program continuously evaluates each student's exact skill level, learning temperament, and learning pace. Based on this information, the adaptive content system automatically delivers the right level of skill instruction and practice to keep learners in the zone of proximal development. No two students will approach the content or process in the same manner, but they all will reach the same critical milestones for primary-grade literacy success and emerge as confident, capable readers ready for the challenges of second grade and beyond. A teacher's dashboard makes it easy for teachers to track and monitor student movement through lessons and growth toward fluency and comprehension.

Achieving True Mastery of Reading Skills

Students learn more than surface-level phonemic awareness and phonics - they dive deep and master these foundational reading skills through Smarty Ant's complete scope and sequence. From letter identification and the alphabetic principle to structural analysis and comprehension skills, Smarty Ants transforms emergent readers into independent readers.

Foundational skills instruction, independent practice, and embedded assessment are combined in a single program

Students master progressively more complex phonics skills as they learn to decode and encode phonemes, words, and stories

Through skill-building games and activities, students learn approximately 1,500 vocabulary words, plus essential sight words

A personal ant "coach" gives every student explicit instruction and kind feedback

Using Actionable Data to Achieve Better Results

Smarty Ants includes a detailed and complete dashboard stocked with real-time student data. Teachers, principals, and district leaders can easily access student responses and recordings, comprehensive progress reports, information about areas that require intervention, and ample resources to reteach or reinforce skills. Reports are available at the group level for quick overviews of student achievement, or educators can zoom in at the individual level to pinpoint specific opportunities for improvement or enrichment.

Easy tracking toward yearly and weekly requirements

Progress monitoring for acquisition of key literacy skills for a given level

At-point-of-use access to student recordings to assess fluency improvement over the course of the year

Reporting on mastery of State or Common Core State Standards

Motivating Early Readers to Accelerate Success

With thousands of rewards to unlock, dozens of mini-games to play, challenges tailored to player's behavior, and a unique, customizable avatar for every child, it's easy to keep students motivated! Plus, students can play Smarty Ants at school or at home, on desktops or on mobile devices. Since their progress is saved to the cloud, they can always pick up exactly where they left off!

Over 2,500 virtual awards for students to collect

Ant of the Week Awards for accomplishments such as most time spent, most words built, and more

Students can pick their own reward activities - from game shows to dance studios

Every success is celebrated in the Daily Woof Newspaper, emailed to parents and guardians

Learn More About Achieve3000

Want to learn how to accelerate literacy gains? Would you like to experience our online differentiated instruction solutions firsthand? We'd love to hear from you.

Request a Demo

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Foundational Literacy Solution - Smarty Ants | Achieve3000

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Accelerate your PreK-2 students towards mastery of foundational reading skills with Smarty Ants ® The first step towards college and career literacy is foundational reading skills. With Smarty Ants, you can ensure every student in grades PreK-2 is on track for success from day one.

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Khan Academy, and it's preschool app Khan Kids, is a great learning tool to supplement learners from K-12 to adulthood.  It's a program that I have used myself when studying for Praxis I and Praxis II.

Khan Academy has hundreds of courses in a variety of different subjects. This program provides learners with a self-paced independent study.  Students are able to use this resource to have concepts broken down into smaller tasks, and receive feedback on how they are doing.  It gives students the ability to refresh skills that have been previously taught, while still moving on to new skills.

Khan Academy uses all principles of UDL.

Multiple Means of Expression

Khan Academy builds fluency in skills by having the learner review old skills and presenting those skills in different ways 5.3

Khan Academy also helps students with goal setting by allowing them to see where they are in their learning 6.1.

Information is managed in sections under different topics. Students are able to pinpoint which area of a topic that they require more instruction on 6.3.

Students are also given feedback after every quiz or section that has been completed 6.4.

Multiple Means of Representation

Khan Academy does very well with this principle. All of the checkpoints under the guideline Language and Symbols are represented in the way the site is presented.

Students are able to understand concepts across languages. They are supported in the understanding of mathematical concepts, and the site breaks down vocabulary and symbols.

Khan Academy also does well with the comprehension piece.  Every topic is broken into its smallest pieces so that every checkpoint under the guideline of comprehension is also met.

Learning is maximized by having the material seen repeatedly and rephrased in different ways to ensure that knowledge has been transferred to the student.

