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Apps for Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities

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Apps for Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities

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Curated list from the University of Michigan of apps for students with learning disabilities. Most of the tools assist with word recognition, reading and comprehension, though there are a few others (math, digital storytelling, etc.)

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In this free app, Leo the Lion teaches the basics of multiplication before putting them to the test. Compared to other multiplication apps, this puts a much greater emphasis on teaching the topic rather than just testing and practice. Once children have mastered the lessons, they are put to test in the form of a race between Leo the Lion and an animal competitor. Teachers and parents can also engage with this app in the say-it-aloud activity, where there is a pause for a response after a math question. In-app purchases are available to unlock more difficult times tables. This app is available for Apple on the App Store.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1104769468

Epic! is the leading digital library for kids, with access to over 25,000 resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, learning videos, and quizzes. Designed for ages 12 and under, Epic! provides a fun way to engage in reading. Free for both iPhone and iPad, children can explore and learn in a whole new way.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/epic!-books-for-kids/id719219382?mt=8

Storyboard That is an online tool that allows users to create engaging and creative storyboards, for both educational and entertainment purposes. Creating storyboards is great for school projects, and teachers can use this resource for reinforcing ideas to ESL and students with disabilities. The website provides a variety of customizable templates for teachers that are ready to export or present in minutes. Storyboard That also provides an extensive image library and special tools that make the website easy to use, while also being compatible with iPad and Android.

Learn more about Storyboard That and start your own Storyboard on their website.

Application URL: http://www.storyboardthat.com/

Teen and Adults Phonics, also known as TAP, has introduced an app that is a library of novels written for teenagers and adults with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Their stories are fully decodable, meaning that they include a cumulative phonic progression meant to build readers’ confidence and capabilities. Additionally, there is a decodability tool and 7 different levels of reading. The app is free to download exclusively for iPad, and full access to each book is available for $2.99 USD. You can read more about TAP here.

Download for iPad through the iTunes store.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teen-adult-phonics-library/id1189152100?mt=8

Compatibility: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The Leo app specializes in recording and transcription, all in real time for the user’s benefit. This app is especially designed for individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, giving them the tools they need to succeed. The app transcribes voice to text, helping to get thoughts to written words faster and easier. Once recorded, all transcripts are saved and backed up so that you can go back through them later on. To reduce confusion, there is a calendar organization system built in, as well as the ability to edit and customize your recordings. Overall, the simplicity and easy to use aspects are some of the most appealing for this app, along with its ability to perform real-time transcription for a long period of time.

You can get the Leo- Recorder and Transcription app for $8.99 at the iTunes App store here.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/dk/app/leo-recorder-transcription/id1140324040?mt=8

Compatibility: Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The A+ Spelling Test is a free app that helps students master new vocabulary words that is catered to their own needs. The app allows a parent, teacher, or older student create a customized list of words for the child to spell. There are over 400 pre-made lists with over 6,300 words already built-in the app for easy set-up. Once the list is created, the student can choose from a variety of activities to learn the words including Practice, Unscramble, Ace It, and Test. These four activities are easy to use and great for any child learning to spell. In addition, this app allows you to track the child’s progress and submit his or her results through email to a teacher or other adult.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-spelling-test/id501211008?mt=8

Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Recently featured by Apple, the app Reading Machine takes reading for beginners to a new level. With the overall goal of reducing frustration amongst readers, this app assists in the reading process by modeling how the letters and sounds in a word go together. How it works is that when a child comes to a word he is unfamiliar with and unable to read, he simply types it into the Reading Machine. The app, with a dictionary of over 5,000 words, sounds out the word so that the child can try figuring it out by blending the sounds together to make the word. He can then “ask” for additional help, and the whole word is stated. This strategy helps children become better readers because they are forced to decipher the word instead of guessing or memorizing words that they see. Creators of the app say this is the type of letter-sound skill that the brain needs in order to develop quality reading skills. In addition, this app empowers the reader because it transforms them into a self-teacher of new words. Whether a new reader or a dyslexic, this app allows the reader to enjoy the reading experience without feeling embarrassed by what he doesn’t know. With the Reading Machine in hand, it keeps reading fun and children on track to become advanced readers.

You can download the Reading Machine app for free from the iTunes store. Also, visit the Reading Machine website to learn more about how the app works.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482?mt=8

The Root Words dictionary app helps you in learning English root words to improve your vocabulary. Root Words has all the important Latin and Greek root words along with explanations and examples. The app also lets you quiz your knowledge of root words using multiple choice tests.

This English Root Words dictionary app offers the following features:

Offline application

Add important root word to favorite list

Search using intuitive search functionality

Flashcards

Multiple choice tests

Off line pronunciation

Add root word to mastered list if you are familiar with that

After each test, a summary is displayed indicating your marks and percentage

Application URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.praveenj.root&hl=en

Action Words is an application for iPhone and iPad that teaches beginner readers over 100 action words using real photographs to increase their early vocabulary and improve their writing skills.

Users can select which category of action words they want to work on (emotions, movements, etc) and, within a category, turn action words “on” or “off” so they can monitor how many new words are presented in each round. When the user selects which category he or she wants to work on, an action word appears on the screen accompanied by four photographs. The user must select which photograph best depicts the given action word. There are no hints or penalty for selecting the wrong photograph, the user just keeps guessing until he or she chooses the correct photograph. This application is made to be engaging for its user, so the existing 500 photographs, concepts, and accompanying audio are all customizable. Users can also add their own categories, action words, and photographs.

You can learn more about Action Words at the AppStore.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/action-words/id511783094?mt=8

Build spelling confidence with a mystery

News Bulletin: The Huevos Rancheros Gang stole the gold and they are hiding out amongst the good citizens of Word Town.

Your Mission: Help the sheriff, a friendly and curious little ghost, recover the missing gold and catch the outlaws.

Find the letters you need to solve the word puzzles

Spelling practice integrated with a rich, immersive game experience

Record your own words and make your own custom word lists

Unlimited user accounts - create your own avatar and save your game progress

3 skill levels and 2 game modes provide a highly customizable and flexible learning experience for a range of ages

Optional audio hints speak the words from the selected word list

Visual hints provide scaffolding for difficult words

Quirky characters and backstory are revealed as you recover the missing gold and capture the outlaws

Promotes strategic and critical thinking

Application URL: https://artgigapps.com/apps/mystery-word-town

Easy Spelling Aid is a tool to help you spell problematic words. Simply touch the microphone button, say the word or phrase, and receive the correct spelling, displayed in your chosen writing style. The software is designed to recognize a variety of accents and is fine-tuned to pick up on children’s voices. Easy Spelling Aid is suitable for students of all ages.

