I am happy to say that I am posting straight from IP! How exciting for us! We just love being here.
We have come up to spend the week doing a Vacation Bible School. Although my passion is to educate the deaf children, the most important part of that education is Jesus!!! So I am happy to spend the week doing just that.
I came across some new material that I would like to share with you. It's called Picture This! I have not been able to use it with my kids, but it looks like a lot of fun. Check it out. At the end of the year your child will have his/her own Bible notebook with visual reminders for each story in the Bible! Wonderful tool for the visual learner (aka our deaf kids!).
I also have been wanting to share with you about our trip to the ASDC conference at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf. It was awesome!! I met many neat people, including Rachel Coleman from Signing Time and the 2007/2008 Miss Deaf Texas. I listened to many great speakers and hope to highlight those one at a time in the near future. Stay tuned!
Showing posts with label Curriculum Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Curriculum Reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Doorposts Goodies
More Doorposts Goodies
Honor Your Father and Mother: The Fifth Commandment for Little Ones
This is a simple, but easily applied, book. The book is simply set up with a question, a scripture as the answer, and a simple coloring book drawing. Book is easily copied for coloring projects while you are focusing on teaching a particular trait. An index is also included to easily find a specific trait that needs refining.
For example:
Question: Do I recognize that my parents are doing what God requires of them when they correct and discipline me?
Answer: “The rod and reproof give wisdowm, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15
There is also a simple picture to color.
Armor of God Pattern
Deaf kids love acting! Doorposts offers complete patterns for sewing your own Suit of Armor. What fun! I have bought all the supplies, which were all found at a craft store, but have yet to put it all together.
Mighty Acts of God
This is a “guide to simple family drama times.” The first few pages contain topics such as “Why Dramatize?”, “Different Ways to Dramatize”, “Easy Costumes”, and “Getting Started”. The bulk of the book is story notes for creating your own family dramas. Using common Bible stories, the Forsters give the scripture reference, characters, costumes, and story line. The book finishes with “Dramatizing with Toys”, “Special ‘Story Meals’”, and a couple of patterns for simple costumes. What a great addition to your Bible study library for your deaf learner.
Honor Your Father and Mother: The Fifth Commandment for Little Ones
This is a simple, but easily applied, book. The book is simply set up with a question, a scripture as the answer, and a simple coloring book drawing. Book is easily copied for coloring projects while you are focusing on teaching a particular trait. An index is also included to easily find a specific trait that needs refining.
For example:
Question: Do I recognize that my parents are doing what God requires of them when they correct and discipline me?
Answer: “The rod and reproof give wisdowm, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15
There is also a simple picture to color.
Armor of God Pattern
Deaf kids love acting! Doorposts offers complete patterns for sewing your own Suit of Armor. What fun! I have bought all the supplies, which were all found at a craft store, but have yet to put it all together.
Mighty Acts of God
This is a “guide to simple family drama times.” The first few pages contain topics such as “Why Dramatize?”, “Different Ways to Dramatize”, “Easy Costumes”, and “Getting Started”. The bulk of the book is story notes for creating your own family dramas. Using common Bible stories, the Forsters give the scripture reference, characters, costumes, and story line. The book finishes with “Dramatizing with Toys”, “Special ‘Story Meals’”, and a couple of patterns for simple costumes. What a great addition to your Bible study library for your deaf learner.
Hidden Treasures
Hidden Treasures
Doorposts
This is my favorite Bible reference for the deaf learner! If you are familiar with anything Doorposts creates, this one matches in quality and Biblical truth.
The hidden treasures referred to is the precious book of Proverbs. The beginning of the book is the obvious explainination of how to use the book. Also included is ways to include Proverbs into your everyday life. The rest of the book is full of children’s illustrations of various Proverbs.
If you have ever read any of the Proverbs and tried to explain them to a hearing child, never-the-less a deaf child, then you understand how abstract they can be. These illustrations fill that gap! Most are very literal drawings of a particular proverb, which give the child a picture to directly relate to a meaning. We would make copies of a chosen proverb and allow the children to color them as we discussed its meaning and how we can relate that to our life. Once the child has the hang of that, they can start creating their own proverb pictures! What fun!
This book includes 90 Proverb illustrations – a great springboard.
Doorposts
This is my favorite Bible reference for the deaf learner! If you are familiar with anything Doorposts creates, this one matches in quality and Biblical truth.
The hidden treasures referred to is the precious book of Proverbs. The beginning of the book is the obvious explainination of how to use the book. Also included is ways to include Proverbs into your everyday life. The rest of the book is full of children’s illustrations of various Proverbs.
If you have ever read any of the Proverbs and tried to explain them to a hearing child, never-the-less a deaf child, then you understand how abstract they can be. These illustrations fill that gap! Most are very literal drawings of a particular proverb, which give the child a picture to directly relate to a meaning. We would make copies of a chosen proverb and allow the children to color them as we discussed its meaning and how we can relate that to our life. Once the child has the hang of that, they can start creating their own proverb pictures! What fun!
This book includes 90 Proverb illustrations – a great springboard.
