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Autism-Focused Intervention Resources & Modules

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AFIRM Modules are designed to help you learn the step-by-step process of planning for, using, and monitoring an evidence-based practice (EBP) with learners on the spectrum from birth to 22 years of age. Supplemental materials and handouts are available for download.

Download an overview of the Components of AFIRM to learn about modules, resources, and professional development options.

Visit the Learn with AFIRM section to find out more.

To learn more about the updated EBPs, check out the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice website.

Introduction to Autism

Selecting an Evidence-Based Practice

AFIRM for Paraprofessionals: Simulated E-Learning

These simulated learning modules include brief overviews, video examples, and activity-based scenarios to learn foundational EBPs.

Reinforcement: Introduction & Practice

Prompting: Introduction & Practice

Supporting Peer Interactions: Introduction & Practice

Time Delay: Introduction & Practice

Visual Cues: Introduction & Practice

AFIRM for Toddlers

AFIRM for Toddlers are a set a of modules developed in collaboration with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center for early interventionists working with toddlers, families, and early care providers.

AFIRM for Toddlers Introduction

Behavior Supports for Toddlers

Naturalistic Interventions in the Child Care Setting

Parent-Implemented Interventions in the Home Setting

Reinforcement

Prompting

Visual Supports

Available Evidence-Based Practice Modules

The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) identified 28 EBPs based upon a systematic review. The EBP modules are designed to help you learn the step-by-step process for planning for, using, and monitoring an EBP with learners with autism from birth to 22 years of age.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Antecedent-Based Interventions

Ayres Sensory Integration®

Behavioral Momentum Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention

Direct Instruction

Differential Reinforcement

Discrete Trial Training

Exercise

Extinction

Functional Behavioral Assessment

Functional Communication Training

Modeling

Music-Mediated Intervention

Naturalistic Intervention

Peer-Mediated Instruction & Intervention

Parent-Implemented Intervention

Prompting

Reinforcement

Response Interruption/ Redirection

Self-Management

Social Narratives

Social Skills Training

Task Analysis

Technology-Aided Instruction & Intervention

Time Delay

Video Modeling

Visual Supports

Available Supplemental Modules

Several EBPs identified in the previous review (Wong et al., 2014) were recategorized or reclassified in the most recent review by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice (see Steinbrenner et al., 2020, p. 30 for details). The four modules below will remain available for AFIRM users as supplemental materials:

Picture Exchange Communication System

Pivotal Response Training

Scripting

Structured Play Groups

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AFIRM Modules AFIRM Modules are designed to help you learn the step-by-step process of planning for, using, and monitoring an evidence-based practice (EBP) with learners on the spectrum from birth to 22 years of age. Supplemental materials and handouts are available for download.

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Positive Environments, Network of Trainers. Evidence-based positive practices and helpful information.

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PENT | Positive Environments, Network of Trainers

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Positive Environments, Network of Trainers Diagnostic Center, Southern California | 4339 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032 Home | Contact Us | CDE Diagnostic Centers

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Taught in a K-8 RSP class. Students in upper elementary and middle school participated and engaged with this lesson.

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The lesson plan for the "Multiple Intelligences" lesson designed using UDL guidelines and support for students with unique learning needs.

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SPED 664 Lesson Plan & REFLECTION TEMPLATE.docx

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Students were given the task of using their strongest intelligence results from the quiz to create something using that intelligence (musical intelligence - writing a song lyric; bodily-kinesthetic - make up a dance; etc.)

Here is a rubric created by Rubistar to assess student work.

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Your Rubric: Multimedia Project : Multiple Intelligences

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Seesaw can be used as a way to view student work/assign activities, give feedback, and communicate with parents.

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Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform

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Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform

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Elementary Learning Experience Platform | Seesaw

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Seesaw is a Learning Experience Platform with 25M+ users, enhancing elementary education, engagement, and school culture while improving academic success.

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Students and educators can create visual presentations/websites to demonstrate their learning.

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A framework designed by CAST to improve teaching and learning for all people based on research and evidence-based practices. They offer suggestions that can be applied to any learning domain to ensure meaningful and engaging lesson design.

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Demonstrate solving math equations using this app-based number line.

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Number Line helps students visualize number sequences and demonstrate strategies for counting, comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

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App-based manipulatives for students to demonstrate place value by using these base-ten blocks.

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Number Pieces by The Math Learning Center

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Number Pieces helps students develop a deeper understanding of place value while building their computation skills with multi-digit numbers. Students use the pieces to represent multi-digit numbers, regroup, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

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These math games help students build their math skills, while using visuals and rewards to keep them engaged.

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Here's how nearly one million teachers use Prodigy in the classroom at no cost!

Help students master math standards with a fun and engaging gameplay experience

Adjust and align Prodigy's in-game math content with your lesson plans

Track student development to decide where to best spend your time

No trial period, no hidden costs for educators. Our optional parent memberships ensure Prodigy stays free for all teachers.

Prodigy for Teachers

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Here's how nearly one million teachers use Prodigy in the classroom at no cost! Help students master math standards with a fun and engaging gameplay experience Adjust and align Prodigy's in-game math content with your lesson plans Track student development to decide where to best spend your time No trial period, no hidden costs for educators.

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Interactive tools and features to use to teach math including a variety of different skills/concepts.

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Interactive Learning Sites for Education

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Interactive Learning Sites for Education

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Khan Academy provides resources to personalize student learning and better meet their learning needs.

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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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Students can participate in ELA lessons and create visual stories based on CCSS.

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Storybird - Read, write, discover, and share the books you'll always remember.

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Become a better writer with Storybird's creativity tools. Online courses, challenges, and reader feedback will help you improve your writing.

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An engaging reading platform for students that uses text scaffolding.

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Literal | Enjoy reading a fun chat format

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Literal makes reading books fun and engaging by putting it in a fun Chat-fiction format. Try it out in your classroom or get a personal account for unlimited reading.

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Reading Rockets uses research-based strategies to support children in becoming strong, confident readers. They provide parents and educators with resources, research, and guides.

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Better Lesson provides educators with resources including lesson plans, student-centered learning resources, and instructional strategies for teachers.

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Go beyond PD day with comprehensive professional learning programs that work. Connected professional learning supports every educator, every day with the tools and resources they need to help all students succeed.
Start a Demo

Create Student-Centered Classrooms with Personalized Professional Learning

We know that students don't all learn the same way or on the same day, so why do we expect educators to? Support both teachers and leaders with a professional learning program that's built from differentiated learning experiences throughout the school year to create meaningful changes for students in every classroom.

Layered Experiences to Support Continuous Learning

Creating district-wide change requires buy-in from all stakeholders, differentiated support for educators, and a clear plan to continuously build upon pedagogical knowledge and practice.

Layering distinct phases into your professional learning plan provides educators with continued support throughout the school year. Educators will engage in in-person, virtual, group, and individual learning experiences that are all designed to help them make the jump from theory to ongoing changes in practice.
Start Building Your PD Plan

Achieve Meaningful Outcomes With Research-Backed PD

Professional learning experiences should end with clear next steps for educators to take. Every BetterLesson learning experience is tied to a measurable outcome that gives educators actionable goals and a clear way to measure progress. Educators will work towards their chosen outcomes throughout the school year as they continually try new strategies, measure the results for students, and use that data to build the next stage of their plan.
Explore Outcomes

Work Towards the Goals of Your District's Strategic Plan

Begin building your new professional learning program by identifying what challenges you'd like to solve in your district. We'll work with you to craft a personalized professional learning plan that's built from the focus areas that align with your district's goals and are key for creating student-centered classrooms.

Instructional Leadership Focus Areas

Improve instruction and learning for teachers and students by building your skills as an instructional leader.

Leading Through Change Lead the improvement of teaching, learning, and overall school climate to enhance student achievement and success. Learn More

Instructional Leadership Focus Areas

Improve instruction and learning for teachers and students by building your skills as an instructional leader.

Leading Through Change Lead the improvement of teaching, learning, and overall school climate to enhance student achievement and success. Learn More

Access Learning Opportunities When They're Needed the Most

Empower educators to achieve meaningful student outcomes in concrete, practical ways by offering job-embedded learning experiences that are paced throughout the school year and can be applied in the classroom the next day. Combining in-person, virtual, collaborative, and self-directed learning opportunities, we seamlessly personalize our learning session to meet the needs of each teacher, instructional specialist, and district leader. This immersive approach to professional development leads to sustainable change in practice that accelerates outcomes, turning district goals into student growth.
See All Learning Experiences

The BL Lab Platform

The BL Lab is at the center of your professional learning program. When all your high-quality learning resources are centralized in one easy to access platform for educators, leaders, and administrators, you close the implementation gap and ensure that district-level innovation truly translates to changes in teacher practice and results for learners.

Educators access learning, engage with their coach, track progress toward their outcomes, and measure their confidence to enact those outcomes in the classroom. Administrators have a complete view of their professional learning programs and dashboards to examine learning progress across individual groups of educators.
Explore the BL Lab

Personalized PD to Support Student-Centered Special Education

In the 2019-2020 school year, the Watervliet City School District identified special education as an area of focus. Special education teachers had shared that general education professional development wasn't meeting their specific needs and did not feel actionable. The district partnered with BetterLesson to develop and implement personalized professional development for all special education teachers through a full year of 1:1, job-embedded, virtual Coaching with BetterLesson's expert educators.
See the Results

Strategies, Resources, and Events From BetterLesson

Create the next generation of resourceful, compassionate, and resilient learners. All professional learning programs should give educators the training, tools, and resources they need to create a culture of student-centered learning in their district so that every child has the chance to succeed.

Our Impact

99% of teachers are satisfied with the support they received from their BL coach

54,000+ teachers supported

1.4 million+ registered members use our lesson plans

2.17 million+ students impacted

Learn More

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

The Learning Curve

Accelerate growth in your schools and stay ahead of the curve.

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Professional Learning, Connected - BetterLesson

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Go beyond PD day with personalized professional learning that works. Connected professional learning supports every teacher, every day with the tools and resources they need to help all students succeed.

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ISTE Standards for students focus on the empowerment of students and their voice in regards to technology and digital safety.

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The ISTE Student Standards guide educators toward student-driven learning practices that prepare students to thrive in an evolving technological landscape.

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ISTE Standards for Educators focus on helping students become empowered learners. The standards promote a deeper understanding of digital literacy, and ways to prepare students to have more academic ownership.