Easy Spelling Aid Benefits:

Improves literacy performance and spelling

Helps with comprehension and vocabulary

Gives children and adults alike a quick and easy way to find out the spelling of a word without relying on a parent or teacher. As a result, creative thought processes are interrupted less often, allowing for greater creative flow

Helps children learn homophones and understand word usage by using context to determine the correct spelling of a word

Assists children and students to become independent writers

Develops recognition and correct spelling of words in their appropriate context (for example, they’re, their, there)

Features a History Log with saved spelling results, including translations

Application URL: http://www.easyspellingaid.com/

SightWords free and printable materials are designed to promote learning in the classroom and also at home. They have recently introduced a great new curriculum for teaching Phonemic Awareness (also called Pre-Phonics) to children.

The site's features include:

A Curriculum covering the full range of Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

Classroom-tested Lessons based on the latest research, complete with “how-to” videos

Printable picture cards, word lists, and game boards

Teaching Tips for tailoring games to the specific needs of your students

Application URL: http://www.sightwords.com/phonemic-awareness/

Ghotit Real Writer assists people with dyslexia and dysgraphia in their English writing and text correction.

The application corrects badly spelled words, confused words, homophones, grammar, and punctuation like no other writing assistance tool and offers advanced word prediction with grammar and phonetics awareness capabilities.

The main features:
- Phonetic and context-sensitive spell checker;
- Word-Prediction with grammar and phonetics awareness;
- Quick-Spell Word-Prediction with instant correction for creative/phonetic writers;
- Advanced grammar and punctuation corrector;
- Effective proofreader;
- Speak as you write (speech feedback);
- Reading assistance with dual highlighting;
- Independent text editor;
- Importing and sharing of text with other iPad applications;
- Integrated dictionaries;
- US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African English dictionaries;
- AirPrint compatible.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ghotit-real-writer/id956782250

Write in Style is every writer’s best friend. Smart text prediction helps you write in selectable styles, fast and without typos. Writers and bloggers can write in the style of their favorite authors. How would Jane Austen finish this sentence? How would the president phrase the next few words? Write in Style has the answers!

Write in Style combines the gray text suggestions known from search engines with the simplicity of a free text area. As you write, the next few words are always predicted and laid out in front of you. Arrow keys help you find fitting alternatives and when you’re done, you can export the text directly to your email or wherever you need it.

The best thing is that you can select from a variety of topics, styles and languages to get suggestions fitting your needs:

Available styles: W. Shakespeare, J. Austen, F. Nietzsche, F. Kafka, A. Dumas

Available languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Catalan, Danish

Available topics: Political Speech, Basic.

Application URL: http://www.gerlingo.com

Promptoo...The Actor's Toolkit. Bringing the actor's script into the 21st century.

The app help actors to read and learn a script in a more time effective way, specialising in the needs of actors with reading disabilities to help neutralize their difficulties with reading, learning, and rehearsing text.

Promptoo is a valuable aid for any actor, it allows you to customise the entire script; from changing each characters font to adding notes, Promptoo can even read out your script, making learning and rehearsing on your own an easier task.

Application URL: https://appadvice.com/app/promptoo/1140405234

Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 7.0 or later.

Created by a doctor to help his son learn to read, this multi-book adventure starts with a few simple words on each page. Gradually the simplistic cartoon façade falls away to reveal a thought-provoking plot that champions loyalty and determination. You can also download books 2 and 3.

Application URL: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spy-sam-reading-book-1-big/id644904139

Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

This app teaches advanced reading and spelling skills to children and adults who struggle in those areas.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learn-to-read-write-and-spell/id658169485?ls=1&mt=8

Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

This app introduces letter/sound relationships to help kids with reading.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-intro-by-oz-phonics/id564753775?mt=8

Requirements vary.

Hemingway is an advanced text editor. It edits documents such as essays, reports, letters, and email messages for grammar mistakes, hard-to-read sentences, uses of passive voice, and much more.

Application URL: http://www.hemingwayapp.com/

Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

This app provides a unique and fun way to learn and practice math. Join Jack on his epic adventure of mathematical proportions as it unfolds one step at a time.

Application URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jack-beanstalk-mathematical/id682232291?ls=1&mt=8

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Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities

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The following is an extensive and meticulously organized list of apps that may be helpful to individuals with dyslexia, parents of dyslexics, or the professionals who work with dyslexics (teachers, tutors, reading specialists, etc.). We carefully consider each app before we add it, ensuring that it claims to help dyslexics in ways that are in line with the evidence on how to help dyslexics.

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A blog with links to various iPad apps for learners with special needs.  Including for students with  dyslexia, autism, that  are visually impaired or have difficulties with writing.

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Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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August 30, 2017
This is an updated version of the popular chart we published awhile ago featuring some of what we think are the best apps for students and learners with special needs. We have arranged the apps into four main categories: apps for dyslexic learners, apps for autistic learners, apps for the visually impaired and apps for learners with writing difficulties.

For those of you using Android check out t his list.

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Updated Chart of The Best iPad Apps for Learners with Special Needs

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August 30, 2017 This is an updated version of the popular chart we published awhile ago featuring some of what we think are the best apps for students and learners with special needs. We have arranged the apps into four main categories: apps for dyslexic learners, apps for autistic learners, apps for the visually impaired and apps for learners with writing difficulties.

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A program of Easter Seals of Greater Houston, BridgingApps provides extensive resources to help parents, students, teachers and therapists with helping people with disabilities to promote healthy lives.  They have lists of apps that have been reviewed, parents/teachers can join their community to keep updated on new resources and they offer services to help people with using the apps and devices.  This is an extensive resource to help put teachers and parents in touch with a variety of tools and services.

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BridgingApps and Easter Seals Houston are committed to your health and safety. This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have any medical questions. What is it: A new virus that has spread...

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BridgingApps and Easter Seals Houston are committed to your health and safety. This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have any medical questions. What is it: A new virus that has spread...

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Tech Edvocate List of 13 Assistive Tech Apps

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Tech Edvocate List of 13 Assistive Tech Apps

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A Best of Best List by the Tech Edvocate on Assistive Technology - tools for students with behavior disorders to communicative disorders, visual impairment and more.

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The Tech Edvocate's List of 13 Assistive Technology Apps, Tools and Resources

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Combine these statistics with the way classroom technology has changed since the year 2000 and it makes sense that special education is in an adjustment period. Because of this, special educators need to need abreast of what's new in their field, especially when it comes to assistive technology for the classroom.

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Common Sense Media should already be in every teacher's toolkit.  Here is a list of resources for parents and teachers by CSM

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For kids with special needs, the right tools can make a huge difference. Learn about games, apps, and devices that offer access, information, and inclusion.

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An extensive education blog that has articles about technology overall and specifically several on assistive technologies for students with special needs ranging from ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, ASD and more.

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Assistive Technology - The Tech Edvocate

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Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject.

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Article: Supporting Parents of Students with Special Needs

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Article: Supporting Parents of Students with Special Needs

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Article published by Edutopia about the importance of communication with parents about initiating an assessment.

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There's often a rift in communication between educators and parents who suspect their kids have special needs. A parent describes the support that would have helped her initiate an assessment.