Our 24 Family Ways
Our 24 Family Ways
Whole Heart Press
This is a family devotion book that would work well for the hearing or deaf. It is simply set up so that any family could use it successfully. Using an outline for each of the 24 Ways or Values, the authors make it self-explanatory and easy to use. The outline used is called A.R.T.S.
A – Ask a question.
R – Read the Bible.
T – Talk about it.
S – Speak to God.
You will need your Bible and if you have young children you will want to add the 24 Family Ways coloring book. Each way includes five days of family devotions, but each family could use as few or as many as they pleased. The authors’ website offers printable “Make Your Own Way” worksheets and suggested Bible stories that will correspond with the 24 family ways.
The book is completed with a family statement, “We’re on the Way,” which each family member would sign and a celebration could follow!
Whole Heart Press
This is a family devotion book that would work well for the hearing or deaf. It is simply set up so that any family could use it successfully. Using an outline for each of the 24 Ways or Values, the authors make it self-explanatory and easy to use. The outline used is called A.R.T.S.
A – Ask a question.
R – Read the Bible.
T – Talk about it.
S – Speak to God.
You will need your Bible and if you have young children you will want to add the 24 Family Ways coloring book. Each way includes five days of family devotions, but each family could use as few or as many as they pleased. The authors’ website offers printable “Make Your Own Way” worksheets and suggested Bible stories that will correspond with the 24 family ways.
The book is completed with a family statement, “We’re on the Way,” which each family member would sign and a celebration could follow!
Mystery of History
Mystery of History
Bright Ideas Press
This is a series of three volumes covering history from creation to the growth of nations (1707) in view of the Bible. Wonderful series!
Bright Ideas sent me volume II to review, which covers the early church to the middle ages. I really enjoyed going through this thick volume. I’m not going to spend a lot of time talking about the specifics of the curriculum, but will give you a general layout.
The book is laid out in twelve steps:
1) Quarter Summaries – Introduction to the time period.
2) Pretests – 8 questions to introduce students to people, places, and events.
3) Lessons – This is the story, with key words highlighted. Most real-life biographies.
4) Activities – Activities broken into three age levels. There are a good selection to chose from.
5) Memory Cards – Suggests making one card per lesson includes name of lesson and main points and timeline.
6) Review – Offered after every three lessons. Guidelines for timeline and mapping work. Suggests a “Wall of Fame” timeline project using simple household items.
7) Exercises – Cumulative review every six lessons.
8) Quizzes – Cumulative quizzes every six lessons.
9) Quarterly Worksheets – Similar to exercises and quizzes to review material from the previous quarter.
10) Semester Tests – self-explanatory.
11) Student Notebooks – Suggests that each student keep a notebook divided by continent to store students’ work.
12) Supplemental Books and Resources
There is a lot of information in this book! She gives great detail in setting up memory cards, timelines, and grading. She also breaks down the classical approach to education which she used as a guideline when writing these books.
Now as far as it relates to a deaf learner: This book will require a good reader. A fourth grade reader should have no trouble reading the stories. There are a few activities that could be skipped over, but there are plenty of other activities. Many lessons include re-acting the story and hands-on projects. Both great for a deaf leaner. There are lots of discussion questions to insure that the student is retaining and comprehending the lessons.
Bright Ideas Press
This is a series of three volumes covering history from creation to the growth of nations (1707) in view of the Bible. Wonderful series!
Bright Ideas sent me volume II to review, which covers the early church to the middle ages. I really enjoyed going through this thick volume. I’m not going to spend a lot of time talking about the specifics of the curriculum, but will give you a general layout.
The book is laid out in twelve steps:
1) Quarter Summaries – Introduction to the time period.
2) Pretests – 8 questions to introduce students to people, places, and events.
3) Lessons – This is the story, with key words highlighted. Most real-life biographies.
4) Activities – Activities broken into three age levels. There are a good selection to chose from.
5) Memory Cards – Suggests making one card per lesson includes name of lesson and main points and timeline.
6) Review – Offered after every three lessons. Guidelines for timeline and mapping work. Suggests a “Wall of Fame” timeline project using simple household items.
7) Exercises – Cumulative review every six lessons.
8) Quizzes – Cumulative quizzes every six lessons.
9) Quarterly Worksheets – Similar to exercises and quizzes to review material from the previous quarter.
10) Semester Tests – self-explanatory.
11) Student Notebooks – Suggests that each student keep a notebook divided by continent to store students’ work.
12) Supplemental Books and Resources
There is a lot of information in this book! She gives great detail in setting up memory cards, timelines, and grading. She also breaks down the classical approach to education which she used as a guideline when writing these books.
Now as far as it relates to a deaf learner: This book will require a good reader. A fourth grade reader should have no trouble reading the stories. There are a few activities that could be skipped over, but there are plenty of other activities. Many lessons include re-acting the story and hands-on projects. Both great for a deaf leaner. There are lots of discussion questions to insure that the student is retaining and comprehending the lessons.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wonderful Art of Horses
by How Great Thou Art
Once again art is a wonderful means of expression for the deaf child. How Great Thou Art has done it again with another great resource. Their books are so much more than art lessons!
This book is geared toward the reader, 8 years and up. My daughter is 9 and not yet able to read independently, but I simply sign her all the information. It has not been a problem. This book is also set up to be worked in, but I chose to have my daughter draw on paper and create a notebook rather than "use up" the book. Materials needed, other than a sketchbook, include a black drawing pen and a good set of drawing pencils.