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The ISTE Educator Standards challenge educators to deepen their practice, empower students and rethink traditional approaches to education.

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Students can create portfolios and websites with Weebly for free. They offer templates as well as tools to build into your website.

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A website to help you visualize ideas by creating flowcharts and diagrams.

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Lucidchart will automatically upgrade your account if you're a K12 educator or student registering with a valid educational email address. You simply need to sign up for a free account and follow the dialogue prompts-it's that simple.

Higher Education student or professor? We've got you covered.

1. For Higher Education students and professors, sign up for a Lucidchart account with your education email address.

2. Click your name in the top right and navigate to "User Settings"

3. Click "Get a Free Educational Upgrade" in the bottom left navigation.

4. Receive your confirmation email, click the link, and you're in!

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Lucidchart will automatically upgrade your account if you're a K12 educator or student registering with a valid educational email address. You simply need to sign up for a free account and follow the dialogue prompts-it's that simple. For Higher Education students and professors, sign up for a Lucidchart account with your education email address.

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Visuwords is a visualization tool that is part dictionary and part thesaurus to create word groupings and visualize linguistic ideas.

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Create mind maps for brainstorming, note-taking, and/or project planning!

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MindMeister: Online Mind Mapping and Brainstorming

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Create, share and collaboratively work on mind maps with MindMeister, the leading online mind mapping software. Includes apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.

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Design infographics using pre-made templates or be creative and make your own! This resource is also free.

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Track students' comprehension in real-time while incorporating videos into your lessons.

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Easily create beautiful interactive video lessons for your students you can integrate right into your LMS. Track students' progress with hassle-free analytics as you flip your classroom!

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With Jamboard, students learn to collaborate and stay engaged using a digital whiteboard.

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Steven Hope, Head of Independent Learning, Leeds City College

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Google Jamboard: Collaborative Digital Whiteboard | Google Workspace for Education - Google for Education

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A collaborative, digital whiteboard makes it easy to create without boundaries and share ideas in real time. Jamboard moves the whiteboard to the cloud.

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Peardeck makes online learning interactive by providing educators with ready-made templates, and additional tools to use with students to gauge prior knowledge, formatively assess, and interact.

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Pear Deck is on a mission to help teachers create powerful learning moments for every student, every day - using the tools you already know and love.

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Teachers and students can use Pixton to create comics. This is a great way for students to use their creativity and demonstrate their learning at the same time. It can also be used for social stories.

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Educators! Learn how to use Pixton in the classroom. Set up your classroom and begin teaching any subject in minutes through the super-power of comics.

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Free and accessible video discussion to assess student learning and promote reflection.

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We express ourselves in different ways. On Flip, you can use our simple and fun built-in camera to record your thoughts, add effects and share within your Flip group as video, audio only or text in your web browser or mobile app.

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Flip is a video discussion and sharing app, free from Microsoft.

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Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a video discussion and video sharing app, free from Microsoft, built for classrooms and beyond. Learn more.

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Learning games for students to be formatively assessed on their knowledge in an exciting group setting.

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Kahoot! | Learning games | Make learning awesome!

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Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that brings engagement and fun to 1+ billion players every year at school, at work, and at home.

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Create effective engagement for your students and quick assessments with Socrative. Assess their learning in real-time.

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Login or sign up for free on Socrative - your assessment partner for real-time assessments and instant insights.

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Students can create flash cards, study, and play learning games using Quizlet. Make studying fun and productive!

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Welcome to a new era of AI-enhanced study with Quizlet. Immerse yourself in any subject imaginable, where you can choose from over 700 million digital flashcard sets or create your own. As the #1 AI-enhanced learning platform, Quizlet offers personalized quizzes and practice tests, expert-written homework solutions, and transformative AI study tools. Join a community of over 300 million learners who have improved their grades and achieved their goals with Quizlet.

With the Quizlet app, students and teachers can:
Upload class notes to make flashcards, practice tests and essay prompts with Magic Notes
Create flashcard sets or search from millions of flashcards created by other students and teachers
Turn flashcards into formative assessments or interactive flashcard games
Use Learn and Test modes to transform flashcards into quizzes and practice tests
Retain material for the long term with spaced repetition
Crush tough homework with expert-written solutions

Download the app today and join a community of over 300 million global learners.
Upgrade to Quizlet Plus and get complete access to homework help, personalized study modes and ad-free studying.

What our students say when they leave 5-star reviews:

"Best study app ever!!"
"The only app I use when I need to get down to business."
"Quizlet is by far the best studying app I've downloaded. It's packed full of different ways to study for upcoming tests!"

Quizlet Plus subscriptions will be charged to your iTunes account. Your monthly or annual subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscriptions in your Account Settings after purchase.

Terms of Service: https://quizlet.com/tos
Privacy Policy: https://quizlet.com/privacy

We've fixed some performance issues so studying should be even smoother.
Need help? Find answers any time in our Help Center: help.quizlet.com
Love Quizlet? Why not leave us a review! :-)

Best study job ever!!!

I have been using this app since 2018. It haven't let me down once. My science teacher required fifteen minutes a day on Quizlet and I never scored below 97% on a test. This app has helped me keep straight A's in so many different ways.
The first way is that it is a very easy app to navigate. This app keeps it very simple with only a few buttons. They also have a help button in their guide that can help you get unstuck if you're stuck. You need minimal tech knowledge to operate this app.
The second way is that you don't need a subscription to study. Sure you need it for some features, such as, different fonts and font colors, adding pictures, scanning documents, and saving for offline use. But there are so many simple ways of getting around that.
As you can tell, this is a must have app for all students of any age. Before I knew about Quizlet I never studied, because who does, right? Wrong. After hearing about Quizlet I love to study. So my advice to any parents who might be reading this is, if your kid(s) grades are dropping because they refuse to study, either have them create a set or create on yourself for them to study and have them practice fifteen minutes a day (except the weekends🙂).

It's meh.

Firstly: If you use a screen reader, you likely already know Quizlet has never been accessible on any platform whatsoever. But if you don't know, don't use the app. Use the web browser version if you have to and can, but if you somewhat use vision, you can use the app for class. The interface is awful on both, with or without a screen reader, but slightly less awful on browser if you use a screen reader. I'd go into detail, but if you use one you can find out without wasting my time. -- OTHER THAN THAT, if you have iPad, use that instead of the iPhone. Text size is a pretty wacky thing on Quizlet, so if you have medium-long words/phrases in your study set, you'll want a bugger screen because bigger text doesn't work out on the app or the web version. And now, unrelated to most of you reading: Since Quizlet's younger days. It became another feature downgraded cash grab. If it's worth it to you, no judgement there, but it won't stop me from criticizing an app that has you pay for a randomized study quiz and a badge by your name, compared to many other apps with similar subscription rates and more variety of useful features. This one is just one of few known studying apps, which is why it's worth it to people, whether they are happy about it or not. The app (Quizlet in general) is just limited in features, especially compared to what it used to be. But hey, maybe that's just because I'm blind and all this app ever says to me is "Button."

Do better.

I LOVED Quizlet. But when you risk the education of others just to make more money?? I personally paid for a quiz plus a few years ago, but when I heard from my classmates and fellow students that they had to PAY for QUIZLET and could no longer continue studying how they are expected to study for school. How is it fair that using resources like Quizlet should be at cost to struggling families and students. My fellow classmates and I use Quizlet almost every day in our classes as a part of our education. Even though there are still features on Quizlet that are free, the most vital features on Quizlet are now at cost for our own education. Now they can no longer exceed expectations that school requires for studying , with having to pay for test mode and more learning rounds- which helps millions of students study every single day?! Thousands and thousands of teachers use Quizlet to help teach their classes and help their students have a higher education. We beg of you PLEASE QUIZLET, I'm speaking on behalf of the thousands and thousands of students, teachers, & schools that use Quizlet on a daily basis. Not everyone is capable of paying in order to succeed in school. This is absolutely incredibly unacceptable and disgusting. When I first heard the news, I thought it was a joke. Please Quizlet, bring back the old you. Bring back the Quizlet we all knew and loved. Make Quizlet amazing again. Thank you.
#standwiththefight #wewanttheoldquizlet #bringbackOURquizlet

The developer, Quizlet Inc, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Languages

English, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

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‎Welcome to a new era of AI-enhanced study with Quizlet. Immerse yourself in any subject imaginable, where you can choose from over 700 million digital flashcard sets or create your own. As the #1 AI-enhanced learning platform, Quizlet offers personalized quizzes and practice tests, expert-written ho...

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Google Forms is an easy way to quickly create formative assessments, polls, and quizzes.

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Easily create and share online forms and surveys, and analyze responses in real-time.

Create an online form as easily as creating a document

Select from multiple question types, drag-and-drop to reorder questions, and customize values as easily as pasting a list.

Send polished surveys and forms

Customize colors, images, and fonts to adjust the look and feel or reflect your organization's branding. And add custom logic that shows questions based on answers, for a more seamless experience.

Analyze responses with automatic summaries

See charts with response data update in real-time. Or open the raw data with Google Sheets for deeper analysis or automation.

Create and respond to surveys from anywhere

Access, create, and edit forms on-the-go, from screens big and small. Others can respond to your survey from wherever they are-from any mobile device, tablet, or computer.

Build forms and analyze results together

Add collaborators-just like with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides-to build questions together in real-time. Then analyze results together without having to share multiple versions of the file.

Work with clean response data

Use built-in intelligence to set response validation rules. For example, ensure that email addresses are properly formatted or that numbers fall within a specified range.

Share forms via email, link, or website

It's easy to share forms with specific people or with a broad audience by embedding forms on your website or sharing the links on social media.

Security, compliance, and privacy

Secure by default

We use industry-leading security measures to keep your data safe, including advanced malware protections. Forms is also cloud-native, eliminating the need for local files and minimizing risk to your devices.

Encryption in transit and at rest

All files uploaded to Google Drive or created in Forms are encrypted in transit and at rest.

Compliance to support regulatory requirements

Our products, including Forms, regularly undergo independent verification of their security, privacy, and compliance controls.

Private by design

Forms adheres to the same robust privacy commitments and data protections as the rest of Google Cloud's enterprise services.

You control your data.

We never use your Forms content for ad purposes.

We never sell your personal information to third parties.

