K-12

Are you looking for ways to help students learn word comprehension skills? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the learner to dictate stories that are put in print for them to read, placing emphasis on comprehension skills.

2. Compose paragraphs and short stories requiring skills the learner is presently developing. The paragraphs that you use should be of interest to the learner using their name, family members, friends, pets, and exciting experiences.

3. Prior to reading, tell the learner what they are to find in the story (e.g., who are the main characters, what are the main activities, etc.).

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

5. Make sure that the learner’s knowledge of a particular skill is being assessed rather than the learner’s capacity and ability to read instructions. Reading instructions to the learner can enable success.

6. Utilize a lower grade-level text as alternative reading content in subject areas.

7. Minimize distracting stimuli in their surroundings to enable the learner’s capacity and ability to concentrate on what they are reading (e.g., place the learner on the front row, Give a table or “office” space away from distractions). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

8. Outline reading content for the learner using words and phrases on their reading level.

9. Present new words and their meanings to the learner before they read new content.

10. Provide the learner time to read a selection more than once. Place emphasis on comprehension rather than speed.

11. Compose notes and letters to the learner to give reading content that they will want to read for comprehension. Learners should be urged to pen notes at the same time each week.

12. Get the learner to outline, underline, or highlight essential vocabulary in reading content.

13. Make sure the learner underlines or circles words not grasped. These words will become the learner’s vocabulary task for the week.

14. Utilize the current vocabulary words being studied by the learner in the daily classroom conversation.

15. Teach the learner to use context clues to find words not grasped.

16. Utilize a sight-word vocabulary approach to teach the learner keywords (e.g., circle, underline, match, etc.) and phrases when reading directions and instructions.

17. Get the learner to match vocabulary words with images representing the words.

18. Get the learner to review vocabulary words by providing related clues. The learner then identifies the vocabulary word.

19. Utilize reading sequence content with high interest (e.g., adventure, romance, mystery, sports, etc.) and low vocabulary.

20. Get the learner to find words they do not comprehend. Get them to find the definitions of these words in the dictionary.

21. Make the learner use new vocabulary words in follow-up tasks (e.g., have the learner use these words on written tasks, crossword puzzles, etc.).

22. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

23. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

24. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Students Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills

Are you looking for hacks to encourage students who embrace tasks and learning experiences? If so, keep reading.

1. Support the learner in performing duties. As the learner shows success, slowly require them to independently assume more responsibility.

2. Plan the learner’s work and duties around highly enjoyable learning activities (e.g., the learner may go to recess after the math assignment is finished).

3. Go with the learner or have someone else escort the learner to those activities they may be trying to avoid. As the learner shows success, slowly decrease the duration of time you or someone else stays with the learner.

4. Make positive remarks about school and the importance of school.

5. Praise those students in the classroom who are participating, performing tasks, or taking duties.

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

7. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

8. Connect 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 appropriate behavior at school.

9. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., participating, performing tasks, or taking duties) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

10. Praise the learner for participating, performing tasks, or taking duties based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

11. Establish a time each day for everyone in the classroom to care for belongings.

12. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., complaining, asking to leave the room, etc.) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., reporting legitimate discomfort or needs).

13. 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.

14. Ascertain if physical discomfort is being used as an excuse to avoid situations and is not the result of a medical problem, neglect, or abuse.

15. Praise the learner for participating, performing tasks, or taking duties: (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.).

16. 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

Are you looking for tricks for teaching students to respond appropriately to construction criticism? If so, keep reading.

1. Let logical consequences happen when the learner fails to respond properly to constructive criticism (e.g., make highly reinforcing learning activities contingent upon responding properly to redirection in academic and social situations).

2. Make sure that attention is not inadvertently given to the learner for failing to respond properly to constructive criticism (i.e., remove attention from the learner when they fail to respond properly to redirection in academic and social situations if the attention is reinforcing their unacceptable behavior).

3. Give sufficient time for the learner to respond properly to constructive criticism.

4. Provide instructions concisely.

5. Support the learner in responding properly to constructive criticism (e.g., help the learner correct one or two things to get them started).

