K-12

Matthew Lynch published in K-12 December 1, 2023

The Best Student Desks for K-12 Classrooms

A well-designed and functional student desk can significantly affect a child’s academic performance and comfort in the classroom. From kindergarten to high school, finding the perfect desk for each grade level is crucial in creating a positive learning environment. In this article, we will go over some of the top student desks available for K-12 classrooms.

1. The Collaborative Desk

Ideal for group projects and fostering teamwork among students, the collaborative desk offers a versatile workspace that encourages communication and cooperation. Look for a collaborative desk with adjustable heights and plenty of surface area, allowing students to rearrange it according to their needs.

2. The Sit-Stand Desk

Promoting healthy posture and reducing fatigue, the sit-stand desk allows students to either sit or stand while they work. This type of desk is an excellent choice for encouraging good habits early on by helping kids stay focused and maintaining proper ergonomics throughout the school day.

3. The T-Desk

A T-desk is a great option if you need desks that can be easily rearranged for different classroom configurations. The T-shape allows students to face each other during collaborative tasks, creating comfortable group workspaces. Additionally, T-desks may come with built-in storage spaces, such as shelves or drawers, to keep books and materials organized.

4. The Traditional Single Desk

Classic yet functional, the traditional single desk remains essential for providing individual workspace in K-12 classrooms. Primarily used in primary schools due to its simplicity and smaller size offering affordability. Look for sturdy construction made from high-quality materials like wood or metal to ensure longevity.

5. The Tablet Arm Desk

Popular in high school classrooms, the tablet arm desk features an attached swing-out arm on which students can place their laptops or tablets alongside their textbooks and notebooks. This efficient design helps save space while accommodating modern technology into the learning environment.

6. The Multi-Purpose Desk

A multi-purpose desk merges the benefits of traditional desks with added elements such as corkboards, whiteboards, or flip-and-store tops to expand its functionality even further. These desks give students the opportunity to express their creativity and have immediate access to versatile workspace options, making them perfect for diverse learning styles.

Conclusion

Whether young learners are exploring new concepts, working cooperatively in groups, or utilizing technology in the classroom, having an efficient and comfortable desk is essential for fostering a successful educational experience. These six desk types cater to different needs and learning styles while supporting the varying challenges that students face in K-12 classrooms. Selecting a versatile and functional student desk is the first step towards creating an inspiring learning environment that will help young minds thrive.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, K-12 December 1, 2023

21 Strategies to Help Students Sharpen Their Organizational Skills

Are you looking for strategies to help you sharpen your students organizational skills? If so, keep reading.

Demonstrate organization and appropriate use of learning materials (e.g., putting learning materials away before retrieving others, having a space for all learning materials, keeping an organized desk area, following the daily schedule, etc.).
Let logical consequences happen (e.g., work not done during work time must be made up during leisure time, learning materials not maintained will be lost) because of the learner’s failure to organize or use learning materials appropriately.
Let the student finish a learning experience unless it is troublesome to the schedule.
Assess the clarity and quality of directions, explanations, and instructions given to the learner.
Designate a peer to work with the learner on specific learning activities to make sure the learner has the learning materials appropriate to do the learning experience.
Urge the learner to create a routine (schedule) of asking themselves, “Do I have everything?” before leaving home each morning.
Get the learner to leave the appropriate learning materials at specific learning experience areas.
Support the learner in discovering a system of organization that works best for them (e.g., subject folders, tabbed binder, checklist, etc.).
Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for being prepared/organized for specific learning activities at school.
Create monthly calendars to keep track of essential activities, due dates, tasks, etc.
Do not accept excuses. The learner must know that, regardless of the reasons, it is appropriate that they take responsibility for not turning in a math assignment, losing pencils, etc.
Get the learner to record the number of times they are prepared/organized for specific learning activities.
Urge the learner to gain an understanding of themselves and their surroundings. Train the learner to periodically step back and ask themselves, “What learning materials do I need to finish this task?” “Did I put my task in the correct folder?”
Get the learner to list five attributes of an organized person. Get the learner to select one of those attributes to work on each week for five weeks.
Urge the learner to keep the appropriate learning materials for specific learning activities together (e.g., gym clothes in a gym bag in the car, backpack with all school-related learning materials by the door, etc.).
Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., place the learner on the front row, give the learner a table or quiet space away from distractions, etc.). This is used as a way to get rid of distracting stimuli, not as a punishment.
Urge the learner to manage their everyday lives as if they were self-employed. This should increase their motivation to be organized and fulfill their duties.
Urge the learner to put objects that should be taken to school in a designated space (e.g., by the door, at the bottom of the stairs, etc.).
Select various people (e.g., counselor, paraprofessional, peer, etc.) to help the learner keep the organization of tasks, learning materials, etc., at school.
Give the learner an appropriate space to store/secure personal items (e.g., desk, locker, closet, etc.). Make the learner put away all items when not in use.
Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12 December 1, 2023