Find the plan that's right for you

Google Forms is a part of Google Workspace

Try Forms for Work

For Personal (Free)

Business Standard

$12 USD

per user / month, 1 year commitment info Or $14.40 per user / month, when billed monthly

done

done

15 GB per user

2 TB per user

done

done

100 participants

150 participants

remove

done

Self-service online and community forums

24/7 online support and community forums

Get a head start with templates

Choose from a variety of surveys, questionnaires, and other professionally-designed templates to kick things off quickly.

Orders

Registration

Feedback

Assessment

Orders

Registration

Feedback

Assessment

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Google Forms: Online Form Creator | Google Workspace

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Use Google Forms to create online forms and surveys with multiple question types. Analyze results in real-time and from any device.

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Create voice notes and provide verbal feedback to your students using Mote.

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With Mote, easily add voice comments and audio content to documents, assignments, emails and forms.

Mote is integrated into Google Docs, Drive, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Classroom and Gmail - for easy recording and playback.  Mote also supports voice feedback within the Instructure Canvas SpeedGrader.

You can also create voice notes for any website or application directly from our Chrome extension menu - simply click on the browser icon to access our 'Motepad' recorder.

You can embed your mote recordings into apps like Notion and Google Sites, or share your voice notes as a QR code.

Mote supports transcription in more than 20 world languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Arabic.*

Mote for teachers:
Ask students questions and provide feedback, quickly and with the feeling of human connection. Whether you're at home or in the classroom, Mote helps educators and students to stay connected.

Add voice comments within Google Classroom's Stream and Private Comments views, as well as within Google Docs, Slides and Sheets. Look for the Mote icon in comment boxes.

Record and insert audio clips within Google Slides and Google Forms - simply click on the Mote icon within the application to insert your audio.

Add voice notes anywhere, using our voice recorder accessed from the extension icon in the browser bar.

Mote for students:

Students can leave voice notes, and react to teacher feedback and comments, to let teachers know that they've understood and will action feedback, or that they need more help.

Please see our website for more information about how we're creating a safe and secure experience for users under the age of 18.

Mote for teams:
Mote helps teams collaborate successfully anytime, anywhere. Leave voice note feedback on shared documents and projects, or try using Mote to manage daily stand ups.

Add voice-to-text transcription to your voice note - just click the Mote icon in your browser window to access the menu - and choose from more than 20 world languages to transcribe.*

Easily preview and edit your transcript, if it's not quite right first time.*

Save voice notes to your 'Motebook' to re-use later.*

Translate your transcript into more than a dozen other languages, to make your voice note even more accessible.*

React to voice notes received from other users, and - as a voice note creator - review these reactions within your account activity page.*

* Only available with our paid 'Unlimited' tier (free trial included).
See https://mote.com/pricing for details about our product tiers and pricing.

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Easily correct writing errors and improve writing conventions using Grammarly.

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Grammarly for Chrome offers real-time suggestions to help you write your best online, no matter what you're working on in your browser.

With comprehensive feedback on spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, and writing style, Grammarly is more than just a proofreader. It's a tool that helps you write with confidence, find the best words to express yourself, and communicate your ideas with ease. Grammarly's generative AI capabilities allow you to produce contextually relevant drafts, ideas, replies, and more on demand.

➤ Terms and Conditions
By installing the extension, you agree to and acknowledge:
www.grammarly.com/terms
www.grammarly.com/privacy-policy

➤ How it works
Grammarly analyzes your sentences as you write and adds color-coded underlines to words and phrases where you can improve your writing. You can apply Grammarly's suggestion with a single click, or expand the suggestion to learn more about it.

➤ Go beyond grammar
Grammarly's advanced spelling checker and grammar checker go far beyond the built-in tools of word processors. Grammarly can detect not only misspellings, but also commonly confused words used in the wrong context, like "affect" and "effect." In addition, it can flag and fix complex grammar and punctuation issues like sentence fragments, comma splices, and subject-verb disagreement.

But great writing is about much more than just grammar and spelling. That's why Grammarly also helps you streamline wordy phrases and rewrite sentences that are likely to confuse readers. It also suggests word choice improvements to help keep readers engaged, and helps you adjust your tone to ensure you come across the way you intend.

For students: Now available on the extension, our free beta auto-citations feature generates citations for online sources in seconds, without you having to enter any info manually or leave the web page. Get pre-formatted citations ready to go, whether you use APA, MLA, or Chicago.

➤ What's included?

~ Free
The free version of Grammarly includes basic writing suggestions designed to help you produce clean, mistake-free writing.
* Grammar checker
* Spelling checker
* Punctuation checker
* Tone detector
* Auto-citations

~ Premium
Grammarly Premium includes everything available for free, plus an expanded range of writing feedback designed to help you produce high-quality writing that makes an impact.
* Clarity-focused sentence rewrites
* Tone adjustments
* Vocabulary improvements (word choice, formality level)
* Fluency suggestions
* Generative AI features
* Additional advanced suggestions

➤ Works where you write
Grammarly is designed to work seamlessly in your browser-no copying or pasting required. Use it in Google Docs, email clients, social media, and across the web. Grammarly for Chrome works across:
* Google Docs
* Gmail
* Linkedin
* And more!

➤ Trusted by millions of users
"Grammarly ensures your messages are professional and grammatically correct by offering spell-checking, tone suggestions, and even vocabulary hints." -Forbes

"It's the go-to service for fixing grammar, punctuation, and awkward sentences for professionals, college students, and people who write for a living-which is pretty much everyone, even if you don't think of yourself as a writer." -Inc

"Unlike basic spell checkers, Grammarly is a complete writing assistant app. It's wonderful for anyone who needs help writing." -PC Mag

➤ Get Grammarly on your desktop
Want to use Grammarly outside of your browser, in apps like Word, Outlook, and Slack? Try Grammarly for Windows or Grammarly for Mac, now available for download from www.grammarly.com/desktop.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We value the trust our customers put in us to keep their information safe and secure. Read our Trust page (www.grammarly.com/trust) to learn more about our user-first approach to privacy and security. California residents, please see the California Privacy Notice (www.grammarly.com/privacy-policy#for-california-users).

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Grammarly: Grammar Checker and AI Writing App

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Improve your writing with all-in-one communication assistance-including grammar check, generative AI, and more.

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Record, edit, and share videos by recording your screen.

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millions use Screencastify to create amazing videos

/* Sets tab pane to display block instead of default display:none */ /* Allows CSS opacity transitions */ .w-tab-pane, .w--current { display: block; } /* Any .w-tab-pane that does not have webflow .w--curent sets opacity 0 */ .w-tab-pane:not(.w--curent) { opacity: 0; } /* Any element with .w-tab-pane that has .w--tab-active sets the opacity 100% */ .w-tab-pane.w--tab-active { opacity: 1; } /* Set the opacity transition to 1 second ease-in */ .w-tab-pane { transition: opacity 1s ease-in; }

Educator, student, marketer, engineer, gamer. Whatever part you play, you'll have simple, yet powerful screen recording and editing tools.
Learn more

Easily share your creations in multiple channels. Let more viewers watch, pause and rewind on their schedule while maximizing time by eliminating unnecessary meetings.
Learn more

Collect video assignments to ensure any team or student is heard. Track viewing activity and add interactive questions and more to ensure your message is understood.
Learn more

Educator, student, marketer, engineer, gamer. Whatever part you play, you'll have simple, yet powerful screen recording and editing tools.
Learn more

Easily share your creations in multiple channels. Let more viewers watch, pause and rewind on their schedule while maximizing time by eliminating unnecessary meetings.
Learn more

Collect video assignments to ensure any team or student is heard. Track viewing activity and add interactive questions and more to ensure your message is understood.
Learn more

loved by everyday video creators

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Screencastify | Screen Recording and Video Editing

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Screencastify is the leading screen recorder for Chrome. Install the extension to record, edit, and share videos in seconds. Create video class assignments, training and tutorials, and make business communication faster.

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An app where teachers can communicate with parents and encourage students for their values & skills. Student voice is encouraged by sharing their learning and work samples!

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ClassDojo helps teachers, parents, and students build amazing classroom communities.

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Easily create rubrics for assignments using ready-made templates, or building your own.

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RubiStar is a tool to help the teacher who wants to use rubrics, but does not have the time to develop them from scratch.

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Send text reminders and build community with this app designed for two-way messaging. It makes communication easier for educators.

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Adoption and usage

Simple, effective, and surprisingly easy to use

With nearly 30 million users in 80% of US schools, the numbers speak for themselves: students, families, and educators love using Remind.

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Remind | Communication Platform for Education

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Remind is a communication platform that reaches students and families where they are and supports learning wherever it happens. Millions of educators, students, and parents use Remind to connect with the people and resources that help them teach and learn.

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An app used to communicate with students using group messaging or direct messaging. A quick way to answer student questions and send reminders/updates!

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Pronto's mission is to help institutions recruit and retain students by connecting and engaging students throughout their journey- from matriculation to graduation and beyond.

Pronto connects your entire campus, giving students unprecedented access to faculty, classmates, and institutional support services right from their mobile device.

Convert your campus into a community today with Pronto.

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Pronto | Every Enrollment Matters. * Pronto

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Pronto's mission is to help institutions recruit and retain students by connecting and engaging students throughout their journey- from matriculation to graduation and beyond. Pronto connects your entire campus, giving students unprecedented access to faculty, classmates, and institutional support services right from their mobile device. Convert your campus into a community today with Pronto.

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An eBook library designed to support people with reading barriers.

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Bookshare | An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities

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Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.

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Quick ELA resources - templates for learning games/activities

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An interactive digital library for students, designed to spark a passion for reading in students and help them become empowered readers.

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Reading Is Fundamental - Now featuring the best reading apps for kids.

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Built-in features for Apple products to support accessibility.

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Magnifier works like a digital magnifying glass, using the camera on your iPhone or iPad to increase the size of anything you point it at - from a prescription bottle to a candlelit menu. For those who are blind or have low vision and want more information about their physical surroundings, Detection Mode in Magnifier combines input from the camera, LiDAR Scanner, and on-device machine learning to offer intelligent tools like People Detection, Door Detection, Image Descriptions, Text Detection, and Point and Speak.

