Special Needs

My Personal Learning Preferences

May 14, 2013 Differentiating Instruction

A brief self-assessment As a part of many of my presentations (including nearly all full-day seminars and keynotes that address different ways people learn), I poll the audience to give participants a sense of differences that exist within the group. Even with small groups, the responses tend to be all over the map. Because I [...]

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10 Myths About Autism

January 6, 2013 Learning

Sorting it all out 1. Autism is one disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders include Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. 2. Children with Autism have a hidden or exceptional talent. Children with Autism have unique strengths and occasionally exhibit savant behaviors, though the latter are not typical in [...]

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Myers-Briggs Scales and Categories

December 6, 2012 Differentiating Instruction

Personality inventory scales and categories The Myers-Briggs assesses where we place on the following four scales: E<——————>I Extrovert<——————–>Introvert N<——————>S Intuiting<———————–>Sensing T<——————>F Thinking<———————–>Feeling J<——————>P Judging<———————->Perceiving (Finish Oriented)<———–>(Process Oriented) The four scales above allow for a possible 16 combinations with variations within any one category depending on the placement or strength in any one scale. David Kiersey’s [...]

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Myers-Briggs Personality Types

December 6, 2012 Body and Brain

Descriptions of personality inventory categories Overview of David Kiersey’s four temperament groups, based on the 16 Myers-Briggs categories (which is only one of over 200 “quadrant models”). Note that people in each group share certain similarities in their reality and their approach to the world, and that the people in one group operate from a [...]

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Multiple Intelligences

December 6, 2012 Body and Brain

Many ways to be smart Here is a very brief overview of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, or different ways of being “smart.” Linguistic Skill with words; using language, expressing with words, either written or spoken, and understanding what is said or written. Related skills might include storytelling, memorizing, writing, discussing, debating, journaling, oration and reading. [...]

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Ways to Reach More Students

November 26, 2012 Body and Brain

Accommodating a variety of learners While these tips were originally developed with regard to classroom environments, they are also relevant to parents (think about how and where kids do homework), and apply to learners of all ages. • Build on student strengths; teach to a variety of intelligences and abilities • Respect different types of [...]

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Working with Different Modality Strengths and Limitations

November 26, 2012 ADD/ADHD

Characteristics and strategies Individuals of all ages tend to learn better when presented with new information in a way that makes sense to their brain and nervous system. Here is some information to help learners of different abilities. Appreciating and accommodating these differences whenever possible can reduce a great deal of stress for everyone concerned— teachers, [...]

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The “Ideal” Student

November 26, 2012 ADD/ADHD

The students we were taught to teach Traditional classrooms tend to favor students with the following characteristics or strengths: Strong in linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences Academically on grade level (not too far ahead or behind) Learning Preferences: Prefers working in a quiet environment Best time of day: Early morning, afternoon Social: Prefers working quietly alone [...]

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The Animal School

November 26, 2012 Counselors

A Fable by George Reavis Once upon a time the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a “new world” so they organized a school. They had adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took [...]

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The Inclusive Teacher with Margit Crane

November 26, 2012 ADD/ADHD

Success with your ADD and ADHD students Episode Summary: Teachers encounter a wide range of student needs, experiences, abilities, personalities, and behaviors. Dr. Jane Bluestein talks with Margit Crane about ways to accommodate such diversity, assuring teachers that

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Some Kids Study Better When…

November 19, 2012 ADD/ADHD

Noticing and accommodating learning preferences There are several ways to change or maintain our level of alertness and attentiveness. Even if your study habits are different from your children’s, it is possible that they will be able to concentrate and learn by

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Book: Dr. Bluestein’s Book of Handouts

September 19, 2012 ADD/ADHD

The Complete set of Handouts as an eBook in PDF form by Dr. Jane Bluestein More than 130 pages of tips, tricks, ideas, research-based information used by thousands of participants in Dr. Bluestein’s training programs and presentations.

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Audio: Working Successfully with Difficult Students

September 19, 2012 ADD/ADHD

Practical Strategies for Working Successfully with Difficult Students A Live Audio Seminar by Dr. Jane Bluestein A recording of a full-day seminar presented by Dr. Jane Bluestein, who shares brain-friendly techniques for improving learning, achievement, and academic performance, even with students who have a history of failure, frustration, low self-control, bad attitudes, and poor test scores. [...]

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Raves for Creating Emotionally Safe Schools

September 10, 2012 ADD/ADHD

What People Are Saying about this Book by Dr. Jane Bluestein Finally a voice of reason arises from the din. School safety transcends debates on metal detectors and surveillance cameras. Within the walls of our schools exists

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Technology and Special Needs with Don and Gracie Tillman

August 16, 2012 Learning

Extra support from electronic resources Episode Summary: Dr. Jane Bluestein talks with Don Tillman, owner of Safe Data LLC & his wife Michelle “Gracie” Tillman, who experienced a traumatic brain injury. The program focuses on

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Theater and Autism Spectrum with Brian Haney

August 16, 2012 Learning

A Voice for Everyone Episode Summary: In a recent theater performance of autistic and neurotypical adults, Dr. Bluestein saw the results of Brian Haney’s work with the group through the processes of creating, rehearsing, and performing a script. In this podcast,

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Book: Creating Emotionally Safe Schools

August 3, 2012 ADD/ADHD

A Guide for Parents & Educators by Dr. Jane Bluestein This thoroughly readable, research-based book covers all the bases—including, social, neurological, emotional, academic, cultural and physical factors that impact the emotional climate of a school, and how safe schools feel to the people who spend their time there.

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Conditions with ADHD “Look-Alike” Symptoms

July 30, 2012 ADD/ADHD

Several of the following conditions, problems, or disorders can have similar symptoms to those frequently misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. This list includes

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