©Shutterstock/Africa Studio

Even as young children, we're able to identify a behavior that is not the norm for our peer group-the one kid in the class who seems a little more agitated than the rest, a little more loud and unruly. Across the room is a scared child. Another struggles with reading.

All of this may also be evident to a teacher, who can compare one child with his or her peers. But it may not be evident to the parent, who does not experience a whole classroom of children.

To the parent, a particular behavior may not seem beyond the norm. The first thing we parents observe is that our child is shy, or picky, or argumentative. We don't observe that behavior and diagnose our child as anxious, having a sensory disorder, or oppositionally defiant. We see behaviors that we seek to modify, not categorize.

A Gap in Experience and Understanding

This opens up a rift in experience, understanding, and communication between parents and educators. Education specialists may speak in professional jargon that parents don't always understand. An educator's perspective on how a student's behavior differs from that of his or her peers and on the demonstration of behaviors can be helpful to parents.

Parents are most often not mental-health experts, but they are experts in knowing their children. When they feel that something isn't right, there's reason to investigate. But most parents who have shared their experiences with me about asking for help for their children have not received it initially. Pediatricians may tell parents to be better disciplinarians. Teachers may say, "He doesn't qualify for services."

Many disabilities-most learning disabilities, most mental health disabilities, and many physical health disabilities-are hidden. A hidden disability is by its nature difficult to observe. Only someone trained in psychological assessment, using prescribed evaluation methods, can determine such a disability-educators generally don't have this qualification.

State departments of education have standards for assessing and evaluating a child for special education services, yet being denied this assessment and evaluation is quite common. A discussion between the parent and teacher or principal may result in an evaluation, but parents are often forced to make repeated requests to push the issue. Parents may also not understand that requests for evaluation must be in writing.

Parents new to the individualized education program (IEP) process are then confused and angry. Worse yet, some parents accept the initial denial, and then the child does not receive an evaluation.

These problems generally occur because educators lack knowledge. In preparing general education teachers, most education programs don't require a class on children with exceptional needs (gifted, special education etc.). States have tests and other assessments to evaluate the knowledge of an education program graduate, but even so, a teacher may not be able to recognize special needs or have knowledge about state regulations.

Parents look to teachers and principals to be experts. Not knowing what to do when a school declines to evaluate a child is a common dilemma for parents of children who are struggling. Advocacy groups may help, but a parent would need to understand that external help is available before they would seek it out. Many parents don't understand the obligation of the school to evaluate their child, and they may not know how to push through a request for evaluation when facing resistance.

Directing Parents to Organizations That Can Help

It would be helpful if school staff referred parents to the appropriate state advocacy organization listed by the Center for Parent Information and Resources. This would steer parents toward a group that could help them to find answers.

In Kansas, our parent group, Families Together, answers questions, holds informational and training sessions for parents and education advocates, and shares documents to inform parents. No one in the school environment let my family know that this group existed, and it took us several years to find it. During that time, we felt isolated and confused. If only a teacher, principal, or district staff member had shared this information.

Hopefully a parent can initiate an assessment and evaluation. He or she will then be accosted with a host of acronyms and other special terms such as IDEA, IEP, BIP, and 504.

My personal experience has been that at no time were the evaluation process or special terms like IDEA, IEP, or 504 explained to me, and I have yet to encounter a parent for whom this did occur. The process of getting help for a struggling child is bureaucratic and complicated, and for the most part educators don't mentor parents through it.

If they haven't located an education advocacy group for assistance, parents usually lack the understanding needed to represent their children well through this process. Following an assessment and evaluation of a child, which requires special services to support that child's education, the next step should be educating the parents about this process. Even a district FAQ website would be helpful. Parents should be part of their child's education team, yet how can one contribute without a good understanding of the framework for special education services and an understanding of how accommodations can be implemented to help a child succeed?

Some educators and schools are amazing. But as a college professor and a parent of a child with an IEP, I have met students who have not been supported through the K-12 years or who received only minimal support to get them through the system. We can do better, starting from the first time a parent approaches a teacher and says, "I'm worried that Olivia seems to be struggling."

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Supporting Parents of Students With Special Needs

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There's often a rift in communication between educators and parents who suspect their kids have special needs. A parent describes the support that would have helped her initiate an assessment.

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Article: Apps for Students with Special Needs - As Schools Begin to Shutter

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Article: Apps for Students with Special Needs - As Schools Begin to Shutter

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List of resources for parents and teachers of students with special needs. Includes information on how to set up Text To Speech (TTS) on devices, as well as a variety of paid and free apps.

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The coronavirus creates a unique challenge for students with special needs-educators share recommendations for apps to support learning at home.

Special education is facing severe challenges as remote becomes the new norm for K-12 learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Delivering differentiated content in a well-equipped classroom can be difficult on a good day, but now that most schools are closed or closing, educators who work with children with special needs must, in many ways, completely reinvent their approach to teaching.

One of the main concerns for both teachers and parents is keeping students on track to reach their individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives as they are tailored for each student. Teachers must also work much more closely now with parents/caregivers to support this learning at home. In some cases, students are accustomed to having aides, in addition to teachers, in the classroom. It is a lot of responsibility for caregivers to bear, but luckily some of the digital tools now available can really help.

I reached out to my special education colleagues via the Facebook Group called Education App Talk (E.A.T.), asking for their favorite digital tools; what follows includes some of their recommendations, but it is just the tip of the iceberg of what is available. Remember, as with any tool, what may work wonders for some students will only frustrate others. Customization is key with any app, so adults and educators should be prepared to put in some time learning the apps themselves or how to make modifications in the settings. Many apps come with great teacher-made materials; look for video tutorials, lesson plans, and extension activities.

Free Apps or Apps With a Free Trial

SentenceBuilder is a conversation simulator designed to help elementary-aged children learn how to have conversations with their peers in a variety of social settings, which can be a particular challenge for special needs students. ConversationBuilderTeen, for older students, is geared to help kids learn when it is appropriate to introduce themselves, ask questions, and change the subject of the conversation. This app also covers sarcasm and addresses how kids should respond to bullying.

Digital Modifications

Aside from apps, digital modifications are critical for online home learning for special needs students. Text to speech (TTS) is a type of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud and works with almost all digital devices-phone, iPad, computer. Many types of text files and most web pages can be converted into audio with TTS software.

Speech recognition (dictation) is another necessary tool, found on most digital devices, that enables students to express themselves by simply talking without having to worry about typing, spelling, and grammar. Dictation software is available on most devices in the settings menu, and it helps students expand their writing skills and achieve new levels of success. Note: Apple has a more advanced speech recognition system than Windows.

During the coronavirus pandemic, out-of-school learning is a great challenge, but it is particularly so for special needs students, who already face hurdles in their schooling. Be mindful-and patient-with special needs students as they try to adapt to this new dynamic. Change alone can be very disruptive for many children, and they will need time to adjust to their new routine. Don't be surprised by regression in social and emotional behaviors. Small strategies like breathing exercises, creating structure, and helping students methodically work through problems are essential at this time.