If you're standing in line, you can use People Detection to determine a person's proximity to you. Door Detection can help you navigate by identifying doors, text, and the presence of symbols - such as a restroom symbol, a no smoking symbol, or an accessible-entrance symbol - within a few feet of you. Image Descriptions and Text Detection let you hear more about people, objects, landscapes, and text in your camera's field of view. And Point and Speak makes it easier to interact with physical objects that have text, like household appliances, keypads, or labels on files. As you point and move your finger over or under different buttons or elements, your iPhone or iPad reads the text out loud, so you can perform everyday activities and tasks with more ease and independence.

Put moments into words.

Match your levels to your location.

Look down for a heads‑up.

Pinch.
Pinch.
Chat.

AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch lets people with upper-body limb differences use their Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display or controls. Using built-in motion sensors and on-device learning, Apple Watch detects subtle differences in muscle movements and tendon activity, letting you control the display through hand gestures like a pinch or a clench. Answer incoming calls, control an onscreen motion pointer, and access Notification Center, Control Center, and more. You can also use AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch to run shortcuts with Siri to complete tasks or modify VoiceOver and Switch Control settings on your iPhone.

AssistiveTouch for iOS and iPadOS helps you adapt standard gestures - like pinch, rotate, or swipe - to make them more comfortable for you. You can make other actions, like changing volume, accessible from the AssistiveTouch menu.

Cue
magic
here.

Let your voice call the shots.

Make your own calm.

This feature speaks for itself.

Assistive Access makes it easy for people with cognitive disabilities to tailor iPhone and iPad to reduce cognitive load and suit their specific needs. Designed with feedback from individuals with cognitive disabilities and their trusted supporters, this feature helps people focus on the activities they enjoy most and that are foundational to iPhone and iPad - connecting with friends and family, taking and sharing photos, and listening to music.

Assistive Access offers a distinctive interface with high-contrast buttons and large text labels, as well as tools to help individuals and trusted supporters focus the experience in specific apps - Phone and FaceTime (which have been combined into a single Calls app), Messages, Camera, Photos, and Music. You can also choose a more visual, grid-based layout for your Home Screen and apps, or a row-based layout if you prefer text.

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Apple products and services have built-in accessibility features to help you connect, create, and do what you love in the ways that work best for you.

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Explore the developers of Google's accessibility features/products, find resources for using the products, and explore research on the accessibility tools.

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Explore the accessibility features designed to support individuals in the area of vision, hearing, neurodiversity, learning, mobility, and mental health.

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Our commitment

We are committed to create and grow usage of accessible technology, expand skilling and hiring opportunities for people with disabilities, and advocate for policies that advance accessibility as a fundamental right.

Learn about our approach

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Accessibility Technology & Tools | Microsoft Accessibility

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Explore accessibility and inclusion technology from Microsoft Accessibility. Ensure and empower those around you to participate in activities at work or play.

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Examples of Modifications & Adaptations for Lesson Plans

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Examples of Modifications & Adaptations for Lesson Plans

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For scheduling, setting, materials, instruction, student response, assessment, grading, and testing.

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A communication board designed in alignment with the "Multiple Intelligences" lesson/lesson plan.

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Supports for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities

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Supports for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities

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A reflection on my lesson design in regards to better supporting students with sensory disabilities.

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Supports for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

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Supports for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

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A reflection on my lesson design in regards to better supporting students with cognitive disabilities.

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A student presentation for a lesson I created aligned with ISTE Standards focusing on the impacts of cyberbullying, identifying, and reporting it.

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I recorded my presentation using Screencastify. I hope you enjoy!

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Welcome to our amazing Classroom Timer Section! We've decided to put our new fun timers, and timers for classrooms into a nice sub-section. These are great timers for children, or maybe meetings, or anything really.

They just add some extra fun to the usual countdown timers :-)

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A range of fun timers! Great for the classroom, or meetings. Bookmark some new educational materials today! All Free, all for download.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Educators can deliver "differentiated, standards-aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tools and evidence-based instructional support".

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Create a consistent, engaging learning environment

Unique Learning System is a one‑of‑kind solution designed specifically to help students with special learning needs master their state's extended standards. From one convenient, cloud‑based platform, educators deliver differentiated, standards‑aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tools, and evidence‑based instructional support. Students from pre-K through transition have the advantage of consistent, high-quality instruction, a motivating interactive learning environment, engaging symbol support, and a path to independence.

See how ULS incorporates the Science of Reading

Easily maintain and demonstrate compliance

Administrators, teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and parents all benefit from the powerful supports within Unique Learning System that help them meet the ultimate goal: helping every student gain meaningful access to learning and develop greater self-sufficiency. Built‑in assessment tools and resources provide insight into each learner's knowledge, abilities, and needs as they progress. And extensive data related to that growth informs instruction and documents mastery toward IEP goals and standards.

Explore More

Simplify complex daily roles to increase educator satisfaction

Teachers, imagine starting the school day without the rush to create materials for multiple levels of learners, prepared to provide every student with access to their state's extended standards, knowing what standards that day's lessons will address-and how, and having clear insight into every student's needs and learning level to ensure they continue to progress. From one convenient and powerful solution, you can create opportunities for your students to succeed in school and life.

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Drive positive student outcomes across all content areas

With research guiding our work every step of the way, we help educators address the needs of the whole student from one easy‑to‑navigate solution that provides instruction across the content areas for pre‑K-transition. Students can chart their own course to academic success with access to extended learning standards and the same concepts as their peers in general education. And they gain pride and confidence through differentiated lessons that enable each to participate in rigorous daily instruction at the appropriate level with evidence‑based supports.

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Teach and learn anytime, anywhere

Like n2y's Total Solution, Unique Learning System is both simple and powerful-easily working with existing technology and seamlessly adaptable to future systems. Its cloud-based content and features reach students no matter where they learn throughout the day: in school or at home.

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What's Included?

A one-year Unique Learning System license provides:

Unlimited access for one service provider and 15 students to one grade band of differentiated lessons, and standards-aligned content for ELA, math, social studies & science, and transition. Designated to ensure standards mastery, grade bands include Pre-K, Elementary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12) and Transition.

Student View access from any location

Use of the powerful Goals, Preferences and Skills (GPS) assessment hub and resulting student data and reporting

Access to regular updates and additions

Time-saving, easy-to-use platform that integrates with other n2y solutions

24/7 access to our comprehensive Knowledge Base that shows how to use Unique Learning System, including Getting Started, FAQs, and support articles.

There are different levels in Unique [Learning System], and each student is on the level that [enables them to] achieve the maximum. We do monthly Checkpoints to see where they're going, and it shows me that when students need specific help, we get right on it.

Louella Broussard

Teacher

Acadiana High School, LA

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Unique Learning System is the #1 U.S. special education curriculum! Standards-aligned, individualized instruction for measurable student growth and independence.

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Math resources to make learning math practical and accessible. Brings high level of student engagement using hands-on strategies/lessons!

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When student engagement is going downhill, we often find ourselves reaching for the prop box.

We pull out random videos, time-sucking resources, overly complex activities... anything to get and keep attention. But even these can't compete with our students' pen tricks, doodling, and discussions of what happened at recess. And there's a simple reason why:

Our students aren't engaged by things. They're engaged by us. That's why the best (and easiest) ways to increase student engagement come from you.

We compiled 20 essential strategies that generate lasting engagement, without the flashy props and hours of post-school prep.

Let the countdown begin!

20. Connect learning to the real world

We've all heard it before: "When am I ever going to use this?" Answer this question and you'll engage students with content that they know is relevant to life beyond school. Use anecdotes, case studies, and real-life examples from outside the classroom to root your teaching in "the real world".

19. Engage with your students' interests

Find out what already engages your students and build it into the learning process.

Using mathematics as an example, you could have students chart their performance in a video game over the week. You might even get your budding social media influencers to calculate a projected number of Instagram followers.

Learning what excites your students does more than just engage them. You'll build strong relationships and rapport, too.

18. Fill "dead time"

"Dead time" is any point in a lesson where students are left without something to do. You might be handing out a worksheet, getting a presentation set up, or waiting interminably for a YouTube video to load. These are brief windows that leave just enough time for students to tune out, after which time it can be very difficult to get them back.

Fill these blank spaces with low-order activities to hold students' attention. These should be quick, easy, and require minimal follow-up. For example:

Think Pair Share: students reflect on something, discuss with a partner, and then share with the rest of the class once everyone is ready

Quickwrite: write down three questions or points that have been raised by the lesson so far

What I know already: if you're just about to dive into new content, ask students to identify three things they already know about the subject and jot them down as bullet points.

17. Use group work and collaboration

Collaborating with small groups gives students a welcome break from solo bookwork. They'll benefit from each other's perspectives and the ability to express their ideas.

Use your judgment and knowledge of who works well together when organizing group work. Engineering the groups might avoid troublesome partnerships, while allowing students to work with friends might generate the buzz you need for more productive activity.

16. Encourage students to present and share work regularly

Giving students a regular opportunity to share their thoughts and demonstrate learning in front of their peers drives engagement in two ways:

it makes students accountable

it lets them hear from someone other than their teacher.

If your students quiver in fear at the thought of speaking in front of the class, combine presentations with group work. A few ideas:

Have students present in groups after a group task.

Let students share each other's work within smaller groups before asking them to choose one piece to share with the rest of the class.

Let students read or present their work while sitting down. It avoids the pressure of having to "stand and deliver".

Ask for one contribution from each group after discussion, with each group nominating a "spokesperson".

Above all else, make presenting and sharing a regular part of class activity. Your class will become an equitable and engaging space that echoes with the voice of every student, not just your own!

15. Give your students a say

If you don't know how to engage your students, let them tell you! Give your students a say in classroom activity by:

providing a choice of different activities (e.g. group work or solo)

seeking student input for assessment design (e.g. students can choose a final product, provided it meets the criteria)

periodic check-ins to monitor the pace of delivery (e.g. "do we need to go over this a bit more slowly or are we feeling pretty confident?").

Giving students a choice also fosters their sense of ownership over their learning. They'll move from passive consumers to active learners with a stake in classroom activity.

14. Use mixed media

Present learning content in a variety of mediums, including video, audio, and digital resources. Using such tech-rich resources is engaging for two reasons. It's a welcome change from the stacks of paper our students are usually saddled with, and it establishes a direct and relevant connection with the digital world they inhabit.

13. Get your students moving

If your students struggle to sit still for an entire lesson, get them moving. All that pent-up energy can be channelled into a learning activity that puts them on their feet. Try the following.

Have students come to the front and brainstorm together on the whiteboard.