6. Create subsequent tasks to be performed the next day based on errors the learner makes rather than requiring instant correction of work done incorrectly.

7. Do not criticize when correcting the learner; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the learner to feel negatively about themselves.

8. Intervene early and often when there is a problem to prevent more severe problems from happening.

9. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

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

11. 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 mistakes.” say, “A better way to do that might be … “).

12. Praise those students in the classroom who respond properly to constructive criticism.

13. 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.

14. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., yelling, cursing, making derogatory remarks, crying, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., asking for instructions, help, clarification, etc.).

15. Reward others for accepting the errors they make.

16. Let the learner attempt something new in private before doing so in front of others.

17. Give constructive criticism in a private setting rather than in front of others.

18. Praise the learner for responding appropriately to constructive criticism: (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.).

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for hacks for teaching students to use their study time wisely? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide visibility to and from the learner to make sure the learner is attending. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

2. Get the learner to organize tasks by dividing them into small segments. Establish deadlines and reward the learner after finishing each segment of the task.

3. Talk regularly with the learner to keep their involvement with class tasks (e.g., ask the learner questions, ask the learner’s opinion, stand in close proximity to the learner, seat the learner near the teacher’s desk, etc.).

4. Get the learner to prioritize tasks by importance (e.g., task A must be done today, task B can be done today, and task C can wait until tomorrow).

5. Observe the learner during study time to keep on-task behavior.

6. Take proactive steps to deal with a learner’s refusal to perform a task to prevent contagion in the classroom (e.g., refrain from arguing with the learner, place the learner at a carrel or other quiet space to work, remove the learner from the group or classroom, etc.).

7. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, and instructions not grasped.

8. Give the learner a schedule of daily activities, so they know what and how much there is to do in a day.

9. Get the learner to repeat the instructions orally to the teacher.

10. Select a peer to model appropriate use of study time for the learner.

11. Provide sample letters, reports, forms, etc., as references for written communication.

12. Select a peer to model an appropriate conclusion of tasks for the learner.

13. Choose a specific duration of time (e.g., the last fiveminutes of study time, after finishing a task, etc.) when it is permissible for the learner to converse with their peers.

14. Urge the learner to ask for clarification of the instructions for classroom tasks to be finished during study time.

15. Talk regularly with the learner to help them follow instructions for the tasks.

16. Let the learner have access to pencils, pens, etc., only after instructions have been given.

17. Provide a consistent daily routine (schedule).

18. Provide consistency of expectations while keeping expectations within the capacity and ability level of the learner.

19. Make sure that the learner is paying attention to the teacher when instructions are given (e.g., making eye contact, hands free of writing learning materials, looking at task, etc.).

20. Make sure that your remarks are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that could 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 . . .” ).

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.

Are you looking for hacks to help students lower their unexcused tardies? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the learner is properly placed according to capacity and ability level in those classes in which they are enrolled (e.g., the class is not too complicated, the class is not too easy).

2. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may cause the learner to be tardy or absent to avoid competitive situations.

3. Include the learner in extracurricular learning activities.

4. Talk regularly with the learner positively throughout the day.

5. Provide the learner a responsibility to be performed at the beginning of each learning experience.

6. Provide open communication with the learner’s family to make sure that the learner is leaving for school at the designated time.

7. Do not force the learner to interact with others or do things that make them feel awkward and cause the learner to want to be absent/tardy.

8. Begin each day with a fun learning experience that should cause the learner to want to attend and be on time for class.

9. Connect with the 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 school attendance/promptness.

10. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., coming to school/ class on time) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Praise the learner for arriving at a learning experience within a given period. As the learner becomes more successful at being punctual, slowly lessen the amount of time the learner has to arrive at a learning experience.

12. Praise those students in the classroom who come to a learning experience at a specific time.

13. 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.

14. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., coming late to a learning experience) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., arriving at a learning experience at a specific time).

15 Praise the learner for arriving at a learning experience at a specific time: (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.).

