Summer Courses, Workshops and Summer School There are a number of offerings through the end of the year for teachers, tutors and students. Check out this partical list.
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President's Message
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Miracles
in small packages As this school year was winding down I had an experience that reminded me of
why I do what I do – and you do what you all do, whether you are a parent or practitioner. Our children always
tell it the way it is. Don’t they? I have had the privilege
of working with a delightful second grader for 2 years. During a year end summary meeting he was anxious to know about
his progress. He has struggled with putting together that “reading thing”. He has worked hard with
daily education intervention at school, outside tutoring, and summer reading programs for the past 2 years. Somewhere
during this past spring it was obvious that something was clicking. He even surprised himself one day when he picked
up the book we were reading and had that look that said, “Oh boy, here we go again. I can’t do this!”
As he opened the book and looked through the first page a sparkle appeared in his eye and he looked up – giving a look
that said “call on me!” He became a reader right then and there. Of course the year end testing backed his own personal finding – he had made phenomenal
progress. Knowing he should be so proud of himself, I showed him his scores. He gave me that same charming smile
I often saw, looked up and said, “Yeah, but you know I can’t spell at all!” He said this with great
practicality. He is already on to the next hurdle, which will come with effort; but it will come. It reminds me of the miracle in good instructional practices which are supported
by WABIDA. There is no easy fix. But, the payoff in the long run, is huge and will stay with both of us forever.
That smile and the pride in reaching heights that didn’t seem reachable. This is the miracle and what keeps us
all going. This is what makes it all worthwhile. Congratulations to all those who have jumped those hurdles
this year and are ready for the next race. Bonnie Meyer, President, WABIDA
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What Do Dyslexics
Want? Bev Wolf Nine year old Andy says, “It’s just plain stupid to try
to teach a kid to read in a book that’s too hard.” Teach me at my level. Seventeen year old Erik said, “My calculus teacher is dyslexic
too. He teaches me the way I need to learn.” When questioned further he said,
“He’s organized. He doesn’t skip around, and he helps us practice each new thing.”
(Doesn’t that sound like good teaching?) Eleven year
old Joshua wrote about his ideal school for a fifth grade assignment. As we read it we see the need for
flexibility, active involvement, and projects that capture student interest. His handwriting was legible.
The italicized words below are as he spelled them. The teacher counted Ho, in the last paragraph,
as a spelling error. It could be a transposition, or it could be what he intended. There
is a lesson for us all as we listen to our students. Wolf University
My
perfect school is where dyslexics go. Only dyslexics can see it because it is invisible to everyone else.
My school is a blimp. It goes all over the world. Our p.e. teacher is an Olympic soccer player. If you get
100% on a spelling test you get to go on a two week camping trip. Also, we write a paper every day.
For literature you just listen to the teacher then type answers to one or two questions. Best of
all we have a school soccer team and practice is during school. Recess is playing in a lake or pool maybe
on a field. We have tae kwon do class during school
hours. The history teacher reads histery books and goes into history in depth. Video
game class you disign games, learn how to make them, then play them. You can also choose five
classes out of these: time machine history, mythical training, chariot building and racing, go-cart racing, paint ball, and
building class. Last of all, Bible class is taught by preachers
and missionaries. Ho, I almost forgot, we have hot tub slides and a chess class. Everyone,
1st grade through collage, stays all year except on breaks. We make every weapon or
armor and have a huge roller coaster.
We
also go on a field trip every week. That is my super dooper perfect school called wolf University. |
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As the school year draws to a close, teachers begin thinking of the next school year – what would
they do differently, what can spark their lessons? Perhaps the following books can add a bit of fun and
excitement to very necessary language arts activities for third grade and up. When I shared these books
with friends, the language therapist wanted to take them right then, and the fifth grade teacher made off with a copy of As
Far as Words Go to use immediately with her class. I think you will like them too.
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