While the child is learning to draw horses, he will also learn to the colors, patterns, parts, breeds, markings, measurments, skeletal, equipment and horse word definitions. The child will draw realistic and cartoon horses. Writing activities are also included. The book includes quizzes throughout to insure the student is learning more than just drawing. And for a plus, the author educates the student about famous horse artisits! This is truly a gem!
Once again art is a wonderful means of expression for the deaf child. How Great Thou Art has done it again with another great resource. Their books are so much more than art lessons!
This book is geared toward the reader, 8 years and up. My daughter is 9 and not yet able to read independently, but I simply sign her all the information. It has not been a problem. This book is also set up to be worked in, but I chose to have my daughter draw on paper and create a notebook rather than "use up" the book. Materials needed, other than a sketchbook, include a black drawing pen and a good set of drawing pencils.
While the child is learning to draw horses, he will also learn to the colors, patterns, parts, breeds, markings, measurments, skeletal, equipment and horse word definitions. The child will draw realistic and cartoon horses. Writing activities are also included. The book includes quizzes throughout to insure the student is learning more than just drawing. And for a plus, the author educates the student about famous horse artisits! This is truly a gem!
Little Annie's Art Book of Etiquette and Good Manners
How Great Thou Art
Art is a wonderful way for deaf children to express themselves and these art programs are very detailed and a great resource.
This book is geared at 4-9 year olds. Little Annie is a cartoon that guides the student through the book. Many Bible verses and quotes are used to encourage and teach good manners. Since the book is geared toward young learners it is meant to be read to the student and worked together with the teacher. Signing the simple verses and instructions would not be a problem. The book is set up for the student to draw directly in the book. I would rather save the book for multiple students, so I create an art notebook for them to do their projects in. If there is a finish-this-picture type of activity, I simply copy the page and add it to their notebook.
All the art lessons revolve around etiquette lessons too! What a neat concept. This is great for the visual and/or kinsthetic learner. They are learning Bible verses, drawing pictures to teach manners, and seeing pictures that teach manners. Topics covered include friendships, emotions, courtesy, compassion, thankfulness, flattery vs. compliments, kind speech, humility, punctuality, hospitality, responsibility, cleanliness, joyfulness, telephone manners, letter writing skills, posture, obedience, honesty and more. Also included with the book are some card stock marker sheets for coloring.
Art is a wonderful way for deaf children to express themselves and these art programs are very detailed and a great resource.
This book is geared at 4-9 year olds. Little Annie is a cartoon that guides the student through the book. Many Bible verses and quotes are used to encourage and teach good manners. Since the book is geared toward young learners it is meant to be read to the student and worked together with the teacher. Signing the simple verses and instructions would not be a problem. The book is set up for the student to draw directly in the book. I would rather save the book for multiple students, so I create an art notebook for them to do their projects in. If there is a finish-this-picture type of activity, I simply copy the page and add it to their notebook.
All the art lessons revolve around etiquette lessons too! What a neat concept. This is great for the visual and/or kinsthetic learner. They are learning Bible verses, drawing pictures to teach manners, and seeing pictures that teach manners. Topics covered include friendships, emotions, courtesy, compassion, thankfulness, flattery vs. compliments, kind speech, humility, punctuality, hospitality, responsibility, cleanliness, joyfulness, telephone manners, letter writing skills, posture, obedience, honesty and more. Also included with the book are some card stock marker sheets for coloring.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Creating Books with Children
Creating Books with Children
By Valerie Bendt
What a wonderful concept! All children love to create things, but deaf children really need hands on activities to put in practice what they are learning. Creating a book gives them experience in the parts of a book (ie: title, author, front cover, etc.), how to write a story, handwriting practice, spelling practice, art (illustrations), etc.
This book is set up as a 6-week unit study. By the end of the six weeks the student will have started and completed their first real book. Each step is thoroughly explained and many examples are given.
The first week focuses on pre-writing activities. Bendt expresses the importance of reading good literature with your children. She offers a good list of classic books with detailed descriptions to help jump start the parent/teacher find the right books for his/her students. Simple alteration of signing the stories instead of reading aloud makes this easily adaptable to the deaf learner.
Bendt expresses the need for copying or dictation exercises. This activity is excellent for the deaf student. Bendt gives many ideas on what types of passages for the student to copy. Not only is this good handwriting practice, but it allows the deaf student to mimic the English language. Following the description of dictation are many examples of passages for copying.
Each section includes detailed instructions and examples. During the second week the stories are written. The third week text layout and editing is done, fourth includes illustrating the books, the fifth week entails developing the beginning and ending pages and book jacket, and the final week the books are assembled and finished. This book teaches the parent/teacher how to help the student. It includes a lot of details, examples and ideas. She suggests recording books on audio tape several times, but this could easily be adjusting by video taping stories instead. She concludes with a thorough materials list.
I highly recommend this book for the deaf learner. I give it a ☺☺☺☺.