Check Out These Awesome Eagle Cams for Kids

Introduction:

Eagles are truly fascinating birds, known for their incredible size, strength, and keen eyesight. With the help of technology, we can now enjoy an up-close and personal look at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. Eagle cams are live-streaming cameras placed near eagle nests that allow us to observe these amazing birds without disturbing them. If you’re a young wildlife enthusiast who loves learning about eagles, then you won’t want to miss out on these fantastic eagle cams designed specifically for kids.

1. Southwest Florida Eagle Camera (The United States)

The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam features a pair of nesting bald eagles named Harriet and M15. Located in North Fort Myers, this cam allows kids to watch as Harriet and M15 protect their eggs and nurture their young. Available year-round, this interactive cam offers multiple views of the entire nesting process. Check it out at https://dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html.

2. Harrison Mills Eagle Cam (British Columbia, Canada)

Located along the banks of the beautiful Harrison River in British Columbia, this eagle cam provides stunning views of a bald eagle pair and their nest situated in an old growth cottonwood tree. Kids can gain valuable insight into the lives of these awe-inspiring eagles while watching them nurture their young in a breathtaking environment. Visit https://hancockwildlife.org/project-live-cameras/harrison-mills-live-cam/ to take a look!

3. Duke Farms Eagle Cam (New Jersey, United States)

Dedicated to conserving native species, the Duke Farms Eagle Cam showcases bald eagles nesting within its 2,700-acre property located in central New Jersey. This camera offers clear images of the eagle pair and their nest from a variety of angles, giving kids an amazing opportunity to witness these magnificent birds in action. Watch the eagle cam at https://www.conservewildlifenj.org/education/eaglecam/.

4. Decorah Eagles Cam (Iowa, United States)

One of the most popular eagle cams, the Decorah Eagles Cam is located within a private property in Decorah, Iowa. This live-streaming camera follows the lives of an eagles’ family as they protect and raise their young. A fascinating educational tool, children can observe these incredible birds every step of the way. See for yourself at https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/.

5. Berry College Eagle Cam (Georgia, United States)

This live-streaming eagle cam is situated on the scenic campus of Berry College in northwest Georgia. It offers a unique chance for children to observe two bald eagles as they tend to their nest and take care of their eaglets. Focused on both education and conservation, this camera allows for amazing bird-watching opportunities. Visit https://www.berry.edu/eaglecam/ to watch.

Conclusion:

Eagle cams are not only entertaining to watch but also serve as excellent educational tools that allow children to gain valuable knowledge about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving ecosystems. Don’t miss out on these outstanding eagle cams that are perfect for kids and adults alike! Happy bird-watching!

Matthew Lynch published in K-12 November 27, 2023

12 PBS KIDS Apps to Engage Early Learners in the Classroom

In today’s digital age, it has become essential to incorporate technology into the classroom to enhance learning experiences and engage students in meaningful ways. PBS KIDS offers a variety of educational apps that can help early learners develop a range of academic skills, from literacy and math to science and social studies. Here are 12 PBS KIDS apps that are perfect for engaging early learners in the classroom.

1. PBS KIDS Games

PBS KIDS Games is a comprehensive app that features numerous educational games based on PBS KIDS characters. These games foster learning in various subjects such as math, reading, and problem-solving skills.

2. PBS KIDS ScratchJr

This app introduces young learners to coding by enabling them to create their interactive stories and games. The user-friendly interface allows students to learn the basics of programming and enhance their creativity.

3. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Play at Home

Based on the popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood show, this app allows children to explore Daniel’s world by completing fun activities related to social-emotional learning, creativity, and problem solving.

4. Super Why! Power to Read

This literacy-focused app features games designed to help early readers practice reading skills such as letter recognition, phonics, and spelling using their favorite characters from the Super Why! TV show.

5. Curious George Train Adventures

Perfect for children who love trains, this app features interactive puzzle games aimed at improving spatial awareness, fine motor coordination, and problem-solving skills using everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey – Curious George.

6. Nature Cat’s Great Outdoors

This nature-themed app promotes exploration and understanding of the natural world. Students can complete daily missions related to plants, animals, and weather while learning about science concepts through play.