Multiple Means of Engagement

This is one area that I feel Khan Academy falls short in. Information is usually presented in the same format, which may become boring to some students.

Khan Academy does well with recruiting the interest of learns with checkpoint 7.1 optimize individual choice and autonomy.

Students are able to choose which item set they wish to complete.  They are also able to retake multiple sections that they need to improve on.  When they begin a course they can go directly to the area that they need the most help in, or what goal is being taught during the lesson.

The best part of Khan Academy is it's focus on the guideline sustaining effort and persistence.

In checkpoint 8.1, students are able to see the goals and objectives of the course.

Students are also given direct feedback on how well they do on each goal and objective, which is checkpoint 8.4.  Students are also given the choice to redo tasks with different questions to gain more mastery points.

Checkpoint 9.3 is also represented in this program. Students are able to complete a self-assessment on themselves after they've completed a set of questions to see how well they've done. Teachers can provide students with a tracker to better reinforce self-assessment skills.

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A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser.

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HEY YOU!  HI!   HELLO!  YES, YOU OVER THERE!  THE ONE SCROLLING DOWN THIS NOTEBOOK!

DO YOU HAVE A HAPPY PLANNER?!

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YOU NEED ONE! GET YOURSELF A HAPPY PLANNER TODAY!

Seriously, I use my all the time.  Why remember things when you can write it down and look at it as often as you need to? You can customize it, color in it, and all sorts of things.  This planner is offered in 12-month and 18-month forms.  You can get them based on what you want to plan (ex. finances, workouts, teaching, life, and more.) And they have add ons if you want to add those functions to your planner. It's a ring-based system, so you don't have to worry about pages tearing, and when they do come out it's easy to put them back in.

With that being said.....

A planner is a low tech assistive technology device.  Some students and adults have difficulty remembering which assignments or tasks are due.  Planners assist in helping people remember what is due.  While it may not use every guideline and checkpoint in UDL, there are some principles of UDL involved with it.

Multiple Means of Representation

Under the guideline of perception checkpoint 1.1. People with planners can customize how their planner looks.

Some students may work best with a calendar format, and others may need a calendar and a day to day break down.  As a bonus, those who use a happy planner can use images of what they want to say instead of writing it.

Multiple Means of Expression

Under the guideline of executive functions, a planner can help students with checkpoints 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3.

Students can set goals in their planners.  If they know scores from a previous test, they can plan what score they'd like to aim for during their next assessments.  They can also set personal goals in them as well.

With the right instruction in using a planner, students are also able to develop a strategy and plan accordingly.  Students could plan out when they want to study for something and how they'd like to do it in their planner. Teachers must teach students how to break down tasks in assignments in order to truly meet this checkpoint.

Planners are also great for managing information being given. They can write down any upcoming assignments and assessments.

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Classic Student Planner - Neon Dreams - 12 Months (2019-2020)

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Live your best life and plan it all out! This Classic Happy Planner® - Student Edition is 12 months DATED from August 2019 - July 2020 and is great for all students and homeschooling! You'll have the most productive year yet!

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I've seen teachers use Brainpop Jr. In the past for math lessons. I did not realize that Brainpop Jr. offered far more than just math. It offers students different ways to learn in the areas of reading, writing, science, social studies, health, and art/technology. The user has the option of leaving the sound on so that each menu choice can be read aloud. This is great for students with visual impairments, dyslexia, and most importantly all students can benefit from the read-aloud accommodation.

Each topic starts off with a short video about the topic.  Videos automatically include captions.  A question is presented, then a definition is given, and then students are given examples of what the definition is. After watching the video, students can choose to take a hard quiz or an easy quiz on what they've learned. There are also many other interactive ways that students can express what they've learned on the topic.

Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting Interest

Students have individual choice in how they want to interact with the lesson after the video (7.1).  Students are able to play games, write about the topic, draw about the topic, create skits, and more.

Brainpop Jr. recruits interest by providing relevance to the topic and authenticity (7.2). Brainpop uses objects that students can see every day and objects that they are familiar with.  There's even a comic for students to read about the topic.

Threats are minimized because students with reading difficulties don't have to read everything (7.3). Options are read aloud for students to choose from.  Distractions are also minimized because the resource is fun and engaging for learners.  They have so many options to choose from.