By Valerie Bendt
What a wonderful concept! All children love to create things, but deaf children really need hands on activities to put in practice what they are learning. Creating a book gives them experience in the parts of a book (ie: title, author, front cover, etc.), how to write a story, handwriting practice, spelling practice, art (illustrations), etc.
This book is set up as a 6-week unit study. By the end of the six weeks the student will have started and completed their first real book. Each step is thoroughly explained and many examples are given.
The first week focuses on pre-writing activities. Bendt expresses the importance of reading good literature with your children. She offers a good list of classic books with detailed descriptions to help jump start the parent/teacher find the right books for his/her students. Simple alteration of signing the stories instead of reading aloud makes this easily adaptable to the deaf learner.
Bendt expresses the need for copying or dictation exercises. This activity is excellent for the deaf student. Bendt gives many ideas on what types of passages for the student to copy. Not only is this good handwriting practice, but it allows the deaf student to mimic the English language. Following the description of dictation are many examples of passages for copying.
Each section includes detailed instructions and examples. During the second week the stories are written. The third week text layout and editing is done, fourth includes illustrating the books, the fifth week entails developing the beginning and ending pages and book jacket, and the final week the books are assembled and finished. This book teaches the parent/teacher how to help the student. It includes a lot of details, examples and ideas. She suggests recording books on audio tape several times, but this could easily be adjusting by video taping stories instead. She concludes with a thorough materials list.
I highly recommend this book for the deaf learner. I give it a ☺☺☺☺.
Making the Most of the Preschool Years
Making the Most of the Preschool Years
By Valerie Bendt
Bendt’s books seem to be a wealth of resources and information, This book gives many games and activities specially created for the young learner. This is such an important time for any child, but especially for the deaf child. This is a crucial time for language growth and Bendt lists lots of fun activities that could easily be used for language development.
The book includes games and activities that involve creative play, fine and gross motor skills, math, reading, life skills and more. I only found a few games that would be either inappropriate for a deaf child or needed to be adjusted.
1) Water bells – page 38 – Isn’t beneficial as the child can’t hear or feel the difference in sound.
2) Sock Puppets – page 88 – Or any of the puppets. Puppets are fun to play with, but to sign for the puppet would not work unless you had those cool puppets where you are the hands. I’m not saying that deaf children shouldn’t play with puppets, they are great fun and could encourage acting out the story instead of signing or reading the story. I just wanted to bring up that this small adjustment would be needed.
3) Books on tape – page 92 – This can easily be adjusted to books on video!
4) Sound Search – page 152 – This game just isn’t going to work as the child is supposed to search for the item by following the sound.
Those were the only games in the entire book that I felt were worth mentioning. The rest of the games would work well for deaf or hearing!
The great thing about these games is that she uses common household items and they are so easy to implement. She supplies many patterns, mazes, dot-to-dots, and puzzles for copying, which saves the parent/teacher time. Many of the activities the child can participate in creating!
A few more notes on this book: These early years are crucial in language development. These activities are a wonderful way to encourage communication among family members. Another note: A hearing child may pick up on common knowledge information, but a deaf child misses a lot of that. Be sure to spend time on instruction and example of each activity. Don’t get frustrated, just keep giving examples and enjoy the time with your child.
I recommend this book for the young learner and parent.
By Valerie Bendt
Bendt’s books seem to be a wealth of resources and information, This book gives many games and activities specially created for the young learner. This is such an important time for any child, but especially for the deaf child. This is a crucial time for language growth and Bendt lists lots of fun activities that could easily be used for language development.
The book includes games and activities that involve creative play, fine and gross motor skills, math, reading, life skills and more. I only found a few games that would be either inappropriate for a deaf child or needed to be adjusted.
1) Water bells – page 38 – Isn’t beneficial as the child can’t hear or feel the difference in sound.
2) Sock Puppets – page 88 – Or any of the puppets. Puppets are fun to play with, but to sign for the puppet would not work unless you had those cool puppets where you are the hands. I’m not saying that deaf children shouldn’t play with puppets, they are great fun and could encourage acting out the story instead of signing or reading the story. I just wanted to bring up that this small adjustment would be needed.
3) Books on tape – page 92 – This can easily be adjusted to books on video!
4) Sound Search – page 152 – This game just isn’t going to work as the child is supposed to search for the item by following the sound.
Those were the only games in the entire book that I felt were worth mentioning. The rest of the games would work well for deaf or hearing!
The great thing about these games is that she uses common household items and they are so easy to implement. She supplies many patterns, mazes, dot-to-dots, and puzzles for copying, which saves the parent/teacher time. Many of the activities the child can participate in creating!
A few more notes on this book: These early years are crucial in language development. These activities are a wonderful way to encourage communication among family members. Another note: A hearing child may pick up on common knowledge information, but a deaf child misses a lot of that. Be sure to spend time on instruction and example of each activity. Don’t get frustrated, just keep giving examples and enjoy the time with your child.
I recommend this book for the young learner and parent.
My Fables Book
My Fables Book
Hewitt Publishers
This book is pretty simple. On left side of the book the fable is told and on the right side there is a box for illustrating the fable and lines for copying the moral. The lines are for a Kinder to a 2nd grade writer. There are 35 fables included in the book. They are written simply for a beginning reader. I would say a 2nd grade level.