7. Wild Kratts Rescue Run

Based on the Wild Kratts TV show that teaches kids about animals and their habitats, this app combines fun gameplay with educational content. Players run, jump, and use the powers of various animals to complete missions and save creatures.

8. Odd Squad: Blob Chase

Featuring the characters from the Odd Squad TV series, this app reinforces early math skills (such as addition and subtraction) in a fun, interactive manner as students help catch blobs gone astray.

9. Pinkalicious Party

Based on the beloved Pinkalicious book series, this app encourages creativity and artistic expression by enabling students to plan and design their pink-amazing parties featuring characters from Pinkville.

10. Dinosaur Train: Paint and Match

This app offers students the opportunity to learn about colors while exploring a world filled with prehistoric creatures. Featuring coloring pages and memory games, it helps children improve their concentration and fine motor skills.

11. Let’s Go Luna!: Hello Llama

In this geography-focused game, students join Luna the Moon on a globe-trotting adventure helping her friends solve problems across different countries, cultures, and languages.

12. The Ruff Ruffman Show: Fish Force

Fish Force is a physics-based puzzle game that teaches kids about force, motion, and simple machines by helping Ruff Ruffman deliver fish sandwiches to his robotic assistant.

With these 12 PBS KIDS apps designed to engage early learners in the classroom, both learning and entertainment go hand-in-hand. Teachers can use these resources as supplementary classroom curriculum or enrichment activities to support students in developing essential skills whilst enjoying their favorite PBS KIDS characters.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Language Arts November 27, 2023

If You’re Happy and You Know It … Read a Book!

Introduction:

Are you feeling happy and content? If so, why not pick up a book and dive into the world of endless imagination and wisdom? Reading isn’t just for when you’re feeling stressed or bored; it can be the perfect accompaniment to your daily dose of happiness. In this article, we’ll explore the incredible benefits that reading brings in terms of mental health, social skills, and overall well-being.

The Power of a Good Book:

A good book has the power to transport you into a whole new world. Books let you experience different perspectives, cultures, and emotions, giving you a more insightful and empathetic outlook on life. They can provide much-needed solace and escape from reality or give you that extra boost of motivation when needed.

Enhancing Mental Health:

There’s no denying the mental health benefits of reading. Reading is a proven stress reliever, allowing your mind to wander through captivating stories and forgetting about daily troubles for a while. Just as physical exercise benefits the body, mental workouts achieved through reading can improve your cognitive abilities like memory retention, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

Boosting Social Skills:

Reading also has social benefits – have you ever bonded with someone over your favorite titles or authors? Discussing books creates meaningful conversations that often lead to long-lasting connections with others who share similar interests. Literature is also great for improving one’s empathy as it allows readers to step into other people’s shoes.

Improving Overall Well-being:

Reading can contribute to increased well-being by providing both solace and empowerment. Deep conversations with books can bring forth “aha!” moments that help us make sense of our life experiences and shape our identities. Additionally, broadening our perspective through reading can make us more resilient during challenging times.

How To Make Reading A Habit:

To incorporate more reading into your happy life, follow these simple tips:

1. Set realistic goals: Start by promising yourself to read a few pages every day, and gradually increase the time you dedicate to it.

2. Find your comfort zone: Identify a comfortable reading spot in your home – cozying up with a book will make the experience more enjoyable.

3. Explore different genres: Don’t be afraid to try new genres or authors, as you may find unexpected treasures.

4. Join a book club or create one: Book clubs are excellent ways to share your love for reading and discuss books with like-minded people.

5. Utilize technology: E-books and audiobooks can be convenient substitutes if carrying physical books poses a challenge.

Conclusion:

Next time you find yourself feeling happy, turn to a good book and watch how your happiness multiplies. As the saying goes, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Keep exploring new worlds within the pages of a book and unlock endless joy, wisdom, and growth opportunities that contribute to your overall well-being. Happy reading!

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Memory August 31, 2023

What are Mnemonics?

These are patterns related to words and ideas, which are used to enhance the memory of certain information. When talking about mnemonics, most people think of mnemonic acronyms that help people remember items by using a catchy phrase or word in which the acronym letters are at the start of each of the words in a list. For example, the acronym ‘VIBGYOR’ is used to remember the colors in the optical spectrum in the order they appear – violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Some other examples of mnemonics are:

To memorize the order of the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario), the acronym ‘HOMES’ is used. Another mnemonic for the order is ‘Super Man Helps Every One.’
To remember the sequence of mathematical operations (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction), the mnemonic used is ‘Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.’ (PEMDAS)
The seven coordinating conjunctions, namely For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, are remembered using the mnemonic ‘FANBOYS.’
To recall the order of taxonomy (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species), biology students use the mnemonic ‘King Philip Cuts Open Five Green Snakes.’

