Tips on Writing and Math

I picked up some great homework tips after my talk earlier this week at the YAI Conference in New York, (my topic: “Educating the Educators,” or how teachers can work with special-needs parents):

- When writing, let the student use bright-colored paper, such as yellow, pink, or orange. It improves concentration.

- Also when writing, let the student listen to music they’re well familiar with “and have listened to a thousand times.” In Alex’s case, this would be anything from “Elmo.” Also, it  improves the concentration, apparently, and helps makes writing come more naturally and fluidly.

- For math, use props student is familiar with. I’ve tried clothespins and Lego blocks, but one Alabama teacher who sat in on my session said I should use candy or pieces of food Alex is especially familiar with. I have considered having him count Saltines and letting him eat them when he gets the math problem right. She suggested pieces of his dinnertime hot dog.

My session in general, was a great chance to meet other teachers and parents. They loved the story of how Alex fooled Jill one night when she’d taken him into the bathroom to lecture him about bad behavior. She was holding the door closed; he wanted to open the door and leave. So while she read him a riot act, he got all demure and coaxed her into singing a clapping song he’d learned in school. She figured, great, I’ll sing too, and when she moved her hands to clap along, he grabbed the knob, opened the door, and fled.

I also found Prof. Pat Levy’s session interesting. She teaches education at Manhattanville College in White Plains, N.Y., and was lecturing yesterday on how teachers should keep careful records of all parent/teacher conferences. Interesting to hear the other side…

YAI is also establishing an online resources center, including Web-based video.

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FUNDING FOR THERAPIES: For Jake’s Sake is a 501(c)3 charitable corporation, created to raise money and provide the funding for children with autism to access effective therapies they otherwise could not afford.

(Image Credit: YAI)