Sustaining Effort & Persistence

Demands from the site vary based on which way the student chooses to learn the information (8.2).  Students may have to create a skit about what they learned.  Or they may have to take a quiz on what they learned.  Students can be asked to draw what they saw and what they've learned.  They can also make a visual map of what they learned.

Multiple Means of Representation

Perception

The display of information is great on Brainpop jr. In videos, captions are displayed below the video (1.1). And any questions and definitions are also displayed on the screen. Students can continue to learn with the many options listed below the video which also presents the information in different ways.

I love the way that Brainpop Jr. presents alternatives for auditory learning (1.2).  Each activity offers users the option of seeing a transcript for what has been said in every activity and video.

Language & Symbols

The videos on Brainpop Jr. do a great job of clarifying vocabulary and symbols (2.1). They provide the definition for each topic being taught at the beginning of the video and then continue to show examples of that definition throughout.

While Brainpop Jr. doesn't do it, the main site BrainPop is also offered as BrainPop Español and BrainPop François. This means that students can be reached across languages by listening to the same content in their native language (2.4).

BrainPop Jr. also allows students to view multiple types of media (2.5) based on what they're learning.  After the video students have many different ways to continue learning about the topic.  Comics, games, drawings, skits, and more.

Comprehension

Some teachers like to use Brainpop Jr. before they begin their actual lesson.  This allows students to activate their prior knowledge on the topic (3.1)

Big ideas and critical features are always the highlight of each topic (3.2).  Each subject is broken into smaller topics where teachers can choose exactly what students will be learning about.  BrainPop Jr. only talks about what the lesson is about and does not branch away from the topic.

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

Expression & Communication

Students are able to multiple media to communicate what they've learned on Brainpop Jr and Brainpop (5.1).  Students can make a movie, use graphic organizers, make mind maps,  and play games about the topic. These same tools allow students to have different tools to construct and compose what they've learned.

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Braining Camp takes all of the best hands-on math manipulatives and presents it in a technological format.   Students can log into Braining camp from any device as long as they are connected to wifi.  This is huge for students that struggle with completing math assignments at home.  They may not be able to take home classroom materials, but they'll have the best of it right at their fingertips.  And a small bonus?  No small pieces that can easily get lost.

Braining Camp uses all principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Multiple Means of Representation

Perception

Braining Camp allows teachers to customize information in the area of math.  Instead of simply providing students with paper charts, graphs, counters, etc.  teachers can allow them to use their hands to manipulate the problem. (1.1) Some students have difficulties maneuvering small pieces and keeping them organized. By using these same manipulatives on a tablet, they're able to keep track of everything in one small space.  Some students may still prefer to use regular manipulatives. But teachers can use this to their advantage.  Teachers can put together small groups, and have one person show their answer using Braining Camp while the other shows their answer with traditional manipulatives.

Teachers are also able to offer an alternative for visual information in math.  Math can be difficult but it doesn't have to be.  Students are able to manipulate items to visually see what they are being asked to do.  Students can work out word problems with the aid of this program, and better grasp the concept being represented. (1.3) . And as stated above, answers can be shown in multiple ways.  If students are adding, they have at least three different ways that they can show the answer on Braining Camp.

Language & Symbols

Because students are able to manipulate math using hands-on experiences, teachers can clarify vocabulary and symbols in math.  While students are taking apart or putting together problems, teachers can label each object on a smartboard.  This will allow students to understand what terms mean. (2.1)

Braining Camp does well in the area of supporting mathematical notations and symbols. (2.3) Some students, myself included, may become confused at all the terms being thrown around during a lesson. With this program, symbols can be labeled so that students can see what they mean. In fact, the program supports this by having built-in pens to write with.

Math problems are illustrated clearly for students to see in every area of math on Braincamping.  Manipulatives are available in every format. (2.5) One of the cool things about Braining Camp is that teachers can find cool ideas on their YouTube page to supplement their lessons. I'm sure that they may already have clearly illustrated topics already planned for teachers to use.

Comprehension

Teachers are able to highlight patterns, big ideas, and features with Braining Camp. (3.2) The built-in pens are great for highlight patterns and having students highlight patterns in whole group activities.