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Apps for Students With Special Needs-As School Buildings Shutter

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The coronavirus creates a unique challenge for students with special needs-educators share recommendations for apps to support learning at home.

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Article: Edutopia - Transitioning into Kindergarten

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Article: Edutopia - Transitioning into Kindergarten

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Tips on how to help our youngest learners with the transition into Kindergarten. There are some tips on how teachers can make the transition easier.

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Teacher-tested tips for preparing children in early childhood special education for kindergarten.

Bob Ebbesen / Alamy Stock Photo

The transition from a small early childhood special education (ECSE) class to kindergarten can be exciting yet overwhelming for students with disabilities and their families. Students face a lot of adjustments: a longer school day, a larger class size, new classmates, and new teachers.

For the past five years, I've worked with dozens of children and their families to help them adjust to this new environment. I've learned that the following strategies facilitate a smooth transition, decrease students' anxiety, and prepare them for success.

Using Social Stories

Social stories were developed for higher-functioning students with autism; however, they can be helpful for students with other disabilities as well. According to Carol Gray, the creator of social stories, the goal of a social story is to "share accurate information using a content, format, and voice that is descriptive, meaningful, and physically, socially, and emotionally safe."

Social stories should include descriptive sentences ("Next year, I will be in a new classroom with a new teacher and new rules"), perspective sentences ("I may feel scared or nervous in my new classroom"), directive sentences ("I will work on learning the new rules and listening to my new teacher"), and affirmative sentences ("My new teacher will be happy when I follow the new rules"). For preschool-age children, pictures also can make the story more comprehensible.

The following is a social story I have used with my students.

Transition IEP Meeting

Although there are currently no laws requiring schools to have a transitional individualized education program (IEP) meeting when a student exits an ECSE program, it can be helpful for the kindergarten staff and families to hold such a meeting. These meetings allow the ECSE and kindergarten special education staff to collaboratively create a transition plan and IEP that will support and meet the needs of the student. Depending on the situation and the school's setup, it may also be beneficial to have a general education kindergarten teacher attend the meeting in order to answer the family's questions, discuss accommodations and modifications, and make a plan for inclusion.

Observations

The student should have the opportunity to visit their new classroom(s) and may benefit from participating in story time or snack time there. This will also allow staff to see what additional supports the student may need to be successful in their new environment (such as noise-canceling headphones in a large group setting or a designated spot to sit on the carpet).

Additionally, the kindergarten special education teacher and/or teaching assistants may benefit from observing the student in the current ECSE classroom. Observation will show them how the student communicates, interacts with staff and peers, participates in group activities, and demonstrates self-help skills.

Photo Book

Another transition support that can help students is a teacher-created book with photos of the student's new special education teacher and teaching assistants, kindergarten teacher, classrooms, lunchroom, etc. Families can read this book with the child over the summer. This is different from a social story in that it does not include feelings, expected behaviors, or perspective taking.

Orientation Considerations

At the beginning of the school year, many school districts host a kindergarten orientation, when students and their families meet the teacher, drop off school supplies, and learn the policies, procedures, and expectations for kindergarten. These orientations usually have a group of four to five students attending at a time. For some students with disabilities, an individual orientation may be more appropriate and/or less overwhelming. The family may also feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing relevant information about the student and their disability.

Modifications

What visuals, language, and expectations can I introduce so my students have a smooth transition?

What activities, materials, or expectations might need to be adapted or modified for my students once they're in kindergarten?

What self-help or functional skills do I need to work on with my students to promote independence and confidence in kindergarten?

Lastly, I recommend that ECSE teachers observe both the general education and special education kindergarten classrooms. Some things to consider while observing the new environments:

The end of the year is always bittersweet for me: I'm so excited for my students to begin the next chapter in their lives as kindergarteners, but at the same time, I'm sad to say goodbye to students I've had the joy and privilege of working with for two to three years. Each year, I utilize all of these tips to individually support my students as they transition to kindergarten.

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Helping Children With Special Needs Transition to Kindergarten

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Teacher-tested tips for preparing children in early childhood special education for kindergarten.

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Resources for teachers regarding tools and interventions during COVID.  The article encompasses a wide variety of subjects (mental health, ELL, SEL, etc.), but there is a section specific to special needs with curated lists for teachers, parents and administrators.

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Restarting and Reinventing School Report

This framework provides research, state and local examples, and policy recommendations for 10 key areas of education. Read the report >

Learning in the Time of COVID-19 Blog Series

This LPI blog series explores strategies and investments to address the current crisis and build long-term systems capacity. Read the blogs >

Reopening Schools in the Context of COVID-19 Brief

As state and district leaders plan for school reopenings they can look to health and safety guidelines from other countries. Read the brief >

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the education field is producing a growing body of useful resources to support student learning and well-being during school closures. This page is updated regularly and curates some of these resources based on the recommendations of our research teams and our partners.
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Policy and Funding Strategies

The Urgency Of Reopening Schools Safely: The decision of when and how to reopen schools is one of the most critical of our times. To do so effectively, we would do well to look at what has worked-and what has not-around the world. Adequate federal funding is also necessary for the additional staff and equipment needed to make schools safe.

Districts and states can use CARES Act funds to supplement services and supports funded through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant program. These can include activities to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students; to increase student access to guidance counselors and social workers (and provide them with the training they need to deliver these services online); and to mount surveys to gauge the mental health and well-being of students and staff during and after the immediate crisis.

The National Conference of State Legislature's podcast, "Our American States" features this education-focused episode, "COVID-19: Education, Child Care and Nutrition," which examines public policy to address these critical concerns.

How School Funding Cuts Driven by the Coronavirus Could Affect Your State. This Education Week story featuring LPI Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst Michael Griffith features a state-by-state analysis of potential impacts through an interactive tool.

CCSSO's Supporting States Amid Coronavirus Outbreak resource page is designed for state education leaders who are working to support schools and districts in their response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States.

National Conference of State Legislatures created a COVID-19 webpage and webinar series designed to help state policymakers make informed decisions while reacting to the rapidly evolving situation.

Distance Learning

Technology and Access

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization has created a comprehensive list of educational applications and platforms to help parents, teachers, schools and school systems facilitate student learning and provide social caring and interaction during periods of school closure.

Free online conferencing and video platforms for teachers include:

EveryoneOn is a national non-profit that collaborates with diverse internet service providers and device providers to connect low-income households to the internet. Connect2Compete (C2C) is EveryoneOn's flagship program for K-12 students, providing affordable internet to eligible students and families. C2C is offered in partnership with leading cable companies, including Cox Communications and Mediacom.