Have students rotate through different stations around the room over the course of an activity.

Have students split into groups or arrange themselves in different areas of the room.

Take a stand: have students move to a particular area of the room to indicate their thoughts on an issue (e.g. "everyone who thinks x, move to the right side of the room; if you think y, stand on the left").

Movement works equally well to engage sluggish or weary students. A quick bit of physical activity will leave them more alert for the next phase of learning.

12. Read the room

If you're steadily losing students to doodling, off-topic chatter, and the pervasive "need to tear and ball up little pieces of paper", it's time to shake things up.

Cut the activity short if it's dragging, clarify instructions if there's confusion, or switch to a more student-centered activity for greater engagement.

Remember: it's impossible to have every student engaged 100% of the time. The next best thing we can do is to notice disengagement and respond to it quickly.

11. Scaffold tasks with checkpoints

If you dump all your instructions on students at the start of a lesson before turning them loose with an activity, confusion and disengagement will likely follow.

That's why it's important to scaffold larger tasks by breaking them into achievable steps. Each of these can be separated by brief "checkpoints" of instruction reorienting students and reminding them of what needs to be done next. They also serve as a periodic call to attention when students are liable to go off track.

10. Focus on discovery and inquiry

Sometimes the best thing you can do for engagement is to get out of your students' way.

Let them discover learning for themselves without being spoon-fed. They'll exercise critical and creative thinking, and pursue the lines of inquiry that interest them.

This doesn't mean you should retreat behind the teacher's desk. Observe your students, listen to them, and talk to them about what they're thinking. Be their guide as opposed to their instructor.

9. Ask good questions

Ask good questions of your students and you'll drive rich, engaging discussions that are open to everyone.

Good questions should be:

open-ended: to avoid "yes/no" answers

equitable: open to answers of varying depth and complexity

legitimate: asked because you want to hear students' thoughts and opinions, not because you're fishing for a correct answer.

When students answer a question, engage with their response. Even if it's incorrect or misinformed, recognize their effort and use it to refine the question further (e.g. "you're on the right track, but could we also think about...").

8. Allow for think time

It's gratifying to see hands shoot up as soon as you ask a question, but letting your students think it over has two benefits. It leads to more considered responses that drive engaging discussions, and it also makes the conversation accessible to those who don't have an instant answer.

After you ask a question, insist on a twenty-second pause and give students an opportunity to extend their standard responses further. For example, you might ask "See if you can explain how you came to your answer, too". You'll receive better answers and start to notice some new hands going up.

7. Shake things up

Predictability is safe, but it can get boring. Mix up your staple teaching strategies with new and novel activities from time to time. Talk to other teachers for ideas. In addition to engagement, you'll also be giving your students an example of what it means to take a risk and try something new.

Experimenting with some new parts of the teacher toolkit also makes it easier to differentiate your instruction. A new activity or delivery method might be the trick to engaging that student who has been a tough nut to crack all year.

6. Give brain breaks

Periodically give students a breather with brain breaks. These are short activities that allow students to stretch their legs before returning to work feeling focused. You can find a list of 20 brain breaks at Mind Bloom.

Meritopia in Mathletics is gamified learning at its best and keeps students engaged! When students earn enough points in Mathletics, they get the perfect brain break in Meritopia by discovering new lands and unlocking characters.

5. Be personable

Relationships and rapport are pillars of lasting engagement, and you can't have either without being personable. This means getting to know your students and letting them get to know you.

While enthusiasm for the learning content might ebb and flow, your smile, laughter, and conversation will engage students every time they walk through your classroom door.

4. Encourage friendly competition

Use in-class games, quizzes, or gamified learning programs to engage students with friendly competition. For example, Live Mathletics (a feature in Mathletics) allows students to test their mathematical skills by competing in 60-second quizzes against peers in their class or around the globe in real time.

"Friendly" is the keyword here. Make sure competitive activities are low stakes and put the emphasis on learning instead of winning.

3. Start lessons with introductory hooks

Engage students from the outset of your lesson with an introductory hook. This could be anything that piques interest, establishes relevance, or inspires curiosity in the subject of the lesson, for example:

a personal anecdote connected to the subject

a brain teaser or challenge question

a historical example

a multimedia source.

Keep your hooks short and segue them directly into an overview of the learning goal. It's an effective opening that engages while setting students up for the main instructional component.

2. Laugh together

Weaving humour throughout your lesson lightens the mood and makes for a more fun experience. Laugh with your students, and don't be afraid to let them laugh at you from time to time!

1. Gamify learning

Games are the most powerful source of engagement for students outside of class, and they're equally effective at driving engagement in learning. Transform activities into games by including levels of difficulty, rewards, and competitive elements. You can read more about gamifying learning here.

You don't have to invest hours in creating rules and drawing up game boards, either. Gamified learning programs can do the work for you. The learning programs in the 3P suite, for example, provide a host of student-friendly games for mathematics, literacy, and science. All you have to do is select the appropriate curriculum and grant your students access.

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20 Student Engagement Strategies for a Captivating Classroom

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Here's our list of the best student engagement strategies to help you create an engaging classroom and better connect with students.

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Tons of technology resources/tools provided by Jordan Cotten.

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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

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Crosscutting Concepts, Science and Engineering Practices, and Disciplinary Core Ideas

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Learn about the standards, standards in your state, and read them.

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Disclaimer: On this page you can find the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The standards are temporarily located on this page while we work to address technical challenges with CoreStandards.org. Thank you for your patience and we will share an update on CoreStandards.org when we have one.
English Language Arts Standards English Language Arts Standards (ADA Compliant) Mathematics Standards Mathematics Standards (ADA Compliant)

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Disclaimer: On this page you can find the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The standards are temporarily located on this page while we work to address technical challenges with CoreStandards.org. Thank you for your patience and we will share an update on CoreStandards.org when we have one.

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Create interactive presentations using live polls, quizzes, word clouds, Q&A's and more!

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"Offers a wide variety of resources and services to suit a diverse set of instructional needs and circumstances". Supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education. Evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices.

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CSU Chico - School of Education Virtual Learning Resources

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CSU Chico - School of Education Virtual Learning Resources

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100+ Learning Resources created by credential candidates at CSU Chico.

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Document created by Amanda Widgay.

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Social-emotional learning curriculum. Offers a "comprehensive, standards aligned social and emotional learning program including professional development that is teacher-led, evidence-based, and trauma-informed with academic integration & mindfulness for all classrooms".

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One of our most popular lessons is the band-aid lesson on fairness. Let's unpack fair vs. equal so we can better teach this concept.

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Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)'s SEL Framework

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Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)'s SEL Framework

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Social and emotional learning framework. 5 Areas: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible-decision making.

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Foster knowledge, skills, and attitudes across five areas of social and emotional competence;

Establish equitable learning environments and coordinate practices across four key settings that support students' social, emotional, and academic development.

Download more information on the framework (available in and Spanish).

Use our reflection protocol to facilitate a discussion on implementation efforts in your school, district, or other setting.

Read more about the 2020 update to our framework, which highlighted the potential of SEL in promoting educational equity and excellence.

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Communities

Communities. Community partners often provide safe and developmentally rich settings for learning and development, have deep understanding of community needs and assets, are seen as trusted partners by families and students, and have connections to additional supports and services that school and families need. Community programs also offer opportunities for young people to practice their social and emotional skills in settings that are both personally relevant and can open opportunities for their future. To integrate SEL efforts across the school day and out-of-school time, school staff and community partners should align on common language and coordinate strategies and communication around SEL-related efforts and initiatives.
Learn more: CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL - Community Partnerships

Families & Caregivers

Families & Caregivers. When schools and families form authentic partnerships, they can build strong connections that reinforce students' social and emotional development. Families and caregivers are children's first teachers, and bring deep expertise about their development, experiences, culture, and learning needs. These insights and perspectives are critical to informing, supporting, and sustaining SEL efforts. Research suggests that evidence-based SEL programs are more effective when they extend into the home, and families are far more likely to form partnerships with schools when their schools' norms, values, and cultural representations reflect their own experiences. Schools need inclusive decision-making processes that ensure that families-particularly those from historically marginalized groups-are part of planning, implementing, and continuously improving SEL.

Schools can also create other avenues for family partnership that may include creating ongoing two-way communication with families, helping caregivers understand child development, helping teachers understand family backgrounds and cultures, providing opportunities for families to volunteer in schools, extending learning activities and discussions into homes, and coordinating family services with community partners. These efforts should engage families in understanding, experiencing, informing, and supporting the social and emotional development of their students.
Learn more: CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL - Family Partnerships

Schools

Schools. Effectively integrating SEL schoolwide involves ongoing planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement by all members of the school community. SEL efforts both contribute to and depend upon a school climate where all students and adults feel respected, supported, and engaged.

Because the school setting includes many contexts-classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playground, bus-fostering a healthy school climate and culture requires active engagement from all adults and students. A strong school culture is rooted in students' sense of belonging, with evidence that suggests that it plays a crucial role in students' engagement. SEL also offers an opportunity to enhance existing systems of student support by integrating SEL goals and practices with universal, targeted, and intensive academic and behavioral supports. By coordinating and building upon SEL practices and programs, schools can create an environment that infuses SEL into every part of students' educational experience and promotes positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students.
Learn more: CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL

Classrooms

Classrooms. Research has shown that social and emotional competence can be enhanced using a variety of classroom-based approaches such as: (a) explicit instruction through which social and emotional skills and attitudes are taught and practiced in developmentally, contextually, and culturally responsive ways; (b) teaching practices such as cooperative learning and project-based learning; and (c) integration of SEL and academic curriculum such as language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and performing arts. High-quality SEL instruction has four elements represented by the acronym SAFE: Sequenced - following a coordinated set of training approaches to foster the development of competencies; Active - emphasizing active forms of learning to help students practice and master new skills; Focused - implementing curriculum that intentionally emphasizes the development of SEL competencies; and Explicit - defining and targeting specific skills, attitudes, and knowledge.

SEL instruction is carried out most effectively in nurturing, safe environments characterized by positive, caring relationships among students and teachers. To facilitate age-appropriate and culturally responsive instruction, adults must understand and appreciate the unique strengths and needs of each student and support students' identities. When adults incorporate students' personal experiences and cultural backgrounds and seek their input, they create an inclusive classroom environment where students are partners in the educational process, elevating their own agency. Strong relationships between adults and students can facilitate co-learning, foster student and adult growth, and generate collaborative solutions to shared concerns.
Learn more: CASEL Guide to Effective SEL Programs

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one's own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one's strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.

