android jelly bean update

It's the middle of summer, and for many parents right about now, the summer vacation days may be getting a “little long in the tooth.” The children have already spent many hours in the pool. Picnics in the park and play dates at friends’ homes have become the order of most days when parents can manage them. By mid-July, well, the kids often begin to take the lazy, hazy days of summer for granted.

If you are a homeschooling parent, however, your children may still be learning and doing their lessons even though it’s quite a few days after the 4th of July. That is because as a home educator, you can choose to homeschool or “unschool” your children the year round. As a result, your children are with you throughout the regular school year as well as over the summer.

There are many reasons why you may have chosen to homeschool. You may see it as a unique opportunity to address the special needs of a struggling learner or to provide a gifted child with “worthy” and challenging lessons and activities that will “stretch” him or her. You know (and love) your children best, and so you can be particularly suited---and motivated---to provide exactly what your child needs for learning to be most successful.

Patience is the virtue that you as a homeschooling parent have in abundance, and it is a good thing when you are BOTH parent AND teacher to your children---year round! It is almost a certainty that fortitude and determination play major parts in some of your days, especially when learning is not easily achieved with difficult math or science content. Creativity and resourcefulness cannot be far behind as you daily design lessons and create materials to reach and teach your child within the limits of a reasonable or low-cost budget. These are just a few of the many virtues and attributes you have to do what you do for your family.

So this article is written for the purpose of recognizing the special gifts and unique sacrifices you make daily as moms, dads, and even grandparents in the U.S. who have chosen to educate your children or grandchildren in your own homes. I tip my hat to each of you and in praise of your stamina, persistence, and enthusiasm given to homeschool your children---each day. Keep up the great work, homeschoolers!

To show our sincere appreciation of you, we have included the following educational resources that we hope will help make your good work just a little bit easier in the days ahead:

Special Needs Resources

An opportunity to level the playing field for diverse learners has arrived. With the use of mobile devices and a set of apps, barriers to learning can be removed and we can now set the stage for access to learning by all students. (by K. McClaskey)
http://pinterest.com/kmcclaskey/leveling-the-playing-field-with-apps/

A collection of resources for sensory learners
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-resources-for-sensory-readers.html

An exceptional library of resources for parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum (from AutismSpeaks.org)
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library

A variety of special needs resources all in one place (ideas, tools, publications, and more!)
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/special-needs-resources/

Gifted Resources

This all-things-gifted site is full of resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. Explore them all!
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/

Literature and other resources for parents and teachers of twice-exceptional children (gifted with special needs)
http://www.uniquelygifted.org/

Math Resources

Marvelous Math Morsels for Young Mathematicians---math resources for all age and grade levels
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/06/marvelous-math-morsels-for-young.html

Math Is Fun---Math resources for K-8 (includes Geometry, Algebra, worksheets, etc.)
http://www.mathsisfun.com/

MathBits.com---Offers fun yet challenging lessons & activities in secondary (& college level) mathematics & computer programming for students & teachers (Created by 2 math teachers)
http://mathbits.com/

Science Resources

TryEngineering.com offers a variety of lesson plans that align with education standards to allow students to apply the principles engineering, math, computer science, and physics through hands-on activities.
http://tryengineering.com/lesson.php

Links to almost 200 sites about general science, science education, and science topics for students of all ages
http://www.science-resources.org/resources/sci-links.shtml

Reading Resources

Customizable tools and strategies to help readers challenged with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, stroke recovery or TBI issues and other conditions that affect reading ability.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

From ed.gov: Includes a reading checklist, typical language accomplishments for different age groups, book suggestions, and resources for children with reading problems
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/read/resources/edpicks.jhtml

Reading resources, tools and related articles, etc. from Scholastic
http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/

Information about dyslexia
http://www.readingresource.net/

Teacher’s Blog: Help for Struggling Readers--60 articles with hundreds of reading resources ALL in 1 place! (includes info & resources for readers with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, and other issues that can affect reading ability)
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/

Other Resources for Home Educators

The Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms.
http://www.hslda.org

DonnaYoung.org---Printables & resources for home, homeschool, and classrooms
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm

FREE information and access to many homeschooling resources
http://www.homeschool.com/

This site offers articles on a variety of curriculum, homeschool ideas, statistics, and more. These include how-to articles, informative articles, and other homeschool issues. (Created by homeschooling parents to help fellow homeschoolers)
http://www.letshomeschool.com/

Current statistics on the number of homeschoolers in the U.S.---provided by Ann Zeise (2011 data--includes number of U.S. children who are homeschooled and individual state totals)
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/numbers.htm#how_many

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.letshomeschool.com/

Learning does not come easily for every student. Parents and teachers often look for specific strategies and resources to assist struggling readers and learners, especially those with AD/HD, dyslexia, or other issues. Here are just a few that you might consider for the challenged student(s) in your life:

1. Request or allow for course and book content to be available via audiotape, CD, or DVD.

2. Use a portable, hand-held spell checker (such as the Franklin Spelling Ace) for unknown words.

3. Use graph paper or Reading Focus Cards for math to promote accurate placeholder work.

4. Use interactive computer reading programs that require only a limited number of tasks at a time.

5. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an assignment.

6. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time. Using individualized tools can help with this as well.

7. Allow for moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

8. Allow for the experience of a variety of sensory learning techniques such as those from the use of a computer, tape recorder, projector, and manipulatives. The more senses you appeal to in the learning process, the more success the student will experience.

9. Use word processors or computers to complete written work, especially when writing is a struggle.

10. Allow for kneeling or standing at a desk (if needed), as long as it does not cause problems or distractions for others.

11. Allow for access to a copy of prepared notes, especially after a teaching session or discussion.

12. Arrange for a second set of textbooks at home so that materials are always at hand when needed.

13. Use very low-volume music (instrumental) or environmental sounds (seashore or other nature sounds) while doing independent work.

14. Allow for student to work cooperatively at times with others as part of a "buddy" system of support.

15. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce the best results for an individual.

16. Consider the use of colored overlays or the Reading Focus Cards for focus and reading challenges because the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

17. Try visiting math.com or www.khanacademy.org as well as other similar free websites for help with specific math and science challenges.

18. Reading Focus Cards can be used with iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer). They are also very good for use with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter). Recommendation: A non-scratch film should be used to protect tech devices’ screens with this application.

19. List of Android APPS for Special Needs (some pricey/some FREE) http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/special+education

20. List of iPad APPS for Special Needs http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/03/basket-of-special-needs-apps.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.clipartguide.com/_search_terms/reading.html

(Re-published with active links)

Do you have one child who struggles to learn while your other child learns almost any concept as if it were “a piece of cake”? Perhaps you have a student who is very bright but at the same time is challenged with some aspect(s) of learning. What can a parent or teacher do?

Although my students have always known me as “Mrs. Brennan”, many adults have begun to call me “The Link Lady”. Yes, many parents and teachers email or phone me requesting resources to help their children and students learn with more success. Many of these children/students have special needs and are challenged with physical and/or developmental differences. Others are frustrated and struggle for a different reason--- because learning is not challenging enough for them!

I keep current lists of FREE resource links to share with parents and teachers. Here are just a few of these helpful resources for children at either--- or BOTH--- ends of the educational spectrum. If you need more resources, just email me, and I will be happy to provide more of them for you.

Gifted Resources

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/ Various activities for gifted and enrichment purposes

http://www.mathforum.org/library/ Various math problems and instruction (free website)---If this link is not immediately accessible, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

http://connections.smsd.org/nieman/EL/gifted.htm Provides interesting links for parents and teachers of gifted

Special Needs Resources

http://www.smarttutor.com/home/reading_menu.asp Free reading lessons & educational activities for K-5

http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/phonics/ Learn to Read: Free Phonics games, worksheets and flashcards

http://www.ldresources.org/links/ A collection of resources on various aspects of learning disabilities with comments from community members.

Combined Gifted and Special Needs Resources

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/tvsearch.php?keywords=gifted+education&sitesearch=1&in=tv_all (For teachers but contains links helpful to parents regarding “gifted with learning disabilities” information)

http://www.uniquelygifted.org/ Resources for Gifted Children with Special Needs (ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities (LD), Asperger’s Syndrome, etc.)

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

In our last article here, we discussed strategies for a struggling reader with sensory needs. In this week's article, we will continue to address these needs but from the standpoint of resources for the parents and teachers of these readers and learners.

The following is a current list of links that should provide information on assistive technology, educational resources, more strategies and tips, and additional information to help sensory learners. If our readers have additional resources to offer for these learners, please feel free to post them in the comments boxes below to share with others here. As always, thank you in advance for your valuable input!

Resources for Sensory Learning Styles

Kinesthetic techniques and strategies
1. http://math.about.com/b/2007/07/19/why-wont-they-learn-their-timestables-what-can-i-do.htm Math resources for younger learners
2. http://edufire.com/content/articles/87-study-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners Study tips for kinesthetic learners

Visual graphic organizers
1. http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/ (free)
2. http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm (free)
3. http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/ (free)

Audio-books
1. http://www.audible.com (subscription-based)
2. http://librivox.org/ (free)
3. http://www.booksontape.com/ 1,000s of unabridged books on tape, CD, or in a downloadable format (A Division of Random House)

Recipes for making tactile other multi-sensory learning materials
1. Finger Paint Gel http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/fingerpaint.htm
2. Puffy Paint http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/puffypaint.htm
3. Fun Putty http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/multisensoryput.htm
4. Crafting Dough http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/craftingdough.htm
5. Multi-sensory Letters, Numbers, and Shapes http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/lettersandshape.htm

Assistive technology resources for all sensory learners
1. http://assistivetech-4alllearners.wikispaces.com/Supporting+Physical_Sensory+Computer+Access Lists of strategies/modifications and low-high tech tools to support computer access, vision, and hearing (courtesy of the Assistive Technology Training Project, developed by the Southwest Human Development AT Program in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education).
2. www.FocusandRead.com/products Reading tools with visual and tactile features that appeal to sensory learners
3. http://www.atanswers.com/resourcesNew.htm Resources for special needs sensory learners

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

Some of the resources here were provided courtesy of www.About.com.
Clip art courtesy of: http://www.kidscount1234.com/hartmann.html

There are many resources, both in print and online, for struggling readers. We have tried to provide some of these for our readers in previous blog articles here. However, information and resources for sensory learners who are struggling readers is a bit more challenging to find.