Mnemonics work by linking easy-to-remember clues with unfamiliar or complex data. Though they often appear to be arbitrary, nonsensical, and illogical, their wording is fun, thus making them memorable. Teachers should introduce their students (with and without disabilities) to mnemonics to help them remember and retrieve the new information they teach. Mnemonics are extremely helpful when a task requires students to memorize certain information rather than understand a concept.

Once the students learn the concept of mnemonics, they can use and adapt these tools for the rest of their lives to ensure important information doesn’t slip through their fingers. There are different types of mnemonics, and which one works the best is dependent on the individual student. Listed below are four basic types:

Music mnemonics: Music is a powerful tool that works well in mnemonics where items in a list to be remembered are combined in a song or rhythmic pattern. Examples are the ‘ABC’ song to learn the English alphabet or the ‘50 Nifty United States’ song that students use to learn all the states alphabetically.
Name mnemonics: Here, the first letter of each word in a list is used to form the name of an item or person, like ROY G. BIV (for remembering the colors of the spectrum). It’s interesting to note how it’s the exact reverse of VIBGYOR.
Word or expression mnemonics: This is perhaps the most popularly used among mnemonics, where the initial letter of every item in a list is organized to form a phrase or word. Examples already discussed earlier are ‘FANBOYS’ and ‘King Philip Cuts Open Five Green Snakes.’
Rhyme mnemonics: Here, the information to be remembered is organized in the form of a poem. For example, ‘In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.’

Some other types are image mnemonics, note organization mnemonics, model mnemonics, connection mnemonics, and spelling mnemonics.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers August 29, 2023

21 Ways to Encourage Students to Take Pride in their Assignments

Are you looking for ways to encourage students to take pride in their assignments? If so, keep reading.

1. Give several chances for the learner to learn information covered by tasks (e.g., films, visitors, community resources, etc.).

2. Coordinate a time for the learner to study with a peer tutor before finishing a graded task.

3. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., improving the accuracy and quality of tasks) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

4. Alter academic tasks (e.g., format, requirements, length, etc.).

5. Make sure that your remarks are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that can be perceived as personal, menacing, etc., (e.g., instead of saying, “You always make the same mistake.” say, “A better way to do that might be . . .” ).

6. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

7. Give the learner shorter tasks, but more of them throughout the day (e.g., 4 tasks of 5 problems each rather than one task of 20 problems).

8. Get the learner to orally respond to tasks.

9. Make sure the learner knows that work not done neatly must be redone until it is neat.

10. Utilize handwriting models with arrows that indicate the direction in which the learner should correctly form the letters.

11. Inspect the learner’s grip on the pencil to make sure that they are holding the pencil correctly.

12. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., place the learner in the front row, give a table or “office” space away from distractions, etc.). This is to be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a form of punishment.

13. Organize a preliminary evaluation of the work, requiring the learner to make appropriate corrections before final grading.

14. Give time at school for the conclusion of homework if designated homework has not been finished or has resulted in failure. (The learner’s failure to finish homework tasks may be the result of variables in the home over that they have no control.)

15. Let the learner respond to alternative task questions (e.g., more generalized questions that represent global comprehension).

16. Praise the learner for improving the accuracy and quality of their work based on capacity and ability. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the amount of improvement expected for reinforcement.

17. Find resource staff members from whom the learner may receive additional assistance (e.g., librarian, special education teacher, other staff members with expertise or time to help, etc.).

18. Utilize primary paper to assist the learner in sizing uppercase and lowercase letters. Utilize standard lined paper when the learner’s skills improve.

19. Make sure that homework relates to ideas already taught rather than introducing a new concept.

20. Provide shorter tasks but give them more regularly. As the learner shows success, increase the length of the tasks, and decrease the frequency.

21. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers August 21, 2023

21 Genius Ways to Support Students Who Are Not Reaching Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for genius ways to support students who are not reaching their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Give parents information regarding appropriate ways in which to help their child with homework (e.g., read instructions with the learner, work a few problems together, answer questions, check the finished task, etc.).