Such as:

Integrating personal and social identities

Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets

Identifying one's emotions

Demonstrating honesty and integrity

Linking feelings, values, and thoughts

Examining prejudices and biases

Experiencing self-efficacy

Having a growth mindset

Developing interests and a sense of purpose

Check out this video from PBS Learning Media for more information.

Self-Management

Self-management: The abilities to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals.

Such as:

Managing one's emotions

Identifying and using stress management strategies

Exhibiting self-discipline and self-motivation

Setting personal and collective goals

Using planning and organizational skills

Showing the courage to take initiative

Demonstrating personal and collective agency

Check out this video from PBS Learning Media for more information.

Social Awareness

Social awareness: The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

Such as:

Taking others' perspectives

Recognizing strengths in others

Demonstrating empathy and compassion

Showing concern for the feelings of others

Understanding and expressing gratitude

Identifying diverse social norms, including unjust ones

Recognizing situational demands and opportunities

Understanding the influences of organizations and systems on behavior

Check out this video from PBS Learning Media for more information.

Responsible Decision-Making

Responsible decision-making: The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being.

Such as:

Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness

Learning how to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts

Identifying solutions for personal and social problems

Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one's actions

Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside and outside of school

Reflecting on one's role to promote personal, family, and community well-being

Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts

Check out this video from PBS Learning Media for more information.

Relationship Skills

Relationship skills: The abilities to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. This includes the capacities to communicate clearly, listen actively, cooperate, work collaboratively to problem solve and negotiate conflict constructively, navigate settings with differing social and cultural demands and opportunities, provide leadership, and seek or offer help when needed.

Such as:

Communicating effectively

Developing positive relationships

Demonstrating cultural competency

Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving

Resolving conflicts constructively

Resisting negative social pressure

Showing leadership in groups

Seeking or offering support and help when needed

Standing up for the rights of others

Check out this video from PBS Learning Media for more information.

Social & Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities.

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Our SEL framework, known to many as the "CASEL wheel," helps cultivate skills and environments that advance students' learning and development.

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Can be described as students' "academic and personal background knowledge; accumulated life experiences; skills and knowledge used to navigate everyday social contexts; and world views structured by broader historically and politically influenced social forces". A concept to describe "the historical accumulation of abilities, bodies of knowledge, assets, and cultural ways of interacting" (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction).

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Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: In Depth

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Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: In Depth

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About the development of phonological awareness skills.

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Designed to provide educators with "the information they need to make evidence-based decisions". Find what works based on topics & evidence.

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New WWC Methodological Report on Using Bayesian Meta-Analysis to Explore the Components of Early Literacy Interventions

This WWC methodological report explores to what extent components of early literacy interventions can explain which interventions have positive effects on alphabetics outcomes. The components examined in this report have a limited role in explaining variation in intervention effects, but this report identified positive associations between intervention impacts on alphabetics outcomes and components related to using student assessment data to drive decisions and teaching social-emotional learning strategies. >> More info

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As an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) was created in 2002 to be a central and trusted source of scientific evidence for what works in education.

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CCSS ELA 1st Grade w/ Common Core ELD Standard Alignment 

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CCSS ELA 1st Grade w/ Common Core ELD Standard Alignment 

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Aligning CCSS ELA Standard with ELD Standards for 1st Grade.

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A handout with examples of formative assessments and explanations.

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49 Instructional strategies/approached adapted with the Washoe County School District.

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Information about Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy from the CA Department of Education. "Promotes equality across racial and ethnic communities and seeks to ensure access and opportunity".

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Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy builds on decades of asset-based pedagogical research including Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (Ladson-Billings) and Culturally Responsive (Gay and Hammond) and Linguistic (Hollie) Pedagogy.

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy affirms and respects the key components of the Asset-Based Pedagogies that preceded it, but also takes them to the next level. Instead of just accepting or affirming the backgrounds of students of color as seen in Culturally Relevant Pedagogy; or connecting to students' cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and frames of reference as we see in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy; Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy views schools as places where the cultural ways of being in communities of color are sustained, rather than eradicated.

Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy promotes equality across racial and ethnic communities and seeks to ensure access and opportunity. Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy also supports students to critique and question dominant power structures in societies.

Django Paris and H. Samy Alim describe the key features across culturally sustaining educational settings in an Education Week Author Interview: 'Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies' .

Feature

What it Looks Like

Students' languages, literacies, and cultural ways of being are centered meaningfully and consistently in classroom learning instead of being considered as "add-ons."

Educators and schools are in conversation with communities about what they desire and want to sustain through schooling.

Educators connect present learning to the histories of racial, ethnic, and linguistic communities both locally and nationally.

Educators value and sustain the cultural and linguistic practices of the community while providing access to the dominant culture (white, middle class, and standard English speaking).

Resources

H. Samy Alim and Django Paris, eds., Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies: Teaching and Learning for Justice in a Changing World, Teachers College Press (2017).

Gloria Ladson-Billings, "Culturally Relevant Pedagogy 2.0: a.k.a. the Remix" , Harvard Educational Review (Volume 84, Number 1, p.74-84, Spring 2014), accessed October 2019.

Ferlazzo and Paris, "Author Interview: 'Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies'" , EdWeek (2017), accessed January 2020.

Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy

Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy extends Paris and Alim's research to Native American learners. The Western colonization of the United States historically erased Native American culture, belief systems, and languages. Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy specifically relates to reclaiming or revitalizing what Native American learners lost through the process of colonization.

Most Native American learners in the United States attend schools outside of reservations and constitute very small percentages of public school populations. Disparities on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, as well as in graduation rates, overrepresentation in special education, and college completion rates are evident when comparing Native American students to their White counterparts.

Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy is a promising practice in utilizing Native culture and language to positively impact Native learners' achievement. Deeply embedded in these practices is the teaching of Native languages in order to allow students to deeply connect with their cultural communities. Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy ensures that Native culture is present throughout the curriculum as well.

Resources

Michelle M. Jacob, Leilani Sabzalian, Joana Jansen, Tary J. Tobin, Claudia G. Vincent, and Kelly M. LaChance, "The Gift of Education: How Indigenous Knowledges Can Transform the Future of Public Education" (PDF) , International Journal of Multicultural Education (Volume 20, Number 1, 2018), accessed October 2019.

Teresa L. McCarty and Tiffany S. Lee, "Critical Culturally Sustaining/Revitalizing Pedagogy and Indigenous Education Sovereignty" , Harvard Educational Review, accessed October 2019.

Questions: Teacher and Leader Policy Office | TLPO@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-7331

Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 09, 2023

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Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy builds upon the Asset-Based Pedagogies that came before it but presents the need to not only affirm and connect to students' cultural backgrounds, but also to sustain them through schooling.

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The largest multicultural children's book publisher.

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From Exceptional Thinkers.

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Here's a curated list of books about children with disabilities for your classroom library.

(This post contains affiliate links from which I receive a commission at no extra cost to you)

I created a curated list of books about children with disabilities to provide inspiration for your classroom library. Some of the books focus on certain topics or disabilities, while others highlight diversity and tolerance. Starting off with the right teaching materials is something we can do to ensure we are prepared for teaching special education.

Why Kids Need Book Characters They Can Relate To

It's important to provide students with diverse reading materials. Children want to "see themselves" in the stories they read. They need to be able to relate to the characters in order to better connect with the story. When children can personally relate to a character, it provides a sense of belonging and familiarity.

Students should have access to books that portray characters they can relate to. This applies to race, culture, sexual orientation, medical diagnoses, etc. For this reason, I keep my eye out for books that feature different types of backgrounds.

Why Kids Need Book Characters They CANNOT Relate To

While it is important for children to see book characters they can relate to, it's also important for them to see characters that are not like them. Children should also be exposed to characters they cannot relate to. They need to understand that not everyone is like them and that's okay.

Building a classroom library is so much more than picking out books. It's a hidden opportunity to celebrate differences and encourage tolerance. Click To Tweet

Books About Children with Disabilities

I broke my book recommendations into 7 groups to make the list easier to navigate. Other than being grouped into categories, they're in no particular order. Here are the categories for my recommended books about children with disabilities:

Understanding Differences

Learning Disabilities

ADHD

Physical Disabilities

Social Skills

Behavior

More Children's Books About Disabilities

Books About Children with Disabilities: Understanding Differences

Many iconic figures have overcome obstacles to become great leaders in their industries.

Wonder tells the tale of a community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance when they meet a little boy with a facial difference.

There are many great reasons for being friends with those who are different us. It's okay to be different.

Jack and George go to an inclusive summer camp and encounter new friends with a wide range of different abilities.

Roxy the Raccoon works with his friends to make the forest an inclusive place for everyone, including those with a disability.

Celebrate diversity by appreciating the variety of abilities people have.

Special People, Special Ways conveys the message that even there is something different about each of us, we have many things in common.

Leo is late in learning to read, write, draw, and speak. His mother knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready.

Ricky the rock can't roll with his friends because he's flat on one side.

Different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.

Though she lives with the daily challenges of disability, Grace Anna is a typical kid with big dreams.

Through her kindness and devotion, Leah's sister teaches the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.

Children will enjoy the fun rhymes and illustrations that assure them that they're wonderful as they are.

Monica is a feisty girl who isn't afraid to be who she is. Read how Monica expresses herself and deals with students who laugh at her differences.

Books About Children with Disabilities: Autism

This is the true story of Temple Grandin and how she went from a nonverbal child who struggled in school to become one of the most respected leaders in the autism community. Click here to read my full review of this book.

Nathan, explains his "autism spectrum superpowers" and how they affect him.

Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates because of his "autism stripe."

This comprehensive resource helps kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to understand their condition.

This story talks presents autism from the honest perspective of a child's point of view.

A young boy celebrates his autism heroes who have made great achievements in history.

A teen living faces many struggles while trying to have fun with her friends and having to deal with the stigma attached to her autistic brother.

This story encourages children to appreciate the positive contribution that an autistic child can make to the group.

The Asperkids' (Secret) Rule Book of Social Rules is a guide to hidden social rules that can be awfully confusing.

Zak describes his life with autism to help readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn about patience and understanding.

Tully and Me is about differences and understanding where children with autism can be accepted by their friends.

When Same is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, teamwork-based support helps his life become a little easier.

