Interventions

Tools/Resources to help all learners:

Easy to Learn Software                    http://sketchup.google.com/

A free drawing program                    http://www.tuxpaint.org

Computer based math activities        http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivitySearch.aspx

Free graph paper site                       http://incompetech.om/graphpaper/

                                                    http://www.mathematicsshelpcentral.com/graphpaper.htm

                                                    http://www.softschools.com/math/graph_paper/

Math Vocabulary Explanations           http://www.teacher.ash.org.au/jeater/maths/dictionary.html

Math:

Brainstorm math in real life

create and update lists (For example if you have a lesson on percentages, create a list that contains sale prices, savings accounts, loans, sports stats, etc.)

Use graph paper for problem solving (to align numbers, organize, various sized paper.

Organization:

Relieves the student of considerable stress

Use of tools may ensure completion of assignments on time and handed in without losing the assignment

Right materials on hand

Organization:  Time, Physical Space, Information/Content

Allow students to discuss and share their individual organization strategies

Color code folders

Three ring notebook or expandable folder

Clean desks once a week

One touch rule

A trash bag at the student's desk

Thirty years of research have demonstrated that learning and memory depend upon organizing information.

The more organized, the better remembered.

Ways to organize:  Selective underlining, concept mapping

Underlining and marginal notes and powerful tools for understanding the author's plan.

Use color coded cards for each topic.  Students can move the cards around and organize them physically to form a paragraph.

Reading:

Practice sight words daily (Be creative!)

Use visual aides whenever possible for curriculum units (posters, pictures, bulletin boards)

Preview bold-faced vocabulary prior to reading

Using index cards, write topic/subtopic on each card.

Find out what background information the student already knows and build on that

For comprehension provide a purpose for reading or students may be less engages.

Give the student background to build on previous knowledge

Determine whether the reading material is at independent, instructional, or frustrational level prior to reading

Provide a list of what you expect upon reading completion (KWL chart will work)

Teach prefixes and suffixes along with root words thoughout the school year.  Make a working list or word wall

Use graphic organizers

Provide weekly list of vocabulary words in advance.

Position books at more comfortable levels

Create index cards with windows for visual tracking

Also use rules for tracking

Give verbal clues to keep students on track

Use cooperative learning and change groups regularly

Preview selected reading prior to introducing to entire class

Vocabulary:

Build vocabulary to increase reading success

Share vocabulary list with core subject to provide additional support

Use puzzles to teach vocabulary or games

Create word charts, word webs, word walls