Curriculum and Teaching Strategies

This collection of resources, curated by Teaching Tolerance, was built from the recommendations of 2,000 educators - more than 98 percent of whom were facing school closures and in need of high-quality resources, including resources around equity. Teaching Through Coronavirus: What Educators Need Right Now

The American Federation of Teachers has created a library of resources for teachers and parents broken down by grade level, subject area, and student needs. Free but registration required.

PBS Learning Media has a vast collection of online resources for teachers and parents for students from p-k through college, including "Ken Burns in the Classroom" (featuring free documentaries available through June 20) to "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum."

Wide Open Schools is a collection developed to help "make learning from home an experience that inspires kids, supports teachers, relieves families, and restores community." Developed by more than 25 organizations (including Apple, Google, National Geographic, PBS, and Sesame Workshop), the collection offers resources for students from p-k-12 for parents and educators.

Content coordinators from the San Diego County Office of Education curated this subject-specific list of resources to support distance learning.

These websites have lessons that can be accessed by educators or parents for content instruction: CommonLit, Illustrative Mathematics, Khan Academy, Zearn

American Federation of Teachers' Share My Lesson offers a helpful roundup of lesson plans and other resources for teaching students about coronavirus and a Checklist for Distance Learning to help prepare for remote learning.

The Smithsonian has launched a central portal highlighting an array of distance learning resources, from STEM webcasts to American history podcasts and comprehensive lesson plans. Offerings range from low- or no-tech (interviewing family members for oral history projects) to high-tech (diving into an interactive exploration module).

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Literacy Educational Toolkit for At-Home Learning offers free online resources that can help children continue to build critical literacy skills while schools are closed.

Storyline Online is produced by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television's SAG-AFTRA Foundation as part of its children's literacy program. The site streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children's books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and others.

The New York Times is hosting and continuously updating this page on ideas for working with content from the Times and other reliable sources.

The U.S. Department of Education's Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day! Tip Sheets for Families, Caregivers and Early Learning Educators provide families, caregivers and early educators with research-based tips for talking, reading, and singing with young children every day beginning from birth.

NPR has created this Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus to help demystify the virus and to teach children how to protect themselves. The online version includes a print-and-fold zine version.

Social-Emotional Learning

The American Institutes for Research created Building Positive Conditions for Learning at Home: Strategies and Resources for Families and Caregivers to support parents and caregivers in creating positive conditions for learning at home. The resource, available in English and Spanish, addresses offers strategies, describes developmental differences to consider, and identifies a few resources that go deeper into the topic.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning offers suggestions for educators on addressing the social and emotional needs of students. They also started the CASEL CARES initiative, which offers resources including SEL tips and information for anyone who works with children and a webinar series on various topics, such as how to support SEL at home.

The webinar, Supporting Students' SEL and Mental Health Needs During COVID-19, discusses how districts can address the mental health needs of students and support their social and emotional learning (SEL) growth during the COVID-19 school closures. The webinar was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in partnership with Transforming Education, and Walker Cares.

In a Learning Is Social, Emotional and Academic blog, Lorea Martinez offers parents homeschooling tips to ensure social emotional learning is a part of student learning.

Sanford Harmony, a Pre-K-6 research-based social emotional learning program, promotes positive peer relations among students through lessons and activities that encourage communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. These free resources can be used by parents at home to help children express feelings and solve problems together.

The National Association of School Psychiatrists has developed a set of materials for schools and districts to support for their students and community around COVID-19 and pandemics.​

Student Health and Well-Being

The Afterschool Alliance has FAQs and resources about how the afterschool field can support communities during the pandemic, including by supporting essential workers with childcare and providing free meals and food support.

North Dakota and have released behavioral health guidance to help parents and educators understand how to talk with children about COVID-19.

The Oregon Department of Education has created mental health guidance for school counselors and other administrators, as well as guidance on how to support educator and student mental and emotional wellbeing.

The Pasadena High School Community Schools Initiative created a resource guide of hyperlocal supports for students and families, including physical health and food access resources, and socio-emotional wellbeing

Phoenix Union High School District in Arizona launched the Every Student, Every Day initiative so that staff members can contact each of the district's 30,000 students each day to check in. The initiative includes a framework and protocols to protects privacy.

Supporting Students With Special Needs

In response to widespread school closure, a group of special education advocacy and innovation organizations has formed the Educating All Learners Alliance to support the education of students with disabilities during COVID-19. On its EducatingAllLearners.org hub, users can access resources, a community forum, webinars, and more. (Member organizations Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, WestEd, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Center for Learning Disabilities).

Top 12 Websites For Children With Learning Disabilities is a collection curated by Special Education Degrees.

The U.S. Department of Education's "Questions and Answers" document outlines states' responsibilities to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families, and to the staff serving these students. Also check out their webinar on ensuring web accessibility for students with disabilities for schools utilizing online learning during the COVID-19.

The Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities has a wealth of resources focused on making online learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for students with disabilities.

The Maine Department of Education has a page for Special Services COVID-19 Resources to help administrators, teachers, and families and caregivers to teach and support students with special needs.

Common Sense Media has curated a list of the Best Special Education Applications and Websites based on recommendations by educators who work with students with special needs. Applications support the development of academic and social-emotional skills, as well as sites to assist teachers in providing differentiated learning opportunities.

The Council for Exceptional Children has developed COVID-19 Information for Special Educators, including a forum for members on how to adapt IEP services during school closures and a link to a resource page developed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE).

The State Educational Technology Directors Association offers strategies and resources on its site for ensuring that online learning supports students with Individualized Education Plans.

English and Multilingual Learners

Common Sense Media supports educators in teaching students how to thrive in the digital age with free, research-backed lesson plans in English and Spanish.

SmithsonianTweenTribune | Articles for kids, middle school, teens from Smithsonian is an online resource provided by the Smithsonian Institution offering daily news articles, K-12. Available in Spanish.

Storyline Online is produced by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television's SAG-AFTRA Foundation as part of their children's literacy program and includes materials aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners for grades PK-8.

Students can access thousands of videos in English/Spanish that include lessons, activities, and visuals via Twig Education.

A collection of California-focused resources from Early Edge focused on early learners for a range of stakeholders, from administrators to parents and guardians, in both English and Spanish.

Sesame Street and the Spanish-language version, , offer games, videos, activities for children.

Educator Preparation

Early Learning

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Resources and Examples: Learning in the Time of COVID-19

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Restarting and Reinventing School Report This framework provides research, state and local examples, and policy recommendations for 10 key areas of education. Read the report > Learning in the Time of COVID-19 Blog Series This LPI blog series explores strategies and investments to address the current crisis and build long-term systems capacity.

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Article: What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Students with Learning Disabilities

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Article: What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Students with Learning Disabilities

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TedED Blog post that includes four lessons to help teachers focus on their students abilities rather than their disabilities.