Being able to illustrate is a good activity to assure comprehension. Not much else to add, but for the price it would be a good simple affordable introduction to fables and their morals. Simple reading allows good reading practice, morals allows handwriting practice, and the drawing box helps make the story come alive and increases creativity.
Hewitt Publishers
This book is pretty simple. On left side of the book the fable is told and on the right side there is a box for illustrating the fable and lines for copying the moral. The lines are for a Kinder to a 2nd grade writer. There are 35 fables included in the book. They are written simply for a beginning reader. I would say a 2nd grade level.
Being able to illustrate is a good activity to assure comprehension. Not much else to add, but for the price it would be a good simple affordable introduction to fables and their morals. Simple reading allows good reading practice, morals allows handwriting practice, and the drawing box helps make the story come alive and increases creativity.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Poetry All Around Me
Poetry All Around Me by Steven-Adele Morley
Available from Hewitt Publishing
Poetry is playing with English language and the sounds it makes, which is why most deaf find poetry allusive. This book is very good at breaking poetry up into bite-size pieces, but a student would still need a strong grasp of the English language to follow through the book. I think this would be a good choice for any student ready to try poetry.
It includes lots of thought-provoking activities. The activities listed through page 18 would be appropriate for English or ASL poetry. Many of the brainstorming activities would also work with ASL poetry. Some of the activities could be played like a game or challenge for the student. If your student likes to challenge himself, this may be a motivator to figure it out. Many activities require the use of a dictionary and thesaurus which would give an opportunity to teach basic dictionary skills.
Rhyming is going to be a little more difficult. What hearing people hear, deaf people see. I show my daughter how the words form the same shape on my face when they rhyme. Now this obviously doesn’t mean that every word that looks similar on my lips will rhyme, but in an isolated activity it works nicely.
This book really offers many ways to manipulate the English language. This approach may make English fun for the deaf learner. Remember to work on these activities together. I wouldn’t set the student down with this book by himself. Another nice feature of the book is that it offers simple definitions of vocabulary such as rhyming, etc.
My two cents on poetry: Unless the student is required to write an original poem or study poetry for school, I would introduce them to some basic, simple English poetry and then let the student discover ASL poetry. In my humble opinion, if a deaf person doesn’t understand the reason for poetry why should they want to read it? ASL poetry is beautiful and demonstrates why we enjoy poetry. Poetry is playing with our language and a deaf person’s natural language is ASL.
Topics included are senses, rhyming, synonyms, antonyms, free verse, similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, haiku and more.
I would recommend this book if a simple introduction to poetry is felt necessary for your student. It is inexpensive, so you won’t feel guilty about any activities you skip.
Available from Hewitt Publishing
Poetry is playing with English language and the sounds it makes, which is why most deaf find poetry allusive. This book is very good at breaking poetry up into bite-size pieces, but a student would still need a strong grasp of the English language to follow through the book. I think this would be a good choice for any student ready to try poetry.
It includes lots of thought-provoking activities. The activities listed through page 18 would be appropriate for English or ASL poetry. Many of the brainstorming activities would also work with ASL poetry. Some of the activities could be played like a game or challenge for the student. If your student likes to challenge himself, this may be a motivator to figure it out. Many activities require the use of a dictionary and thesaurus which would give an opportunity to teach basic dictionary skills.
Rhyming is going to be a little more difficult. What hearing people hear, deaf people see. I show my daughter how the words form the same shape on my face when they rhyme. Now this obviously doesn’t mean that every word that looks similar on my lips will rhyme, but in an isolated activity it works nicely.
This book really offers many ways to manipulate the English language. This approach may make English fun for the deaf learner. Remember to work on these activities together. I wouldn’t set the student down with this book by himself. Another nice feature of the book is that it offers simple definitions of vocabulary such as rhyming, etc.
My two cents on poetry: Unless the student is required to write an original poem or study poetry for school, I would introduce them to some basic, simple English poetry and then let the student discover ASL poetry. In my humble opinion, if a deaf person doesn’t understand the reason for poetry why should they want to read it? ASL poetry is beautiful and demonstrates why we enjoy poetry. Poetry is playing with our language and a deaf person’s natural language is ASL.
Topics included are senses, rhyming, synonyms, antonyms, free verse, similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, haiku and more.
I would recommend this book if a simple introduction to poetry is felt necessary for your student. It is inexpensive, so you won’t feel guilty about any activities you skip.
Succesful Puppet Making
Successful Puppet Making by Valerie Bendt
This book contains animal puppet patters for farm animals, wood animals and jungle animals. She offers simple, basic instructions for creating the puppets. She even includes instructions for a puppet theater with different scenes. The suggested materials are common household items or inexpensive craft items, all easily found. These are simple enough that the child can help make them, so it would be a fun project beginning to end!
As always, she mentions many other helpful resources. Each section includes a list of books to use with your puppets and facts about each animal.
I think puppets are a great avenue for story telling with a deaf child. No voice is necessary if the story is acted out well. So if verbage is necessary for the story, I would suggest the students acting it out themselves. These puppets are all one-handed puppets so maybe you could sign with the other hand. Be creative!