Since we will always want to “teach to the strengths” of a child, it is important to know the child's learning style. If the learning style of a particular child is not yet known, you might consider visiting http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/questions.php?cookieset=y for a FREE learning styles inventory quiz. One type of learning style is that of the sensory learner. Sensory learners need to learn by using one or more of their five senses.

Many of these learners may need “soothing” or “anchoring” when trying to read or learn. Consider that these learners require an even stronger connection with their senses to address these needs.

Many sensory learners prefer concrete, practical, and procedural information. They look for the facts. Visual (sensory) learners like and learn best with graphs, pictures, and diagrams. They look for visual representations of information. Tactile sensory learners prefer to manipulate objects where the kinesthetic (sensory) learners like to move, dance, and use gestures or demonstrations to learn. In addition, they prefer to do physical experiments and learn empirically (by trying). These learners also enjoy working in groups to figure out problems. Auditory (sensory) learners, of course, learn best by listening. Audio books, CDs, and music work well for teaching new material to these learners.

If a child is a struggling reader AND a sensory learner, then it is even more critical to “teach to the strengths” of that child through soothing or anchoring via one or more of his senses. Consider the following strategies:

Visual Learners take in information by:

• Underlining
• Different colors
• Highlighting
• Symbols
• Flow charts, timelines
• Charts and graphs
• Pictures, videos, posters, slides
• Different spatial arrangements on the page
• Flashcards
• Textbooks with diagrams, pictures
• Teachers/tutors should use gestures & picturesque language

Possible strategies:

1. Transform lecture notes into a learnable unit by changing them into “picture pages”.
2. Reconstruct images in different ways – i.e., different spatial arrangements
3. Redraw your pages from memory.
4. Replace words with symbols or initials.

Auditory Learners take in information by:

• Attending lectures
• Attending tutorials
• Discussing topics with other students
• Discussing topics with your lecturers
• Explaining new ideas to other people
• Adding rhymes or tunes to your studying
• Using a tape recorder
• Remembering the interesting examples, stories, jokes
• Describing the overheads, pictures and other visuals to someone who was not there
• Leaving spaces in your lecture note for later recall and “filling in”

Possible strategies:

Convert lecture notes into a learnable unit in the following ways:
1. Lecture notes may be poor because learner prefers to listen. Learner will need to expand notes by talking with others and collecting notes from the textbook
2. Put summarized notes onto tapes and listen to them
3. Ask others to “hear” student’s understanding of topic
4. Read summarized notes aloud
5. Explain notes to another “auditory” person

Tactile Learners take in information by using:

• Laboratory equipment and experimentation
• Artifacts from actual fields trips
• Physical examples of principles
• "Real-life" examples
• Making actual applications
• Hands-on approaches to learning(computing)
• Empirical learning opportunities (by trial and error)
• Inspecting and manipulating collections (i.e., of rocks, plants, shells, etc.)
• Creating exhibits, making samples, working with photographs
• Recipes (sense of taste, too)– for solutions to problems
• Manipulatives and physical samples for hands-on work

Possible strategies:

Convert lecture notes to learnable units by:
1. Using many concrete examples in a summary (i.e., case studies and applications to help with principles and abstract concepts).
2. Talking about notes with another tactile learner
3. Using/working with pictures and photographs that illustrate an idea
4. Going back to the laboratory experience or to the actual lab manual for support
5. Recalling the actual experiments, fields trip, etc. as sequential experiences (first, this was done, etc.)

Kinesthetic Learners take in information by using:

• Physical movement
• Doing work in laboratories
• Taking actual fields trips
• "Acting out" or dramatizing examples of principles
• Teachers/tutors who give "real-life" examples
• Applications in the field
• Trial and error through physical actions
• Collecting rock types, plants, shells, grasses, etc.
• Exhibiting, finding samples, taking photographs
• Step-by-step lists or protocols as solutions to problems

Possible strategies:

Convert lecture notes to learnable units by:
1. Using many examples in a summary (i.e., case studies and physical applications to help with principles and abstract concepts).
2. Talking about notes with another kinesthetic learner
3. Using pictures and photographs that illustrate an idea
4. Physically going back to the laboratory or lab manual to re-work an idea
5. Recalling the actions taken in experiments, fields trip, etc.

Next week's article: "FREE Resources for Sensory Learners"

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

To read testimonials from teachers, parents and students who have used the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

Information courtesy of: www.housing.sc.edu/ACE

Clip art courtesy of: http://senses.phillipmartin.info/index.htm