Students are able to clearly see what is expected of them by having problems demonstrated for them.  This means that teachers can guide information processing by using visuals. (3.3)

Using Braining Camp allows teachers to maximize the transfer of knowledge by giving students hands-on activities to learn with (3.4).  Worksheets are great, but some times there are too many problems on the page.  This can lead to students feeling overwhelmed and threatened by the task assigned.  With a blank sheet of paper covering up the majority of the questions, students can use Braining Camp to take each problem one at a time.

Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting Interest

Braining Camp allows teachers to minimize threats students may face in math.  Students do not need to focus on areas that they struggle with in math because they have tools that will allow them to see what they are doing. (7.3) . They can write while they solve problems.  Problems can be set up with manipulatives and students only need to write what they see.

Students can see why a topic in math is relevant and see the authenticity of a problem they are solving visually with the use of Braining Camp (7.2)

Braining camp also gives students the option of autonomy.  Addition, for example, can be shown in the form of counters, color tiles, and Cuisenaire® Rods (7.1). As long as students are taught different ways to use these manipulatives, they are able to choose how they want to show their work. For example, in 1st grade go math students are taught how to add with counters. They're also taught how add using part, part, whole. And finally, they use counters to add as well. All three of these methods are on Braining camp, and students can choose those methods to show their work in different ways.

Sustaining Effort & Persistence

With Braining Camp students are able to build communities in small groups.  They can work together and collaborate on different assignments using a technology-based manipulatives. (8.3)

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

Physical Action

Teachers can optimize access to tools and assistive technology using Braining Camping.  Students are able to log in from any device whether its an iPad, tablet, or computer.  As long as students have a way to access the internet they can use this program at home or at school. (4.2).

Students are able to choose how they would like to represent a math problem using any of the manipulatives presented on the site.  Students should be taught how to use the different manipulatives that pertain to the area being taught.  As stated previously, addition can be shown in different ways.  Therefore, students should know which manipulatives can be used for what. (4.1)

Expression & Communication

Because there are so many manipulatives available on Braining Camp, students have many different ways that they can compose and construct math problems. (5.2)

With continuous support and then gradual release, students should be able to build fluency in math by using these manipulatives.  Some students may require the use of manipulatives after some time, some may use the manipulatives to double-check their work, and others may simply need it complete math equations independently. ( 5.3)

Executive Functions

Teachers can use Braining Camp to progress monitor student progress.  By watching students solve problems independently, teachers will be able to see how well students are grasping the content being taught.
(6.4)

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Co:Writer seems to be an awesome product.  With Co:Writer, students can have words predicted for them as they write.  One of the coolest things about Co:Writer, is that is has a built-in topic dictionary.  Students can select the topic that they are writing about and the program will formulate its responses to the topic.  It's an awesome way to help students stay on topic when writing, and voice all of their thoughts without worrying about spelling issues.

Multiple Means of Representation

Language & Symbols

Co:Writer helps students with syntax and structure (2.1).  As students type, the program predicts the words that are next.  It also reads what they select so that they can see if what they've selected fits their sentence.

Vocabulary is clarified by the systems Flex Spell ability (2.2).  Even if the students are writing/spelling a word wrong, the system will offer choices for the student to choose the correct word that they are looking for.  When students choose the topic that they are writing about in the topic dictionary, the program will automatically choose academic words and topic-specific words for the student.

Co:Writer even supports students across languages (2.4).  Students can choose the primary language they want to write in from a translator.  Or students can write in their native language and the system will translate it in the target language with correct grammar.

Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting Interest

Threats and distractions are minimalized with Co:Writer because students don't have to recall spelling or words that they want to use (7.3).  As they write the spelling corrected by the system.  And when they start the next word the text predictor gives them options of what they can say next.

Topics become more relevant and authentic with the program's topic dictionary.  They aren't given random words in any kind of order.  All words presented to them are on topic, which allows students to freely express themselves.

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

Expression & Communication

Co:Writer provides students with multiple tools for construction and composition in the area of writing (5.2). Students are able to choose from several different tools to help them write their assignments.  The program offers word prediction, speech recognition, read aloud, translation, and a topic dictionary.

Students can build their fluency with support using the text predictor and other functions of Co:Writer (5.3)

Executive Functions

Students can strategically plan their papers with the help of Co:Writer. They can set the topic of their papers and receive words and definitions that are tailored to that topic (6.2).