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Karen Goepen-Wee grew up in a family of 'makers' and problem-solvers. Now, this solution-oriented mindset helps her students with learning disabilities. For her TED-Ed Innovation Project, Goepen-Wee created a digital collection of resources that she finds useful for her students, their teachers, and their parents. This collection, called LearnAbilities, provides accurate, teacher-approved information about topics such as anxiety and executive function in the classroom. Below is Goepen-Wee's recap of the project - and her wish for every teacher of students with learning disorders:

As an educator, you are much more effective when you have immediate access to the tools and information you need. Yet one of the most time-consuming aspects of an educator's job is research. Now that I am a teacher of students with learning challenges, I not only look for content, I also look for strategies, tactics and professional resources. My project goal was to create a well-researched series of TED-Ed lessons that document the tools that I have found effective, with a wealth of information in the "Think" and "Dig Deeper" sections of each lesson. Here are 4 lessons that teachers can use to make a difference in their classrooms on a daily basis:

I hope that teachers take these lessons, use them, share them and customize them. I would love to see what resources and changes they make.

As a teacher of kids with learning disabilities, sometimes I find myself only focusing upon the child's disability and not their ability. Every child can learn, and often it is because of their other abilities that learning takes place. My wish for every teacher of students with learning disabilities is that we enable children to access and use their learning abilities. To support that goal, I created LearnAbilities, an ongoing blog that includes these 4 lessons and more ways to support students and teachers with diverse learning needs.

Closing thoughts:

Every school has a challenge that they need to solve. By employing design thinking, an entire staff, a department or an individual teacher can design a solution for that problem. TED-Ed Select Lessons are a great way to represent the learning or solutions that a teacher creates for their particular challenge!
This article is part of the TED-Ed Innovation Project series, which highlights 25+ TED-Ed Innovation Projects designed by educators, for educators, with the support and guidance of the TED-Ed Innovative Educator program. You are welcome to share, duplicate and modify projects under this Creative Commons license to meet the needs of students and teachers.

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What every teacher needs to know about students with learning disabilities

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Karen Goepen-Wee grew up in a family of 'makers' and problem-solvers. Now, this solution-oriented mindset helps her students with learning disabilities. For her TED-Ed Innovation Project, Goepen-Wee created a digital collection of resources that she finds useful for her students, their teachers, and their parents.

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Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities

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Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities

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Video from the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  Two experts share their insights on assistive technology for children with learning disabilities.  This might be a helpful resource for teachers or parents gathering initial information about assistive technology and how it may be applied.

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National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

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Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities

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Engaging Students with Learning Differences Early On

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Engaging Students with Learning Differences Early On

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According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, the importance of engaging students early on will help prevent high school students with LDs from dropping out.

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Engaging Students With Learning Differences Early On

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From PBS Learning Media, a site with videos about various technologies used by people with disabilities. These videos are for use in a classroom to help build understanding for students that may require assistive technology. (For Grades 5-12)

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Assistive Technologies | Move to Include | PBS LearningMedia

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This collection of videos and activities, targeting Grades 5-12, comes from Move to Include, the multi-platform public media initiative designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. The initiative looks to inspire and motivate people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.

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The Difference Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

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The Difference Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

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An article with some general information about dyslexia (difficulty with reading) and dyscalculia (difficulty understanding numbers).  This might be a resource for a teacher or parent that wants some general information.

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Both dyslexia and dyscalculia can make it hard to learn math. It's possible to have both, but they're very different.

Dyslexia is better known than dyscalculia. That may be why some people call dyscalculia "math dyslexia." This nickname isn't accurate, though. Dyscalculia is not dyslexia in math. See this chart to learn more.

What is it?

A learning difference that mainly involves difficulty with reading. Dyslexia can affect writing and spelling, too. It can also impact math.

A learning difference that causes trouble with making sense of numbers and math concepts.

Signs you may notice

Struggles with reading

Has trouble sounding out words

Has difficulty memorizing sight words

Doesn't remember items on a shopping list, phone numbers, or game scores (has trouble with working memory)

Avoids reading aloud

Has poor spelling and grammar

Doesn't understand what's read

Confuses the order of letters

Spells the same word differently in the same essay

Has trouble learning to count

Has trouble doing basic computation

Doesn't automatically recall math facts

Doesn't "get" math concepts like "greater than" and "less than"

Struggles to make sense of graphs and charts

Doesn't remember items on a shopping list, phone numbers, or game scores (has trouble with working memory)

Avoids games that involve numbers and counting, like Candy Land

Still uses fingers to count, even after being taught other approaches

Struggles to apply math skills in daily life, like making change or figuring out a tip

Possible social and emotional impact

Struggling with reading can make kids feel inferior to their peers and can impact self-esteem. Kids with dyslexia may be embarrassed to read aloud.

Ongoing trouble with math can shake kids' confidence. That can make them question their abilities in other subject areas.

Kids might also avoid playing games or sports that involve math and keeping score. See more ways dyscalculia can affect kids' social life.

Kids with dyslexia may have a hard time understanding jokes or sarcasm. Taking extra time to come up with words or to answer questions can make fitting in hard, too. Learn more about how dyslexia can impact kids' social life.

Specialized instruction or technology that can help

Specific instruction on identifying sounds, understanding how letters represent sounds in speech, and decoding words

Specialized instruction, either one-on-one or in a small group

A reading program that focuses on using all the senses to learn (multisensory approach)

Text-to-speech tools

Specific instruction on learning and retrieving math facts

Being taught strategies and how to apply them to different math problems

Specialized instruction, either one-on-one or in a small group

Tutoring or teaching with a multisensory approach (can help kids find different ways to grasp and use math concepts)

Hands-on math tools like a multiplication pegboard

Accommodations that can help

Extra time on tests

Extra time for reading and writing

Access to the teacher's notes from the lesson to reduce the amount of note-taking

Simplified directions

Using audiobooks

Shortened assignments

Pictures of directions and schedules

Giving sentence starters so kids know how to begin a written response

Letting students show understanding in different ways (oral reports, video presentations, etc.)

Letting students respond in different ways, like answering verbally, having larger spaces for writing, or circling answers instead of filling in blanks

Extra time on tests

Access to a chart of math facts or multiplication tables

Using a calculator when not being tested on computation

Having worksheets broken down into sections

Using manipulatives like coins and blocks for in-class learning

Graph paper to line up numbers and problems

Access to a list of math formulas taught in class

Separate worksheets for word problems and number problems

Highlighting key words and numbers on word problems

Daily review of math skills; pre-teaching new and important concepts

What you can do at home

Read aloud often.

Encourage your child to listen to audiobooks.

Use technology to help with reading.

For younger kids, recite nursery rhymes and sing memory songs.

Use small objects, such as cereal pieces, to solve simple math problems.

Introduce board games, card games, and computer games that provide math practice.

Break down math homework into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, have your child do five problems, take a short break, then move on to the next five.

Explore more ways to help kids with dyscalculia at home.

Explore more ways to help kids with dyslexia at home.

