The Literacy Blog: How do you professionally diagnose Aspergers?

The Literacy Blog: How do you professionally diagnose Aspergers?: "Aspergers is sometimes difficult to diagnose as it can present with many other disorders such as: * Attention Deficit Hyperactive ..."

How do you professionally diagnose Aspergers?

Aspergers is sometimes difficult to diagnose as it can present with many other disorders such as:
* Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder
• Dysthymia Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Seizure Disorder/Epilepsy
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction
• Tourette’s Syndrome
The diagnosis is usually done by a Psychiatrist and is a very comprehensive assessment that involves looking at  the history, behaviours, an interview with the parents, a psychological assessment and recommendations.
If you would like more information, please click on the link below.
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/01/how-aspergers-is-diagnosed.html

Do you have a question you would like to ask?


 

The Literacy Blog: Small focused groups versus Inquiry Learning

The Literacy Blog: Small focused groups versus Inquiry Learning: "While 'discovery-based' instructional strategies may have enjoyed a resurgence, they have recently come under scrutiny, particularly those..."

Small focused groups versus Inquiry Learning

While "discovery-based" instructional strategies may have
enjoyed a resurgence, they have recently come under scrutiny, particularly
those strategies which provide no teacher assistance in the learning process.
A new study compared unassisted discover to explicit instruction and then
compared assisted discovery techniques to explicit instruction and other
teaching methods.  They found in the 580 classroom comparisons, that
unassisted discovery does not benefit learners.  Classrooms which allowed
enhanced discovery, using feedback, worked examples, scaffolding and some
explanation were most successful in learning outcomes. 
Alfieri, L et al. (2010).  Does discovery-based instruction enhance learning?  Journal
of Educational Psychology, (Nov issue preview).
Do you have small group focused teaching combined with Inquiry leaning in your classroom? What do you think about this latest research?
Cheers
Christine

The Literacy Blog: The teaching of spelling and nine suggested tips f...

The Literacy Blog: The teaching of spelling and nine suggested tips f...: "The teaching of spelling always receives lots of media attention here in Australia. In my experience, it is more than just giving your stude..."

The teaching of spelling and nine suggested tips for implementing a word study program

The teaching of spelling always receives lots of media attention here in Australia. In my experience, it is more than just giving your students a list of words to memorise. It involves actually teaching them to break words up. Ideally, this should be done in targeted small focused group instruction within the classroom. Lots of hands on activities using teaching aides such as magnetic letters, games and cards, helps to keep students engaged and motivated.

 I have added a link here to an article which describes nine tips for implementing a word study program in the K-2 classroom. These tips are based on the results of four classroom-based qualitative research projects collaboratively conducted by a university professor and four primary grade teacher-researchers.

The article also suggests that through small-group word study instruction and hands-on word work activities, teachers can keep students motivated and engaged in learning about the English spelling system.

Please take a look...I'm sure you will get at least one good thing out of it.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/40267

The Literacy Blog: How to manage anxiety

The Literacy Blog: How to manage anxiety: "Everyone feels anxious from time to time but for some people, they experience these feelings so strongly that it can affect their daily live..."

How to manage anxiety

Everyone feels anxious from time to time but for some people, they experience these feelings so strongly that it can affect their daily lives. Anxiety can be such a debilitating experience for anyone. In the extreme form, it can affect academic performance in children. I have seen children having 'melt downs' and it is a very painful thing to watch. Time out, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, counting to 10 are some of the immediate ways you can address a panic attack.

Adults experience anxiety and panic attacks.  Panic attacks can be serious; its symptoms include sleeplessness, constant fear and dizziness, as well as a feeling of suffocation and negativity. Although the physical symptoms may not be immediately noticeable to the person who is experiencing a panic attack, the attack is usually associated with the place the person is at or the activity that the person is doing. This makes the individual more wary about the location or the activity, triggering fear and anxiety upon merely seeing the place or having to engage in the particular activity once again.

One treatment on the market is called 'Panic Away'. This program is having great success for those suffering from anxiety.
"My worst panic attacks were happening in the car - always in the morning on the way to work at one particular place. Since practicing the One Move technique I feel I look forward to driving again. I am not afraid anymore of having an attack - which is extraordinary! -I cannot thank you enough."

 If you would like to see for yourself what this program has to offer, you can click on this link below.
http://47ac91l3a6ya4n2hn8m1jofu31.hop.clickbank.net/