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Co:Writer kickstarts the writer inside and offers the most complete writing toolkit to help unstick ideas and get them to flow in writing.

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There are many different sites that offer mindfulness techniques.  Some teachers may prefer to use GoNoodle, YouTube, or a Tibetan Singing Bowl (meditation bowl).  All of these are great for self-regulation.

During a recent training on trauma in students, the guest speaker spoke of allowing the students to ring the mediation bowl when they felt some of their peers needed a minute to practice deep breathing.  When the students heard the bowl, they were to stop and take 10 deep breaths before continuing whatever it was that they were doing.  I love the idea, and I hope to get my own meditation bowl soon.  I personally use a mixture of GoNoodle and mediation stories for my students.

Mindfulness Meditation is used mainly with the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Engagement.

Recruiting Interest

Mindfulness meditation techniques focus on removing threats and distractions from students (7.3).  Not all threats come from the academic work or setting of school.  Some of these threats and distractions are caused by our daily lives.  By giving students peace of mind, and a feeling of safety, their productivity will increase.

Self-Regulation

Meditation can help promote healthy habits in students by allowing them to gain personal coping skills (9.2). Deep breathing techniques are a part of mindfulness to relax the body and calm the mind. Students who actively practice this should be able to use it as a tool when they become upset. One of the plus sides of mindfulness meditation is that you can choose what you want your students to think about while they meditate. You can choose a positive meditation to get students thinking about all the great and positive things in their lives. Or you can have them work on releasing any negative energy that they are feeling. Some sites even offer meditation on friendships.

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Mindfulness meditation practice couldn't be simpler: take a good seat, pay attention to the breath, and when your attention wanders, return.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us.

It's not all in your head-you can practice mindfulness by sitting down for a formal meditation practice, or by being more intentional and aware of the things you do each day.

If you want to learn more about mindfulness and how to practice mindfulness meditation, visit our Getting Started page.

How to Practice Mindfulness on the Go

Nearly every task we perform in a day-be it brushing our teeth, eating lunch, talking with friends or exercising -can be done more mindfully.

When we are mindful of our actions, we pay more attention to what we are doing. It's the opposite of going through the motions-instead, you are tuned into your senses, noticing your thoughts and emotions.

By building mindfulness into your daily life, you can practice mindfulness even when you're too busy to meditate.

Learning How to Meditate

At the outset, it helps to set an amount of time you're going to "practice" for. Otherwise, you may obsess about deciding when to stop. If you're just beginning, it can help to choose a short time, such as five or ten minutes. Eventually, you can build up to twice as long, then maybe up to 45 minutes or an hour. Use a kitchen timer or the timer on your phone. Many people do a session in the morning and in the evening, or one or the other. If you feel your life is busy and you have little time, doing some is better than doing none. When you get a little space and time, you can do a bit more.

Find a good spot in your home, ideally where there isn't too much clutter and you can find some quiet. Leave the lights on or sit in natural light. You can even sit outside if you like, but choose a place with little distraction.

This posture practice can be used as the beginning stage of a period of meditation practice or simply as something to do for a minute, maybe to stabilize yourself and find a moment of relaxation before going back into the fray. If you have injuries or other physical difficulties, you can modify this practice to suit your situation.

How to Sit for Mindfulness Meditation

1. Take your seat. Whatever you're sitting on-a chair, a meditation cushion, a park bench-find a spot that gives you a stable, solid seat, not perching or hanging back.

2. Notice what your legs are doing. If on a cushion on the floor, cross your legs comfortably in front of you. (If you already do some kind of seated yoga posture, go ahead.) If on a chair, it's good if the bottoms of your feet are touching the floor.

3. Straighten-but don't stiffen-your upper body. The spine has natural curvature. Let it be there. Your head and shoulders can comfortably rest on top of your vertebrae.

4. Situate your upper arms parallel to your upper body. Then let your hands drop onto the tops of your legs. With your upper arms at your sides, your hands will land in the right spot. Too far forward will make you hunch. Too far back will make you stiff. You're tuning the strings of your body-not too tight and not too loose.

5. Drop your chin a little and let your gaze fall gently downward. You may let your eyelids lower. If you feel the need, you may lower them completely, but it's not necessary to close your eyes when meditating. You can simply let what appears before your eyes be there without focusing on it.