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The Difference Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

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Both dyslexia and dyscalculia can make it hard to learn math. It's possible to have both, but they're very different. Dyslexia is better known than dyscalculia. That may be why some people call dyscalculia "math dyslexia." This nickname isn't accurate, though. Dyscalculia is not dyslexia in math. See this chart to learn more.

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Article: What is Differentiated Instruction?

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Article: What is Differentiated Instruction?

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The article by Resilient Educator goes over the history of differentiation, ways you can apply it and some Pros and Cons to differentiation.

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Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, every student has an individual learning style. Chances are, not all of your students grasp a subject in the same way or share the same level of ability. So how can you better deliver your lessons to reach everyone in class? Consider differentiated instruction-a method you may have heard about but haven't explored, which is why you're here. In this article, learn exactly what it means, how it works, and the pros and cons.

Definition of differentiated instruction

Carol Ann Tomlinson is a leader in the area of differentiated learning and professor of educational leadership, foundations, and policy at the University of Virginia. Tomlinson describes differentiated instruction as factoring students' individual learning styles and levels of readiness first before designing a lesson plan. Research on the effectiveness of differentiation shows this method benefits a wide range of students, from those with learning disabilities to those who are considered high ability.

Differentiating instruction may mean teaching the same material to all students using a variety of instructional strategies, or it may require the teacher to deliver lessons at varying levels of difficulty based on the ability of each student.

Teachers who practice differentiation in the classroom may:

Design lessons based on students' learning styles.

Group students by shared interest, topic, or ability for assignments.

Assess students' learning using formative assessment.

Manage the classroom to create a safe and supportive environment.

Continually assess and adjust lesson content to meet students' needs.

History of differentiated instruction

The roots of differentiated instruction go all the way back to the days of the one-room schoolhouse, where one teacher had students of all ages in one classroom. As the educational system transitioned to grading schools, it was assumed that children of the same age learned similarly. However in 1912, achievement tests were introduced, and the scores revealed the gaps in student's abilities within grade levels.

In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that children with disabilities had equal access to public education. To reach this student population, many educators used differentiated instruction strategies. Then came the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2000, which further encouraged differentiated and skill-based instruction-and that's because it works. Research by educator Leslie Owen Wilson supports differentiating instruction within the classroom, finding that lecture is the least effective instructional strategy, with only 5 to 10 percent retention after 24 hours. Engaging in a discussion, practicing after exposure to content, and teaching others are much more effective ways to ensure learning retention.

Four ways to differentiate instruction

According to Tomlinson, teachers can differentiate instruction through four ways: 1) content, 2) process, 3) product, and 4) learning environment.

1. Content

As you already know, fundamental lesson content should cover the standards of learning set by the school district or state educational standards. But some students in your class may be completely unfamiliar with the concepts in a lesson, some students may have partial mastery, and some students may already be familiar with the content before the lesson begins.

What you could do is differentiate the content by designing activities for groups of students that cover various levels of Bloom's Taxonomy (a classification of levels of intellectual behavior going from lower-order thinking skills to higher-order thinking skills). The six levels are: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

Students who are unfamiliar with a lesson could be required to complete tasks on the lower levels: remembering and understanding. Students with some mastery could be asked to apply and analyze the content, and students who have high levels of mastery could be asked to complete tasks in the areas of evaluating and creating.

Examples of differentiating activities:

Match vocabulary words to definitions.

Read a passage of text and answer related questions.

Think of a situation that happened to a character in the story and a different outcome.

Differentiate fact from opinion in the story.

Identify an author's position and provide evidence to support this viewpoint.

Create a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the lesson.

2. Process

Each student has a preferred learning style, and successful differentiation includes delivering the material to each style: visual, auditory and kinesthetic, and through words. This process-related method also addresses the fact that not all students require the same amount of support from the teacher, and students could choose to work in pairs, small groups, or individually. And while some students may benefit from one-on-one interaction with you or the classroom aide, others may be able to progress by themselves. Teachers can enhance student learning by offering support based on individual needs.

Examples of differentiating the process:

Provide textbooks for visual and word learners.

Allow auditory learners to listen to audio books.

Give kinesthetic learners the opportunity to complete an interactive assignment online.

3. Product

The product is what the student creates at the end of the lesson to demonstrate the mastery of the content. This can be in the form of tests, projects, reports, or other activities. You could assign students to complete activities that show mastery of an educational concept in a way the student prefers, based on learning style.

Examples of differentiating the end product:

Read and write learners write a book report.

Visual learners create a graphic organizer of the story.

Auditory learners give an oral report.

Kinesthetic learners build a diorama illustrating the story.

4. Learning environment

The conditions for optimal learning include both physical and psychological elements. A flexible classroom layout is key, incorporating various types of furniture and arrangements to support both individual and group work. Psychologically speaking, teachers should use classroom management techniques that support a safe and supportive learning environment.

Examples of differentiating the environment:

Break some students into reading groups to discuss the assignment.

Allow students to read individually if preferred.

Create quiet spaces where there are no distractions.

Pros and cons of differentiated instruction

The benefits of differentiation in the classroom are often accompanied by the drawback of an ever-increasing workload. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Pros

Research shows differentiated instruction is effective for high-ability students as well as students with mild to severe disabilities.

When students are given more options on how they can learn material, they take on more responsibility for their own learning.

Students appear to be more engaged in learning, and there are reportedly fewer discipline problems in classrooms where teachers provide differentiated lessons.

Cons

Differentiated instruction requires more work during lesson planning, and many teachers struggle to find the extra time in their schedule.

The learning curve can be steep and some schools lack professional development resources.

Critics argue there isn't enough research to support the benefits of differentiated instruction outweighing the added prep time.

Differentiated instruction strategies

What differentiated instructional strategies can you use in your classroom? There are a set of methods that can be tailored and used across the different subjects. According to Kathy Perez (2019) and the Access Center those strategies are tiered assignments, choice boards, compacting, interest centers/groups, flexible grouping, and learning contracts. Tiered assignments are designed to teach the same skill but have the students create a different product to display their knowledge based on their comprehension skills. Choice boards allow students to choose what activity they would like to work on for a skill that the teacher chooses. On the board are usually options for the different learning styles; kinesthetic, visual, auditory, and tactile. Compacting allows the teacher to help students reach the next level in their learning when they have already mastered what is being taught to the class. To compact the teacher assesses the student's level of knowledge, creates a plan for what they need to learn, excuses them from studying what they already know, and creates free time for them to practice an accelerated skill.

Interest centers or groups are a way to provide autonomy in student learning. Flexible grouping allows the groups to be more fluid based on the activity or topic. Finally, learning contracts are made between a student and teacher, laying out the teacher's expectations for the necessary skills to be demonstrated and the assignments required components with the student putting down the methods they would like to use to complete the assignment. These contracts can allow students to use their preferred learning style, work at an ideal pace and encourages independence and planning skills. The following are strategies for some of the core subject based on these methods.

Differentiated instruction strategies for math

Provide students with a choice board. They could have the options to learn about probability by playing a game with a peer, watching a video, reading the textbook, or working out problems on a worksheet.