2. Alter homework tasks to give practice/reinforcement of skills presented in class.

3. Get the learner to orally respond to tasks.

4. Let the learner respond to alternative questions (e.g., general questions that represent global comprehension).

5. Give the learner sample letters, reports, forms, etc., as references for written communication.

6. Give the learner self-checking learning materials. Require the learner to make corrections before turning in tasks.

7. Teach the learner instruction-following skills: (a) listen carefully, (b) ask questions, (c) use environmental signals, and (d) rely on examples given, etc.

8. Teach the learner instruction-following skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down steps, etc.).

9. Teach the learner test-taking skills (e.g., organization, etc.).

10. Teach the learner information-gathering skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, ask for clarification, wait until all information is presented before starting a task, etc.).

11. Teach the learner note-taking skills. Place emphasis on noting main ideas rather than details and data.

12. Talk regularly with the learner to monitor their task performance.

13. Do not require the learner to learn more information than they are capable of remembering at any time.

14. Give the learner supplemental learning activities that offer review and repetition of skills presented to the general class population.

15. Give the learner the chance to review tasks prior to them being graded.

16. Let the learner record information from lectures and make notes from these recordings.

17. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the learner will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

18. Assess the appropriateness of tasks designated if the learner continuously fails to finish tasks with minimal accuracy.

19. Establish time at the end of each class period for the learner to finish unfinished tasks.

20. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade

37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade

33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade

20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade

14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers July 10, 2023

20 Genius Tricks for Getting Students to Participate in Learning Activities

Are you looking for genius tricks for getting students to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not embarrass the learner by giving them orders, requirements, etc., in front of others.

2. Make positive remarks about participating in school and special activities.

3. Do not force the learner to interact with others.

4. Go with the learner or have someone else escort the learner to those learning activities in which they may not want to participate. Slowly decrease the duration of time you or someone else stays with the learner.

5. Take into account those learning activities the learner avoids. If something unpleasant is causing the learner not to participate, try to modify the situation.

6. Praise other students in the classroom for participating in group learning activities or special activities.

7. Select a peer to sit/work directly with the learner (e.g., in various settings or learning activities such as art, music, P.E., tutoring, group projects, recess, etc.). On occasions where the learner has become comfortable working with one other learner, slowly increase the size of the group.

8. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

9. Communicate with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for participating in classroom learning activities or special activities at school.

10. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., taking part in classroom learning activities ) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Provide the learner the chance to pick a topic or learning experience for the group to work on together.

12. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., failing to participate) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., talking, taking turns, playing, sharing, etc.).

13. Praise the learner for participating in group learning activities or special activities: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

14. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

15. Give the learner the chance to select a cooperative learning experience and the group members (e.g., along with the teacher, decide what the learning experience will be, and decide what individual group members will do, etc.).

16. Get the learner to take part in learning activities that require minimal participation. As they become more comfortable, slowly increase the learner’s participation.

17. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

20. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Language Development May 10, 2023

17 Ways to Support Students Who Talk Incoherently

Are you looking for ways to support students who talk incoherently? If so, keep reading.

1. If the learner is speaking too rapidly, remind them to slow down. Be sure to give them full attention so they will not feel a need to hurry or compete with others for attention.

2. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., using finished statements or thoughts when speaking) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

3. Get the learner to role-play several situations in which speaking well is essential (e.g., during a job interview).

4. Create a list of the attributes that are likely to help a person become an excellent speaker (e.g., takes their time, thinks of what to say before starting, etc.).

5. Develop simple oral reading passages in written form in which phrases are separated by large spaces (indicating “pause”). Get the learner to practice reading the passages aloud.

6. Teach the learner appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

7. Get the learner to keep a list of times and/or situations when they are nervous, anxious, etc., and have more trouble with speech than usual. Help the learner find ways to feel more successful in those situations.

8. On occasions where the learner fails to use complete thoughts (e.g., says, “ball,” and points) elaborate on what they said, (e.g., “So you want to play with the ball?”). This gives a model for more finished statements and thoughts.

9. Get the learner to read simple passages and record them. Get them to listen and underline words or phrases that were omitted, added, substituted, or rearranged.

10. Praise the learner for using finished statements or thoughts when speaking: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

11. Record a spontaneous monologue given by the learner. Transcribe the learner’s speech from the recording and have the learner listen to what they said. Get the learner to correct errors and practice speaking in more finished statements or thoughts.

12. Create a list of the most common unfinished statements or thoughts the learner uses. Spend time with the learner practicing how to make these statements or thoughts complete.

13. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may increase the learner’s anxiety and lessen the learner’s capacity and ability to finish statements or thoughts.

14. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.