Books About Children with Disabilities: Learning Disabilities

Adam struggles to learn about letters but must learn how to overcomes the alphabet war.

Knees looks like a regular chapter book but is written at a lower reading level for less advanced readers. It describes a child's life with dyslexia.

Mr. Falker who encourages Trisha her to overcome her reading disability, dyslexia.

Tom doubts himself and feels inadequate in class until a school competition helps him to find his special talent.

Max has CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder) and struggles to learn, understand language and socialize with other kids. Will Max be able to overcome his disability and succeed in life?

During his first day in flight school, Hank discovers that he has no sense of direction and gets lost on every mission. His teacher shows him how he can compensate for his learning disability and still succeed.

A little girl knows the alphabet but struggles to read. Her teacher explains that she has dyslexia, and helps her to find ways to read and write correctly.

Ally has dyslexia and hides her disability from the class by creating disruptive distractions. Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.

Amy tells all about her Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). She explains how every child with APD is affected in unique ways, and how to get help if you have APD.

Kids reveal their personal tips and tactics for honing the creative benefits of dyslexia, enabling them to thrive in school and beyond.

Books About Children with Disabilities: ADHD

This book gives kids with ADHD strategies for taking care of oneself, modifying behavior, and dealing with doctors, counselors, and medication.

Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him all the time and sometimes he just can't settle. When his mom wants to talk to him, he figures he's in trouble...but she has a surprise for him instead!

All Dogs Have ADHD uses images and ideas from the canine world to explore a variety of traits that will be instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with ADHD.

Through his imaginary journal, Tom shares his daily life with readers, helping them to better understand and cope with ADHD.

Thriving with ADHD helps kids with ADHD develop skills to manage their symptoms, while providing a powerful message of encouragement.

Braden's poor decision-making like ill- timed jokes in class forces the adults in Braden's life to teach him about impulse control.

Meet Marvin, a lovable monster with a twelve-stringed baby fang guitar, a rambunctious case of ADHD, and a diary to record it all.

Books About Children with Disabilities: Physical Disabilities

Shane tackles many of the mundane and quirky questions that he's often asked about living with spinal muscular atrophy. He shows readers that he's just as approachable, friendly, and funny as anyone else.

When the Americans with Disabilities Act was proposed to Congress, Jennifer climbed the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them.

Mimi is the new girl at school. She has a physical disabilities and uses a walker. Her classmates are curious and ask questions about their new friend.

Teach diversity and tolerance to young readers, and help them understand and appreciate those children who have health differences.

Yes I Can! follows Carolyn on a typical day at home, at school, and even on a field trip! She can do almost everything the other kids can, even if sometimes she has to do it a little differently.

Ben uses a wheelchair but shows he is just like any other child. Ben shows us that ALL kids can play and dream.

Charley doesn't know how to react to Emma, a girl with limb differences who gets around in a wheelchair at first. But after he and Emma start talking, he learns that different isn't bad, sad, or strange.

Children's Books About Children with Disabilities: Social Skills

Social Skills: Activities for Kids offers strategies to help kids understand body language clues, making friends, and conversation rules, and other social skills.

This book aims to make students' lives easier and more successful by outlining specific ways to interact with others on a daily basis.

Growing Friendships is touted as a social development primer that gives kids the answers they need to make and keep friends.

Speak Up provides 21 concrete strategies children can use to express themselves, build relationships, end arguments and fights, halt bullying, and beat unhappy feelings.

This book includes simple tips to navigate everyday social situations that can be challenging or awkward for kids.

While reading through the alphabet, kids learn how to identify emotions through facial expressions, body language, and in social contexts.

This boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated.

This book helps children improve their social skills so they can better enjoy the benefits of friendship. It covers everything from breaking the ice to developing friendships to overcoming problems.

Children's Books About Children with Disabilities: Behavior and Self- Regulation

Kids with Behavior Challenges is a guide with tips and examples to help kids navigate frustrating daily situations.

What Should Danny Do? is an interactive book that empowers kids with the understanding that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives into what they will be.

The Anger Management Workbook for Kids includes fun, interactive activities to help kids handle powerful emotions for a lifetime of healthy behavioral choices.

What Should Darla Do? is written in a "Choose Your Own Story" format, your kids can help Darla through her day by making choices for her!

I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Mad contains fun activities will help kids talk about their feelings and learn to control them.

What if everybody broke the rules? The world would be a mess. But what if everybody obeyed the rules so that the world would become a better place?

This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.

More Books About Children with Disabilities

Harriet has Cerebral Palsy and is nonverbal. She learns how to make new friends while navigating personal issues with her family at home.

This book describes why some people are deaf and what life is like without the ability to hear.

ACC Kids Like Me helps children ACC understand their condition and feel more accepted and special.

Two children discover that they are good at different things. They realize that they can help each other overcome their challenges and accomplish more together.

This is the story of a little boy whose brother who was born with Cerebral Palsy.

This book teaches children about rare chromosome abnormalities and what makes the people who have them special.

This book talks about why some people are blind and what daily life is like for someone who can't see.

This story is about a little girl who uses ASL to communicate and goes on a field trip with her class.

Hannah explains her Down Syndrome Superpowers and how she's more like other kids than different.

The Black Book of Colors uses illustrations with raised lines and descriptions of colors based on imagery to allow children to imagine living without sight.

Do you know any other books about children with disabilities? What would you add to the list? Comment below with your book suggestions and I'll add them in!

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75 Books About Children with Disabilities

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Other posts from Exceptional Thinkers that you may like: How to Differentiate Instruction Differentiate Instruction Like a Pro How Many Skills Can You Teach in 5 Minutes a Day? Understanding Sensory Issues in Kids How to Make a Lemon Volcano Master Small Group Instruction (with Free...

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Great Diverse Children's Books with Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Children 

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Great Diverse Children's Books with Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Children 

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Picture books and middle grade books from Welcoming Schools (The Human Rights Campaign Foundation).

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Annie's Plaid Shirt. Stacy B. Davids. (K - 1) Annie's mom tells her that she must wear a dress to her uncle's wedding. Annie protests, but her mom buys her a fancy new dress anyway. Annie is miserable. Why can't her mom understand? Then, Annie has an idea. But will her mom agree? Lesson Plan.

The Boy & the Bindi. Vivek Shraya. (Pre-K - 2) A five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu women and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees, giving him permission to be more fully himself. Lesson Plan.

Bunnybear. Andrea J. Loney. (Pre-K - 1) Although Bunnybear was born a bear, he feels more like a bunny. The other bears don't understand him, and neither do the bunnies. Will Bunnybear ever find a friend who likes him just the way he is? Pair with the Gender Snowperson Lesson Plan.

I am Jazz. Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. (K - 5) From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. Based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings. Lesson Plan.

Introducing Teddy: A gentle story about gender and friendship. Jess Walton. (Pre-K - K) Introduces the youngest readers to understanding gender identity and transition in an accessible and heart-warming story about being true to yourself and being a good friend. Lesson Plan.

It Feels Good to Be Yourself. Theresa Thorn. (Pre-K - 3) Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither or somewhere in between. A straightforward exploration of gender identity, providing young readers and adults with the vocabulary to discuss the topic with sensitivity. Pair with the Gender Snowperson Lesson Plan.

Jacob's New Dress. Sarah and Ian Hoffman. (Pre-K - 2) Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? Speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don't identify with traditional gender roles. Lesson Plan.

Julián Is a Mermaid. Jessica Love. (Pre-K - 2) While in the subway with his abuela, Julián sees three women spectacularly dressed up and he wants to dress up just like them. But what will his Abuela think? A story about the power of been seen and affirmed. Lesson Plan.

Red: A C rayon's Story. Michael Hall. (Pre-K - 1) A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis. Almost everyone tries to "help" him be red until a friend offers a new perspective. He's blue! About finding the courage to be true to your inner self. This can be read on multiple levels. Lesson Plan.

They, She, He easy as ABC. Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez. (Pre-K - 1) Inclusive pronouns are featured alongside the alphabet. An introduction to the many different ways people identify and use pronouns. Shows that including everyone is all part of the dance. "No one left out and everyone free." Lesson Plan.

When Aidan Became a Big Brother. Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita. (Pre-K - 2) When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl, but as he grew older, he realized he was a trans boy. When he finds out he is going to be a big brother, he learns the most important thing about being an older sibling: how to love with his whole self. Pair with the Gender Snowperson Lesson Plan.

Middle Grade Books

Better N ate Than Ever. Tim Federle. Nate plans an overnight escape to New York for an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, knowing this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom. Also: Five, Six, Seven, Nate! and Nate Expectations.(4 - 8)

Felix Yz. Lisa Bunker. (5 - 8) When Felix Yz was three he is accidentally fused with a fourth-dimensional being. Now he's on the brink of a risky procedure that will free him. With an awkward crush on a boy at school, a gender fluid grandparent and a Bi mom, family, bullying and identity are woven into the story.

George. Alex Gino. (3 - 6) When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George really wants to play Charlotte in Charlotte's Web. Will she be able to?

Gracefully Grayson. Ami Polonsky. (5 - 7) Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher's wisdom be enough to help Grayson?

Lizard Radio. Pat Schmatz. (5 and up) In a futuristic society, Kivali is a Bender - not quite boy or girl. Sent to CropCamp, a commune meant to steer teens toward a lifetime of good citizenship and "proper" gender roles, Kivali, called Lizard, wrestles with friendship, love, and the price of being true to oneself.

The Moon Within. Aida Salazar. (4 - 7) Celi Rivera's life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend's exploration of what it means to be genderfluid. But most of all, her mother's insistence she have a moon ceremony, an ancestral Mexica ritual, when her first period arrives.

Not Your Sidekick. C.B. Lee. (5 - 8) Welcome to Andover, where superpowers are common, but internships are complicated. On the upside, Jessica gets to work with her longtime secret crush, Abby. With a sudden and dangerous turn, she uncovers a plot larger than heroes and villains altogether. Also see: Not Your Villain.

The Pants Project. Cat Clarke (3 - 6) Liv knows he was always meant to be a boy but he hasn't told anyone - even his two moms yet. Now, his new school has a terrible dress code, he can't even wear pants. Only skirts. The only way for Liv to get what he wants is to go after it himself. But to Liv, this isn't just a mission to change the policy―it's a mission to change his life.