This book contains animal puppet patters for farm animals, wood animals and jungle animals. She offers simple, basic instructions for creating the puppets. She even includes instructions for a puppet theater with different scenes. The suggested materials are common household items or inexpensive craft items, all easily found. These are simple enough that the child can help make them, so it would be a fun project beginning to end!
As always, she mentions many other helpful resources. Each section includes a list of books to use with your puppets and facts about each animal.
I think puppets are a great avenue for story telling with a deaf child. No voice is necessary if the story is acted out well. So if verbage is necessary for the story, I would suggest the students acting it out themselves. These puppets are all one-handed puppets so maybe you could sign with the other hand. Be creative!
Natural Speller
Natural Speller by Kathryn Stout
The author did such a good job describing her product that I thought I would start with that:
“Complete for teaching grades 1-8.
Including –
Common words which are frequently misspelled
Latin and Greek word parts and spelling words
Word categories such as abbreviations, contractions, holidays,
homophones, measurements, and numbers.
Reference guide for grades 9-12.
Including –
Spelling rules
Writing rules
Greek parts with meanings
Latin Roots with meanings”
The first three pages include teaching tips and a guide how to study a word step by step. She includes a good list of sight words that progresses from 1st grade through 8th grade. Spelling and grammar skills are addressed at each grade level and the use of a dictionary is highly encouraged.
If you need direction on how to approach this subject with your deaf student, this is simple to follow, adaptable, and well organized. I wouldn’t worry about the grade level so much, but start at the beginning of the word list and work toward 8th grade list. More time would probably be needed on explaining the difference in meanings of irregular verbs, antonyms, synonyms, etc. depending on your students’ English level. Simple definitions are included in the book.
Activities are included for general practice, dictionary skills, grammar skills, building vocabulary and writing. I don’t feel like the activities will need much adapting as all include writing it down. It is good practice using the English Language.
Spelling rules are included which is a nice guidance for those of us who speak and spell English well, but can’t explain why we do it that way! The book also includes three different letter formats, dictionary sample page, and a glossary.
I would recommend this book as a teachers manual for a dedicated regimen of spelling practice. I personally feel that lots of exposure to books would increase spelling skills without a regimented practice, but I have also learned that all students learn differently and may require more structured exposure to the English Language.
The author did such a good job describing her product that I thought I would start with that:
“Complete for teaching grades 1-8.
Including –
Common words which are frequently misspelled
Latin and Greek word parts and spelling words
Word categories such as abbreviations, contractions, holidays,
homophones, measurements, and numbers.
Reference guide for grades 9-12.
Including –
Spelling rules
Writing rules
Greek parts with meanings
Latin Roots with meanings”
The first three pages include teaching tips and a guide how to study a word step by step. She includes a good list of sight words that progresses from 1st grade through 8th grade. Spelling and grammar skills are addressed at each grade level and the use of a dictionary is highly encouraged.
If you need direction on how to approach this subject with your deaf student, this is simple to follow, adaptable, and well organized. I wouldn’t worry about the grade level so much, but start at the beginning of the word list and work toward 8th grade list. More time would probably be needed on explaining the difference in meanings of irregular verbs, antonyms, synonyms, etc. depending on your students’ English level. Simple definitions are included in the book.
Activities are included for general practice, dictionary skills, grammar skills, building vocabulary and writing. I don’t feel like the activities will need much adapting as all include writing it down. It is good practice using the English Language.
Spelling rules are included which is a nice guidance for those of us who speak and spell English well, but can’t explain why we do it that way! The book also includes three different letter formats, dictionary sample page, and a glossary.
I would recommend this book as a teachers manual for a dedicated regimen of spelling practice. I personally feel that lots of exposure to books would increase spelling skills without a regimented practice, but I have also learned that all students learn differently and may require more structured exposure to the English Language.
Peter Parker Magnets
Peter Parker Magnets sent me a selection of their magnet sets. First they sent me their blank magnets. The blank magnet offers the teacher to use as needed with a white side to write on. It comes with 25 blank pieces.
The second set was the sign language magnets. ASL letter was on the white front and the English letter was on the black magnet side. It came in a handy hole-punched pocket and with a guide sheet for learning the ASL alphabet.
The last set I received was the spelling magnetic kit. It also came in a hole-punched pocket for storage. The 144 pieces included vowels in red and consonants in blue. The kit came with instructions for six games ranging from very beginning reading simple blended words to playing with and building harder words. This kit could give your deaf student that extra practice playing with the English language, with the extra help of color-coded letters.
Then, to round out my magnetic experience, I received a magnetic sheet. This was a hole-punched, lap-sized magnetic sheet for using all the magnets. All could easily be stored in a binder and taken on road trips for easy practice in the back seat. This product would not be any different for the deaf than for the hearing, except that most deaf won’t need to learn the ASL alphabet. But if your young student is having a hard time connecting the signed letter to the written letter this would be fun and easy practice.
The second set was the sign language magnets. ASL letter was on the white front and the English letter was on the black magnet side. It came in a handy hole-punched pocket and with a guide sheet for learning the ASL alphabet.
The last set I received was the spelling magnetic kit. It also came in a hole-punched pocket for storage. The 144 pieces included vowels in red and consonants in blue. The kit came with instructions for six games ranging from very beginning reading simple blended words to playing with and building harder words. This kit could give your deaf student that extra practice playing with the English language, with the extra help of color-coded letters.