6. Be there for a few moments. Relax. Bring your attention to your breath or the sensations in your body.

7. Feel your breath-or some say "follow" it-as it goes out and as it goes in. (Some versions of this practice put more emphasis on the outbreath, and for the inbreath you simply leave a spacious pause.) Either way, draw your attention to the physical sensation of breathing: the air moving through your nose or mouth, the rising and falling of your belly, or your chest. Choose your focal point, and with each breath, you can mentally note "breathing in" and "breathing out."

8. Inevitably, your attention will leave the breath and wander to other places. Don't worry. There's no need to block or eliminate thinking. When you get around to noticing your mind wandering-in a few seconds, a minute, five minutes-just gently return your attention to the breath.

9. Practice pausing before making any physical adjustments, such as moving your body or scratching an itch. With intention, shift at a moment you choose, allowing space between what you experience and what you choose to do.

10. You may find your mind wandering constantly-that's normal, too. Instead of wrestling with or engaging with those thoughts as much, practice observing without needing to react. Just sit and pay attention. As hard as it is to maintain, that's all there is. Come back over and over again without judgment or expectation.

11. When you're ready, gently lift your gaze (if your eyes are closed, open them). Take a moment and notice any sounds in the environment. Notice how your body feels right now. Notice your thoughts and emotions. Pausing for a moment, decide how you'd like to continue on with your day.

That's it. That's the practice. It's often been said that it's very simple, but it's not necessarily easy. The work is to just keep doing it. Results will accrue.

A simple guide to be mindful throughout the day-whether you're washing the dishes, eating a snack, or sitting down to meditate. Read More

Are you supposed to clear your mind, or focus on one thing? Here's the Mindful definition of Mindfulness. Read More

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How To Practice Mindfulness Meditation - Mindful

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Mindfulness meditation practice couldn't be simpler: take a good seat, pay attention to the breath, and when your attention wanders, return. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us.

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Flocabulary is a great resource that teaches students through music.  Students are able to engage with the content through catchy hip hop beats.

Multiple Means of Representation

Perception

Flocabulary offers alternatives to auditory learning by allowing students to see the lyrics of the video. Videos can also be sped up or slowed down depending on the preference of the student or the class (1.2) (1.3).

Language & Symbols

Flocabulary's main job is to clarify vocabulary and symbols in an entertaining way (2.1).  Students are given real objects to define what they are seeing.  Some objects may also be animated.  However, like the name says Flocabulary is all about increasing student vocabulary.

The program also offers videos dealing with grammar.  This allows students to learn about syntax and sentence structure (2.2).  The site offers every point of grammar that can be taught in an English class. Topics about grammar are broken up by recommended grades.  Some videos are made to suit multiple grade levels.

Students are able to illustrate what they've learned through multiple media (2.5).  There is a lyric lab that allows students to write their own rhymes about the topic that they are learning about.   They are also able to read and respond to the topic.

Comprehension

Multiple Means of Engagement

Recruiting Interest

Flocabulary is great at recruiting interest. The videos have really changed since the first time I saw any of its content. They now use real people and objects when rapping about a topic. This gives the students the relevance and authenticity that they need (7.2).

Sustain Effort and Persistence

The demands asked of students is varied by the different ways that students are expected to interact with the content (8.2).  Students are asked to take a quiz on what they've learned, they're also asked to read and respond to content, play vocabulary games, and they are asked to look at flashcards.

Multiple Means of Action & Expression

Expression & Communication

As stated before students can express themselves by creating their own lyrics/rap for others to learn from (5.2).

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Educational Hip-Hop Songs & Videos for All Subjects, K-12

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Flocabulary is a library of songs, videos and activities for K-12 online learning. Hundreds of thousands of teachers use Flocabulary’s educational raps and teaching lesson plans to supplement their instruction and engage students. Our team of artists and educators is not only committed to raising test scores, but also to fostering a love of learning in every child.

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Behavior charts are a great resource.  They can be used on a whole group or individual student basis.  Behavior charts can be done with colors green, yellow, orange, red, blue to monitor how a student's day went.  They can be individualized so that students can earn stars or stickers for completed tasks.  They can be used for bathroom use, and so much more.

Behavior charts usually used for the principle of Multiple Means of Engagement.