Riding Freedom. Pam Muñoz Ryan. (4 - 6) A fictionalized account of the true story of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst who ran away from an orphanage, lived as a boy, moved to California, and became a stagecoach driver.

Roller Girl. Victoria Jamieson. (4 - 7) An inspiring coming-of-age story about friendship, perseverance, and girl power! And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. Graphic novel.

Steven Universe. Rebecca Sugar. (2 - 6) Many books and graphic novels are set in the "Steven Universe", an Emmy award winning animated series on Cartoon Network. Follow the adventures of Steven and the Gems. This series Includes LGBTQ, non-binary characters, and an intersex character.

Zenobia July. Lisa Bunker. (5 - 9) Zenobia July is starting a new life in Maine with her aunts. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, Zenobia knows she's the one with the hacking skills to solve the mystery

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Diverse Children's Books Trans and Non-Binary Children

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Annie's Plaid Shirt. Stacy B. Davids. (K - 1) Annie's mom tells her that she must wear a dress to her uncle's wedding. Annie protests, but her mom buys her a fancy new dress anyway. Annie is miserable. Why can't her mom understand? Then, Annie has an idea.

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Inclusive Texts for Everyday Classroom Read Alouds

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Inclusive Texts for Everyday Classroom Read Alouds

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From Inclusive Education Guide.

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Inclusive Literature in the Classroom

Curriculum PLan Framework

Here is a framework of the suggested texts for each month of the school year. There are four books per month for each week of the month and the texts chosen were carefully picked to include children of color, different religions, and a spectrum of disabilities. We believe that educating children on disabilities makes it a lot less scary and allows for more open minded and inclusive thinking as they grow up to be adults. Click the month link to go to a different page to view the discussion questions and a video read aloud of the text.

We're All Wonders

How I Learn

Thank You, Mr. Falker

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

Don't Call Me Special

Why Are You Looking at Me? I Just Have Down Syndrome

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Wendi's Magical Voice

Service Dogs Jessica Rudolph

Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond between a Soldier and his Service Dog by Luis Carlos Montalván

Keisha's Doors by Marvie Ellis

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best

Just Ask!

I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood

The Secret Code

Santa Stutters Too!

The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger

Emmanuel's Dream by Laurie Thompson

Ben Has Something To Say

King for a Day (Basant Festival)

The Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silkee Shnee

Hello Goodbye Dog

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis

Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw bu Kaethe Zemach

We'll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Booden

Steggie's Stutter

A Very Special Critter

The Sound of Colors by Sarah Thomson

Not So Different by Shane Burcaw

Noami Knows Its Springtime

Junkyard Wonders

Armond Goes to A Party by Nancy Carlson

Mommy Sayang

Hands and Hearts

The Patch by Justina Chen Hadley

Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin

Moses Goes to the Circus by Isaac Millman

My Brother Charlie by Holly Pete

Be Good to Eddie Lee by Virginia Fleming

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Inclusive Literature (K-2) - Inclusive Education Guide

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Here is a framework of the suggested texts for each month of the school year. There are four books per month for each week of the month and the texts chosen were carefully picked to include children of color, different religions, and a spectrum of disabilities.

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Presents an "annual bibliography of quality books with significant and authentic LGBQTIA+ content, which are recommended for people from birth through eighteen years of age".

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The Rainbow Book List is released every January. Books on the list are published within the assigned calendar year or between July 1 and December 31 of the previous calendar year.

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From Classroom Doodles.

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Fun printable, coloring Graphic Organizers at Classroom Doodles from Doodle Art Alley. Free and perfect for all classrooms!!

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For different grade levels and topics.

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Classroom resources | eSafety Commissioner

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Discover resources designed to help schools and other educators teach online safety lessons.

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Free Google Slides/Powerpoint presentation templates.

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"Eye to Eye is a national, award-winning mentoring program for students with learning and attention issues."

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How It Works

Once a week, Mentors and Mentees meet in a welcoming after-school group.

For some students, maybe for the first time, they learn what community is like without judgment, without stigma. Mentees meet a brighter version of their future: it's there in the room. Students can talk about things that might be uncomfortable in front of a teacher or parent. Over the course of the year, through the arc of our proven social-emotional curriculum, self-doubt transforms into empowerment.

Social-emotional skills are vital to students with learning and attention issues, and are at the core of our curriculum.

Our Mentees develop metacognition skills, build self-esteem, identify strengths and challenges, find their allies, and learn to self-advocate. Our proven curriculum utilizes art, where there are no right or wrong answers, as a tool of self-expression. Every project and activity in our unified 18-week curriculum centers on a specific social-emotional learning objective. Every lesson builds on the previous, moving students from self-doubt to empowerment.

Mentored by experience. Trained by Eye to Eye.

With empathy and purpose, our Mentors and Mentees grow together, shaping skills that help students transition to the next stages of education, work, and life. Eye to Eye carefully selects, screens, and trains Chapter Leaders and Mentors for each school site. Chapter Leaders receive a full week of training each summer at the Young Leaders Organizing Institute at Brown University, and Eye to Eye staff train Mentors year-round across the country.

Who's involved at each school site?

We have an established setup and training process supported by our National Program Coordinators (NPC). One of our NPCs oversees each school site, and stays in close contact with Chapter Leaders, Chapter Advisors, and Mentee School Sponsors.

"At Eye to Eye, our entrepreneurial, passionate, team-driven culture inspires us to create meaningful change in the world. You have no idea how able we are!"

Marcus Soutra

President, Eye to Eye

"Working at Eye to Eye is such a fun, collaborative, and encouraging experience! We have ambitious goals as an organization, but Eye to Eye provides so much support for the team to achieve greatness."

Juliana

Eye to Eye, Development Department

"At Eye to Eye, we are a mentoring organization at all levels. We empower our staff to do amazing work. Everyone has a real voice at the table to make change happen."

Mike

Mentoring Program Team

Unlocking Greatness in the 1 in 5 who Learn Differently

Donate

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Once a week, Mentors and Mentees meet in a welcoming after-school group. For some students, maybe for the first time, they learn what community is like without judgment, without stigma. Mentees meet a brighter version of their future: it's there in the room.

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Teaching strategies to use with ELL students. Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English.

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UDL Toolkit (About UDL, Writing Tools, Graphic Organizers, etc.)

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UDL Toolkit (About UDL, Writing Tools, Graphic Organizers, etc.)

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By Karen Janowski

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Udltechtoolkit - About UDL , Writing tools , Graphic orga... by Karen Janowski

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TOUCH this image to discover its story. Image tagging powered by ThingLink

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From PENT.

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Specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely goals.

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- [Narrator] Welcome back. So we've learned that it's important to keep working through your frustrations by using the right learning strategies. The more you work through your frustration, the more your brain grows, right. But it can be difficult to work through that frustration without a clear direction. That's why it's important to make smart goals. It's an acronym. It goes like this. Specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, timely. Because look, you can wish all you want and say one day I'm gonna go to the moon. And you can want that like your life depended on it. But a wish is not a goal. An example of a moon plan that consists of smart goals would go something like this. In 20 years, I will have studied enough physics and chemistry, flown jet planes in the Air Force, worked out four times a week, and gotten a job as a astronaut for NASA. And this will enable me to fly a spacecraft to the moon and put my feet on it for science reasons. Specific. Put your feet on the moon. Measurable. Are your feet touching the surface of the moon? Actionable. It is actionable, that is to say doable, to study physics and chemistry, enlist in the Air Force, and go to the gym. Realistic. It's hard, but it's not impossible to become an astronaut. Timely, here's where more realism kicks in. You won't be able to go to the moon as an astronaut overnight. 20 years seems a little more reasonable. But let's take this back to a more sensible time scale and look at our friend, Thinky Pinky. Hey buddy. TP here is interested in pull ups, wants to be able to lift their entire mass with just the arms, this one. But pull ups are hard. So let's take a look at Thinky Pinky's reflection journal. Quote, I want to be able to do two consecutive pull ups by the end of the year by practicing pull ups at the gym three times per week. Why is this a smart goal? S is for specific. TP wants to work on pull ups. And they're not interested in biking or weight training. There's one skill that Thinky Pinky wants to work on and that's pull ups. M is for measurable. What's the metric for TP's success? Two in a row. Two pull ups, one right after the other. You've either done it or you haven't. Measurable. A is for actionable. Can it be broken down into individual tasks. Yeah. Go into the gym three times a week to practice feels very actionable indeed. R is for realistic. TP's not training to lift a car. Just some pull ups. T is for timely. There's a time limit on this. Thinky Pinky wants to do this in a year's time. All together, that's smart goal you got there, TP. With the power of persistence, smart goals, and the right kind of help, you can do anything you set your mind to. You can learn anything. Happy goal setting.

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How to write a SMART goal (video) | Khan Academy

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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DEVELOPING SMART LEARNING, BEHAVIORAL, & IEP GOALS

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ABCD Formula - LP Resource (UPDATED).pdf

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English Language Development Standards (K-12)

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Physical Education Model Content Standards 

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Physical Education Model Content Standards 

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Marzano's Levels of Questioning Resource

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Marzano's Levels of Questioning Resource

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TPT Resource

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Marzano 7 Levels of Questioning

This set includes posters and sentence stems for the following levels:
*Available in Black&White

Evaluating
Integrating
Generating
Analyzing
Applying
Organizing
Knowing

Teacher directions included.

Looking for other meaningful classroom posters?
QUAN Posters
CUBES Posters
Student Generated Alphabet
Mathematical Practices
Place Value Posters
3rd Grade Math Posters
4th Grade Math Posters
5th Grade Math Posters
Growth Mindset Posters

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Marzano 7 Levels of Questioning This set includes posters and sentence stems for the following levels: *Available in Black&White Evaluating Integrating Generating Analyzing Applying Organizing Knowing Teacher directions included. Looking for other meaningful classroom posters?

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The "all-in-one K-12 Learning Management, Assessment, and Data System".

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K-12 Learning Management System | LMS for Schools | Otus

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Otus is a K-12 all-in-one Learning Management System. Cloud-based Learning Management, Assessments, & Data Warehouse. Get a demo today!

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Universal Lesson Plan & Reflection Template

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Universal Lesson Plan & Reflection Template

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SW UNIVERSAL LESSON PLAN & REFLECTION TEMPLATE.docx

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SW Copy of Concurrent Lesson Plan Template.docx

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From Dr. Cris Guenter at CSU, Chico.