16. Select a peer to model arriving at a learning experience at a specific time for the learner.

17. Consider using a classroom manageme

nt 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.

Are you looking for genius tricks for teaching students not to disturb others? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the learner to realize that all behavior has negative or positive consequences. Urge the learner to practice behaviors that will lead to positive consequences.

2. Provide visibility to and from the learner to keep their attention when oral questions/instructions are being delivered. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

3. Minimize learning activities that might cause the learner to interrupt or talk out (e.g., announcing test score ranges or test scores aloud, emphasizing the success of a particular learner or students, etc.).

4. Teach the learner to recognize an appropriate time to speak (e.g., when the teacher has finished speaking, after raising their hand, to make remarks within the context of the situation, to make remarks that are a follow-up to what has just been said, etc.).

5. Do not let the learner interrupt you by letting them talk to you at the time they interrupt. Inform the learner that they will need to wait until you are finished talking. Allowing the learner to talk after interrupting reinforces the behavior and may increase the number of times they interrupt others.

6. Do not criticize when correcting the learner; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the learner to feel negatively about themselves.

7. Make the learner aware of the number of times they interrupt the teacher.

8. Urge the learner to model the behavior of successful peers at not interrupting the teacher.

9. Provide the learner with frequent chances to join conversations with others by allowing him/ her time to talk, asking them to repeat an experience, etc.

10. Talk regularly with the learner to lessen the need for them to interrupt.

11. Attempt to give equal attention to all students in the classroom.

12. Make sure that the learner knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., others ignoring him/her, hurting others’ feelings, etc.).

13. Show the learner an appropriate way to get someone’s attention without interrupting.

14. Do not interrupt the learner when they are doing something, talking to someone, etc.

15. Make the appropriate adjustments in their surroundings (e.g., lessen peer pressure, academic failure, teasing, etc.) to prevent the learner from experiencing stress, frustration, or anger.

16. Do not let the learner use ADHD as an excuse. Hold the learner responsible for their actions. However, accept the problems that ADHD brings into the learner’s life while they are learning to make accommodations.

17. Make sure the learner knows when it is acceptable to interrupt others (e.g., in an emergency).

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for ways to help students excel on learning experiences that require listening? If so, keep reading.

1. Play games designed to teach listening skills (e.g., Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, Mother May I? etc.).

2. Train the learner to carry a notepad with them at all times and write information down to help them remember.

3. Get the learner to take part in practice learning activities designed to create their listening skills (e.g., following one-, two-, or three-step instructions; listening for the main point; etc.).

4. Show one concept at a time. Make sure the learner knows each concept before presenting the next.

5. Give instructions on a one-to-one basis.

6. Converse with the learner when they do not listen to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., not listening to directions, explanations, and instructions) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., listening to directions, explanations, and instructions) and why.

7. Get the learner to practice listening skills by taking notes when directions, explanations, and instructions are presented.

8. Minimize visual and auditory stimuli in and around the classroom that interfere with the learner’s capacity and ability to listen successfully (e.g., close the classroom door and windows, draw the shades, etc.).

9. Show directions, explanations, and instructions as simply and clearly as possible (e.g., “Get your book. Turn to page 29. Do problems 1 through 5.”).

10. Give the learner public announcements, directions, and instructions in written form.

11. Minimize distracting stimuli in the environment (e.g., place the learner on or near the front row, Give the learner a carrel or “office” space away from distractions, etc.). Use this strategy to reduce distracting stimuli, not as a form of punishment.

12. Praise the learner for listening: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

13. Praise those students in the classroom who listen to directions, explanations, and instructions.

14. Teach 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.).

15. Rephrase directions, explanations, and instructions to enable the learner’s comprehension of what is being presented.

16. Reward the learner for listening. Possible rewards include oral praise (e.g., “You did a great job listening to every step of the instructions!” “You were able to tell me five details.” etc.).

17. Plan essential learning activities , tasks, and lectures at times when the learner is most likely to keep attention (e.g., one hour after medication, 45 minutes after lunch, first thing in the morning, etc.).