Then, to round out my magnetic experience, I received a magnetic sheet. This was a hole-punched, lap-sized magnetic sheet for using all the magnets. All could easily be stored in a binder and taken on road trips for easy practice in the back seat. This product would not be any different for the deaf than for the hearing, except that most deaf won’t need to learn the ASL alphabet. But if your young student is having a hard time connecting the signed letter to the written letter this would be fun and easy practice.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Storyboard
Storyboard
Lively Lessons
This product serves the purpose of building a story. It organizes the student’s thoughts and helps create order to a story. It is a large, colorful, engaging, dry-erase, fold-out board that breaks up what?, who?, where?, and how?. It contains 13 steps for brainstorming, including a place to draw pictures for each part of the story. On opposite side there is a sentence builder, paragraph planner, eleven word lists for the brainstorming section, and guidance notes.
This is great for the deaf learner because grammar/spelling is not an issue. This will help create the story without stressing over spelling and grammar. Once facts are established, move into correcting grammar and spelling. The pictures for the story are great too as the student can see their story on paper and then describe it in words. The word lists on the back of the board give the student a jumping board for describing their pictures. If creative writing is a struggle for your deaf student, then this tool may help make it a stress-free and fun experience.
Lively Lessons
This product serves the purpose of building a story. It organizes the student’s thoughts and helps create order to a story. It is a large, colorful, engaging, dry-erase, fold-out board that breaks up what?, who?, where?, and how?. It contains 13 steps for brainstorming, including a place to draw pictures for each part of the story. On opposite side there is a sentence builder, paragraph planner, eleven word lists for the brainstorming section, and guidance notes.
This is great for the deaf learner because grammar/spelling is not an issue. This will help create the story without stressing over spelling and grammar. Once facts are established, move into correcting grammar and spelling. The pictures for the story are great too as the student can see their story on paper and then describe it in words. The word lists on the back of the board give the student a jumping board for describing their pictures. If creative writing is a struggle for your deaf student, then this tool may help make it a stress-free and fun experience.
The Frances Study Guide
The Frances Study Guide
By Valerie Bendt
This charming book uses the Frances series written by Russell Hoban to encourage the love of reading in the beginning reader. The books used are Bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, Best Friends for Frances and A Bargain for Frances. Bendt provides an overview and discussion questions for each story along with beginning reading activities. There are puzzles, game suggestions, handwriting practice, and coloring sheets provided with variety between each story. There are many questions for each story to ensure comprehension of the story. This is a great tool for the deaf student, since sometimes a deaf child tends to fill in the missing information. The goal of this book is to enjoy reading a story together and encouraging a love for reading. If this love is acquired at a young age, then your child will always have knowledge at his fingertips. I found with my daughter that a love for reading wasn’t there because she didn’t understand what the words on the page meant. I remember the first story I signed to her – The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Once she realized that the words on the pages created a fascinating story she wanted more and more. The Frances Study Guide does just that through a series of stories that teach meaningful lessons. Now the stories will need to be signed and not read aloud, but this can easily be done. I would suggest using these books up to age 9-10 without offending your deaf learner. After that the stories and activities may seem babyish. The activities are really geared at a young learner. You know your child better than anyone else, so you decide what is appropriate and what is not. While using this book with my children I did what fit into my homeschool and didn’t feel guilty about skipping some projects. We used this as a supplement to our regular curriculum, but it could easily be a nice six week study for Pre-K through 1st grader.
By Valerie Bendt
This charming book uses the Frances series written by Russell Hoban to encourage the love of reading in the beginning reader. The books used are Bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, Best Friends for Frances and A Bargain for Frances. Bendt provides an overview and discussion questions for each story along with beginning reading activities. There are puzzles, game suggestions, handwriting practice, and coloring sheets provided with variety between each story. There are many questions for each story to ensure comprehension of the story. This is a great tool for the deaf student, since sometimes a deaf child tends to fill in the missing information. The goal of this book is to enjoy reading a story together and encouraging a love for reading. If this love is acquired at a young age, then your child will always have knowledge at his fingertips. I found with my daughter that a love for reading wasn’t there because she didn’t understand what the words on the page meant. I remember the first story I signed to her – The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Once she realized that the words on the pages created a fascinating story she wanted more and more. The Frances Study Guide does just that through a series of stories that teach meaningful lessons. Now the stories will need to be signed and not read aloud, but this can easily be done. I would suggest using these books up to age 9-10 without offending your deaf learner. After that the stories and activities may seem babyish. The activities are really geared at a young learner. You know your child better than anyone else, so you decide what is appropriate and what is not. While using this book with my children I did what fit into my homeschool and didn’t feel guilty about skipping some projects. We used this as a supplement to our regular curriculum, but it could easily be a nice six week study for Pre-K through 1st grader.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
My First Report
My First Report "Focus on the World" - Hewitt Homeschooling Resources
This comes pre-punched for placement in a notebook. This makes it easy for the student to work on one report at a time, then place it in a notebook as finished. You could also add pages if the student did other projects for that country. This would make a nice "World Studies" notebook - for all you notebooking fans.