Teach mini lessons to individuals or groups of students who didn't grasp the concept you were teaching during the large group lesson. This also lends time for compacting activities for those who have mastered the subject.

Use manipulatives, especially with students that have more difficulty grasping a concept.

Have students that have already mastered the subject matter create notes for students that are still learning.

For students that have mastered the lesson being taught, require them to give in-depth, step-by-step explanation of their solution process, while not being rigid about the process with students who are still learning the basics of a concept if they arrive at the correct answer.

Differentiated instruction strategies for science

Emma McCrea (2019) suggests setting up "Help Stations," where peers assist each other. Those that have more knowledge of the subject will be able to teach those that are struggling as an extension activity and those that are struggling will receive.

Set up a "question and answer" session during which learners can ask the teacher or their peers questions, in order to fill in knowledge gaps before attempting the experiment.

Create a visual word wall. Use pictures and corresponding labels to help students remember terms.

Set up interest centers. When learning about dinosaurs you might have an "excavation" center, a reading center, a dinosaur art project that focuses on their anatomy, and a video center.

Provide content learning in various formats such as showing a video about dinosaurs, handing out a worksheet with pictures of dinosaurs and labels, and providing a fill-in-the-blank work sheet with interesting dinosaur facts.

Differentiated instruction strategies for ELL

ASCD (2012) writes that all teachers need to become language teachers so that the content they are teaching the classroom can be conveyed to the students whose first language is not English.

Start by providing the information in the language that the student speaks then pairing it with a limited amount of the corresponding vocabulary in English.

Although ELL need a limited amount of new vocabulary to memorize, they need to be exposed to as much of the English language as possible. This means that when teaching, the teacher needs to focus on verbs and adjectives related to the topic as well.

Group work is important. This way they are exposed to more of the language. They should, however, be grouped with other ELL if possible as well as given tasks within the group that are within their reach such as drawing or researching.

Differentiated instruction strategies for reading

Tiered assignments can be used in reading to allow the students to show what they have learned at a level that suites them. One student might create a visual story board while another student might write a book report.

Reading groups can pick a book based on interest or be assigned based on reading level

Erin Lynch (2020) suggest that teachers scaffold instruction by giving clear explicit explanations with visuals. Verbally and visually explain the topic. Use anchor charts, drawings, diagrams, and reference guides to foster a clearer understanding. If applicable, provide a video clip for students to watch.

Utilize flexible grouping. Students might be in one group for phonics based on their assessed level but choose to be in another group for reading because they are more interested in that book.

Differentiated instruction strategies for writing

Hold writing conferences with your students either individually or in small groups. Talk with them throughout the writing process starting with their topic and moving through grammar, composition, and editing.

Allow students to choose their writing topics. When the topic is of interest, they will likely put more effort into the assignment and therefore learn more.

Keep track of and assess student's writing progress continually throughout the year. You can do this using a journal or a checklist. This will allow you to give individualized instruction.

Hand out graphic organizers to help students outline their writing. Try fill-in-the-blank notes that guide the students through each step of the writing process for those who need additional assistance.

For primary grades give out lined paper instead of a journal. You can also give out differing amounts of lines based on ability level. For those who are excelling at writing give them more lines or pages to encourage them to write more. For those that are still in the beginning stages of writing, give them less lines so that they do not feel overwhelmed.

Differentiated instruction strategies for special education

Use a multi-sensory approach. Get all five senses involved in your lessons, including taste and smell!

Use flexible grouping to create partnerships and teach students how to work collaboratively on tasks. Create partnerships where the students are of equal ability, partnerships where once the student will be challenged by their partner and another time they will be pushing and challenging their partner.

Assistive technology is often an important component of differential instruction in special education. Provide the students that need them with screen readers, personal tablets for communication, and voice recognition software.

The article Differentiation & LR Information for SAS Teachers suggests teachers be flexible when giving assessments "Posters, models, performances, and drawings can show what they have learned in a way that reflects their personal strengths". You can test for knowledge using rubrics instead of multiple-choice questions, or even build a portfolio of student work. You could also have them answer questions orally.

Utilize explicit modeling. Whether its notetaking, problem solving in math, or making a sandwich in home living, special needs students often require a step-by-step guide to make connections.

References and resources

Books & Videos about differentiated instruction by Carol Ann Tomlinson and others

The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, 2nd Edition

Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Marcia B. Imbeau

The Differentiated School: Making Revolutionary Changes in Teaching and Learning - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Kay Brimijoin, and Lane Narvaez

Integrating Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design: Connecting Content and Kids - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe

Differentiation in Practice Grades K-5: A Resource Guide for Differentiating Curriculum - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Caroline Cunningham Eidson

Differentiation in Practice Grades 5-9: A Resource Guide for Differentiating Curriculum - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Caroline Cunningham Eidson

Differentiation in Practice Grades 9-12: A Resource Guide for Differentiating Curriculum - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Cindy A. Strickland

Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching - Carol Ann Tomlinson

Leadership for Differentiating Schools and Classrooms - Carol Ann Tomlinson and Susan Demirsky Allan

How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms, 3rd Edition by Carol Ann Tomlinson

Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom by Carol Ann Tomlinson and Tonya R. Moon

How To Differentiate Instruction In Mixed Ability Classrooms 2nd Edition - Carol Ann Tomlinson

How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms 3rd Edition by Carol Ann Tomlinson

Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom Paperback - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Tonya R. Moon

Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom (Professional Development) 1st Edition - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Marcia B. Imbeau

The Differentiated School: Making Revolutionary Changes in Teaching and Learning 1st Edition by Carol Ann Tomlinson, Kay Brimijoin, Lane Narvaez

Differentiation and the Brain: How Neuroscience Supports the Learner-Friendly Classroom - David A. Sousa, Carol Ann Tomlinson

Leading for Differentiation: Growing Teachers Who Grow Kids - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Michael Murphy

An Educator's Guide to Differentiating Instruction. 10th Edition - Carol Ann Tomlinson, James M. Cooper

A Differentiated Approach to the Common Core: How do I help a broad range of learners succeed with a challenging curriculum? - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Marcia B. Imbeau

Managing a Differentiated Classroom: A Practical Guide - Carol Tomlinson, Marcia Imbeau

Differentiating Instruction for Mixed-Ability Classrooms: An ASCD Professional Inquiry Kit Pck Edition - Carol Ann Tomlinson

Using Differentiated Classroom Assessment to Enhance Student Learning (Student Assessment for Educators) 1st Edition - Tonya R. Moon, Catherine M. Brighton, Carol A. Tomlinson

The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners 1st Edition - Carol Ann Tomlinson

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Differentiated Instruction: Examples & Classroom Strategies | Resilient Educator

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Differentiated instruction benefits a wide range of students, from those with learning disabilities to those who are considered high ability. Read about classroom tips and strategies for implementation.