Recruiting Interest

Optimize relevance.

It's important to tell the student why the behavior chart is relevant to them.  If it's behavior, model what positive behavior is, teach them how to perform that behavior, and then reward them with a check or stamp when you see that behavior. (7.2)

If you and the student are creating the chart together, then the student is full involved with the choices, rewards, and lay out of their chart.  This gives them individual choice in what task they want to improve on. (7.1)

Sustaining effort & persistence

Teachers have to stress how important it is for the student to achieve the goal set before them when using this chart.  Otherwise it will become ineffective.  Students have to know why this goal is important, and how they can achieve the goal.  Teachers can have the charts broken up into short term, a week.  Or long term two weeks.  But it's important that students know what they are working for. (8.1)

Self Regulation

Most importantly, behavior charts are a great way for self regulation.  Behavior charts can offer coping skills and strategies (9.2).  Maybe the student needs to do a check in chart as well.  "I'm feeling......." and color in how they feel.  Follow up that question with, "When I'm feeling _____ I can."  and provide a list of options to go with that question.  If they're happy maybe they can ask for free time to have 10 minutes to do something they like,  Or if they're mad, they can have an option to go to a cool down spot, or visit a preferred adult.  These tools can work hand in hand with the behavioral chart.  Students can be mindful of how they're feeling, so that it doesn't effect their charts.  And they can get help before something escalates out of control.

Charts should be used to promote expectations ( 9.1). They should be clearly stated when the chart is presented. Any consequences and rewards should be stated then as well.

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Free Printable Behavior Charts

A behavior chart can reinforce and encourage new and positive behavior as well as remind kids to do chores or homework. A behavior chart, also called a reward chart, can also help curb and discourage negative behavior. Before starting a behavior chart, we suggest that you read our article on How to Use a Behavior Chart. We also have a page of Example Behavior Charts to give you an idea of how to use a behavior chart, a point system and a potty training chart. You can search for a specific character here! We are happy to make up charts or adapt charts. This is free! Just drop us a line!

General Behavior Charts
Search Behavior Charts by Character
Search Behavior Charts by Theme
Behavior Charts for Ages 3+
Behavior Charts for Ages 11+
Behavior Charts Designed for Specific Behaviors
Star/Sticker Charts

Behavior charts that work well to target only one behavior
Single Behavior Charts
Behavior Punch Cards
Step-by-Step Charts with Popular Characters
Step-by-Step Charts without Popular Characters
Behavior Charts designed for Specific Behaviors

Chore Charts
(any of our general behavior charts can be used as a chore chart)Chore Charts for Preschoolers & Toddlers
Chore Charts for Ages 4-10 - Popular Characters
Chore Charts for Ages 4-10 - Plain
Chore Charts for Ages 11+
Chore Charts that Kids Can Color
Printable Chore Dice
Family Chore Charts

Health & Hygiene Behavior Charts
Dental Care Charts
Hygiene Charts
Exercise Charts
Healthy Eating Charts
Medical Reward Charts and Certificates

Behavior Charts to Track Daily Routines, Pet Care, Instrument Practice & Saving Money
Daily Routine Behavior Charts
Money & Allowance Tracking Charts
Instrument Practice Charts
Pet Care Charts

Feeling Charts, Emotional Tracking & Problem Solving Worksheets and Resources
Feeling Charts
Feeling Word Puzzles
Self Compassion & Mindfulness
Conflict Resolution Charts
Bullying Charts and Printables
Anxiety Worksheets/Charts
Anger Management Worksheets/Charts

Behavior Contracts and Goal Setting
Behavior Contracts
Goal Setting Charts

Behavior Charts for Teachers & Students
Homework/School Behavior Charts
Behavior Punch Cards
Reading Charts
Classroom Charts & Printables

Potty Training Charts
Potty training charts with Popular Characters
Potty training charts without Popular Characters

Picture Cards & Daycare Charts
Picture Cards
Daycare Charts

Color by Number Behavior Charts, Holiday
Color by Number Behavior Charts
Holiday Theme Behavior Charts

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A behavior chart can reinforce and encourage new and positive behavior as well as remind kids to do chores or homework. A behavior chart, also called a reward chart, can also help curb and discourage negative behavior. Before starting a behavior chart, we suggest that you read our article on How to Use a Behavior Chart.