Each report follows the same outline, making it easy for the student to follow. Each report includes vacabulary words, questions to aid discussion, and world map with specific country marked. Some of the vocabulary words can be referenced to suggested companion book Window on the World. There are thirteen reports covering: The Middle East; Northeast Africa; Northwest Africa; Southern Africa; Europe and the Artic Circle; Canada and the USA; Central America; Mexico and Caribbean Islands; South America; Eastern Asia; Souteast Asia; and Australia and Oceania.
In the back of the packet there is an unit study and master copies included. The unit study has ideas covering Bible/character, history/geography/social studies, reading, language, math, science/health, physical education, music, resources, world missions, field trips and art. There are reproducable maps and handwriting pages to be used for every country. These would fit great in your notebook.
The only adjustment needed for the deaf student would be a few of the unit study activities.But they give so many choices, that this shouldn't be a problem. Just skip over the ones that requiring listening and move on to the next suggestion. The reading section just includes books and poems to be read. If your student can read, then they could do this alone. But better yet, sign these stories for your student. This would be equivelant to reading aloud. Some of the suggested reading may be hard to find at a library, but just find books about the country of study to read. Most of the language activities would be great word studies for your deaf student. It is vocabulary work and emphasizes spelling and definitions. Some of the activities can be skipped without missing out on anything.
These materials are deaf friendly and look like fun! The handwriting sheets are for 1st through 2nd grade, but if your older child needs help with writing reports, the book is not written in a babyish way. I would just leave out the handwriting pages.
This comes pre-punched for placement in a notebook. This makes it easy for the student to work on one report at a time, then place it in a notebook as finished. You could also add pages if the student did other projects for that country. This would make a nice "World Studies" notebook - for all you notebooking fans.
Each report follows the same outline, making it easy for the student to follow. Each report includes vacabulary words, questions to aid discussion, and world map with specific country marked. Some of the vocabulary words can be referenced to suggested companion book Window on the World. There are thirteen reports covering: The Middle East; Northeast Africa; Northwest Africa; Southern Africa; Europe and the Artic Circle; Canada and the USA; Central America; Mexico and Caribbean Islands; South America; Eastern Asia; Souteast Asia; and Australia and Oceania.
In the back of the packet there is an unit study and master copies included. The unit study has ideas covering Bible/character, history/geography/social studies, reading, language, math, science/health, physical education, music, resources, world missions, field trips and art. There are reproducable maps and handwriting pages to be used for every country. These would fit great in your notebook.
The only adjustment needed for the deaf student would be a few of the unit study activities.But they give so many choices, that this shouldn't be a problem. Just skip over the ones that requiring listening and move on to the next suggestion. The reading section just includes books and poems to be read. If your student can read, then they could do this alone. But better yet, sign these stories for your student. This would be equivelant to reading aloud. Some of the suggested reading may be hard to find at a library, but just find books about the country of study to read. Most of the language activities would be great word studies for your deaf student. It is vocabulary work and emphasizes spelling and definitions. Some of the activities can be skipped without missing out on anything.
These materials are deaf friendly and look like fun! The handwriting sheets are for 1st through 2nd grade, but if your older child needs help with writing reports, the book is not written in a babyish way. I would just leave out the handwriting pages.
Doorposts Products
Doorposts
This collection of these easy to follow patterns is a wonderful addition to your deaf child’s spiritual upbringing. I really enjoy Doorpost’s illustrations and these projects are not an exception. Hands-on and visual projects are perfect for the deaf learner.
The Moses Doll kit includes directions and pattern to make a hand sized felt doll. This is a beginner level sewing project with pleasing results. Like all of Doorpost’s products, these are very economical and use easy to find materials.
The Jonah & the Big Fish kit is similar to the Moses kit but it has more pieces to assemble. This one would be very helpful for re-telling this favorite Bible story.
Another neat method of re-telling Bible stories are Doorpost’s Bible Paper Dolls. They come on sturdy card stock, ready to be colored and cut out for hours of fun. The set includes three paper dolls and outfits for Bible Characters such as Mary, Ruth, Rahab, Queen Esther, John the Baptist, Pharoah, King Solomon and more. Also includes the Armor of God! Very detailed drawings! Fabulous for recreating Bible stories.
This collection of these easy to follow patterns is a wonderful addition to your deaf child’s spiritual upbringing. I really enjoy Doorpost’s illustrations and these projects are not an exception. Hands-on and visual projects are perfect for the deaf learner.
The Moses Doll kit includes directions and pattern to make a hand sized felt doll. This is a beginner level sewing project with pleasing results. Like all of Doorpost’s products, these are very economical and use easy to find materials.
The Jonah & the Big Fish kit is similar to the Moses kit but it has more pieces to assemble. This one would be very helpful for re-telling this favorite Bible story.
Another neat method of re-telling Bible stories are Doorpost’s Bible Paper Dolls. They come on sturdy card stock, ready to be colored and cut out for hours of fun. The set includes three paper dolls and outfits for Bible Characters such as Mary, Ruth, Rahab, Queen Esther, John the Baptist, Pharoah, King Solomon and more. Also includes the Armor of God! Very detailed drawings! Fabulous for recreating Bible stories.
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