18. Teach the learner instruction-following skills (e.g., stop doing other things, listen carefully, write down essential points, wait until all instructions are given, question any instructions not grasped, etc.).

19. Show ideas following the outline of (1) Who, (2) What, (3) Where, (4) On occasions where, (5) How, and (6) Why.

20. Stand directly in front of the learner when delivering directions, explanations, and instructions.

21. Read this article that we wrote on developing listening comprehension skills.

22. Read this article that we wrote explaining why verbal comprehension skills are important to academic success.

23. Read this article that we wrote on what you should do when your child struggles with verbal comprehension.

Are you looking for ways to teach students to peacefully solve conflicts? If so, keep reading.

1. Show the learner that it is natural for conflict situations to happen. What is essential is how they react to the situation.

2. Find typical conflict situations for the learner and discuss appropriate solutions to specific situations (e.g., peers taking things from him/her, peers hitting or grabbing, peers not following the rules, etc.).

3. If the learner has responded improperly to a conflict situation, take time to explore with the learner appropriate solutions that could have been used in solving the problem.

4. Provide mobility throughout the classroom to supervise learner interactions and intervene in conflict situations in which the learner is unable to successfully solve the problems.

5. Intervene early and often when there is a problem to prevent more severe problems from happening.

6. Do not force the learner to interact with someone with whom they are not entirely comfortable.

7. Make sure the learner does not become involved in overstimulating learning activities that may cause a conflict situation.

8. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

9. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

10. Get the learner to put themselves in someone else’s place (e.g., “How would you feel if someone called you dumb or stupid?”).

11. Do not assume that the learner is being treated nicely by others. Peers may be stimulating the unacceptable behavior of the learner.

12. Urge the learner to interact with others.

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

14. Make sure you express your feelings in a socially acceptable way.

15. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

16. Make sure the learner is allowed to voice an opinion in a situation to avoid becoming angry or upset.

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.

Looking for some tips on helping your disorganized students get organized? If so, keep reading.

1. Inform the learner at the end of the class period of learning materials required for specific learning activities the next day (e.g., note sent home, oral reminder, etc.).
2. Give the learner a schedule of daily activities so that they know what and how much there is to do in a day.
3. Designate shorter tasks for the learner. As the learner shows success in organizing academic learning activities, slowly increase the length of tasks over time.
4. Support the learner in beginning each task to lessen impulsive behavior.
5. Give the learner a checklist (e.g., routine or schedule learning activities, learning materials needed, and steps to follow).
6. Give the learner stated criteria for acceptable work (e.g., neatness, etc.).
7. Praise those students in the classroom who are prepared/organized for specific learning activities.
8. Give the learner more workspace (e.g., a bigger desk or table at which to work).
9. Give the learner only those learning materials they need to finish a task (e.g., pencil, paper, dictionary, handwriting sample, etc.). Be sure that the learner has only the appropriate learning materials on their desk.
10. Limit learning materials that need to be kept inside the learner’s desk.
11. Give the learner the structure for all academic learning activities (e.g., specific instructions, routine/schedule format for tasks, time units, etc.).
12. Get the learner to keep a task notebook that indicates those learning materials needed for each class.
13. Give time at several points throughout the day for the learner to organize their learning materials (e.g., before school, beginning of the class period, break time, recess, lunch, end of the day, etc.).
14. Make sure that the learner is not accidentally reinforced for losing learning materials. Give the learner used learning materials, copies of the learning materials, etc., rather than new learning materials if they fail to care for the learning materials suitably.
15. Establish a time each week for the learner to organize their locker.
16. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., failing to bring appropriate learning materials for specific learning activities ) and (b) what they should be doing (e.g., having appropriate learning materials for specific learning activities ).
17. Require that tasks done incorrectly, for any reason, be redone.
18. Get the learner to create monthly calendars to keep track of essential activities, due dates, tasks, etc.
19. Observe the learner while they are doing schoolwork to monitor quality.
20. Give storage space for learning materials the learner is not using.
21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.