School is not just for learning things in textbooks. Students also learn from having experiences outside the classroom, such as being involved with extracurricular activities.
I cannot stress enough how important extracurricular activities are for students with learning disabilities. Extracurricular activities give opportunities for students to shine who are not strong in academic subjects.
As a student with a learning disability, being apart of extracurricular activities has actually helped me have a positive outlook on attending my academic classes each day. In addition, extracurricular activities gives me the motivation to work hard in my academic classes. Some of my activities that I am apart of in school require that their members have at least have a 2.5-3.0 GPA each semester.
Currently, the extracurricular activities that I am involved with at my school Michigan State University, are MSU Hillel (the Jewish student center on campus), Sigma Alpha Iota (a women's music fraternity), and a peer mentor for the Resource Center For Person's With Disabilities. From each one of these groups I have been fortunate to gain a lot of leaderships skills, create wonderful friendships, and learn life skills that hard to teach in a classroom.
Below I have posted an article about the importance of extracurricular activities. I encourage everyone to read it. In addition, I encourage parents and teachers who have or work with students with disabilities to assist them in finding an extracurricular that may be of interest. It will make school a lot more enjoyable for the student.
Extracurricular Participation
Good luck on finals and have a great winter break!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Getting The Most From Academic Advising
One thing I have learned being in school for awhile now is the importance of getting to know your academic adviser. Since school can be difficult for me at times, it is nice to have an adviser to sit down and talk to about planning to take classes early that may be challenging. In addition, I also like to meet with my adviser to make sure that I am taking the right classes for my major and make sure that I am on track to graduate.
Below I have listed some tips about preparing for advising and getting to know your academic adviser.
Cheryl's Tips on Getting the Most of Academic Advising
1. Meet with your adviser before "the big rush" Plan Ahead- You should make an appointment with your adviser at least three times a year in the beginning of the year, in the middle of the year, and at the end of the year
2. Come prepared with questions/concerns you want to discuss- it makes the meeting be much more effective and productive for both you and your adviser
3. Bring in your program materials from your department/major such as list of course requirements . This will help you and your adviser plan out courses for the upcoming year
4. Make sure you get your advisers contact info such as email or telephone number so you can contact if there is a problem, if you need an override for a class, or if you have any questions that pop up throughout the school year
5. Don't be afraid to SPEAK UP!!! For instance, if you are not comfortable with taking 5 classes in one semester or having to take 17 credits in one semester let your adviser know. Only you know what's best for you as a learner
6. Be open to the suggestions that your academic adviser makes to you. Don't push them away until you try them!
7. Know the location of where to meet your adviser for your appointment. They may have multiple offices
8. Arrive early to your appointment! Better to be early than late!!!!
Good luck to everyone who is finishing up the first semester of the school year!
Below I have listed some tips about preparing for advising and getting to know your academic adviser.
Cheryl's Tips on Getting the Most of Academic Advising
1. Meet with your adviser before "the big rush" Plan Ahead- You should make an appointment with your adviser at least three times a year in the beginning of the year, in the middle of the year, and at the end of the year
2. Come prepared with questions/concerns you want to discuss- it makes the meeting be much more effective and productive for both you and your adviser
3. Bring in your program materials from your department/major such as list of course requirements . This will help you and your adviser plan out courses for the upcoming year
4. Make sure you get your advisers contact info such as email or telephone number so you can contact if there is a problem, if you need an override for a class, or if you have any questions that pop up throughout the school year
5. Don't be afraid to SPEAK UP!!! For instance, if you are not comfortable with taking 5 classes in one semester or having to take 17 credits in one semester let your adviser know. Only you know what's best for you as a learner
6. Be open to the suggestions that your academic adviser makes to you. Don't push them away until you try them!
7. Know the location of where to meet your adviser for your appointment. They may have multiple offices
8. Arrive early to your appointment! Better to be early than late!!!!
Good luck to everyone who is finishing up the first semester of the school year!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
There's No Place Like That Special Study Spot, There's No Place Like That Special Study Spot....
One of the toughest things I feel that student who has an Learning Disability has to go through is really getting to know yourself and finding the best study environment that is right for you. In order to find this study spot, you may have to explore around your learning environment such as your school, where you live, or college campus. Below I have listed some of my favorite study spots that I frequently go when I want to get away from distractions in my environment.
Cheryl's Favorite Study Spots
1. The Library- If you are looking for a place that is completely quiet, the library is the best place on campus to guarantee that any of your work gets done! The library at MSU has a lot of comfy couches, chairs, multiple printers and computers to get all of your work done. In addition, if you need to work on your lap top, the library has a lot of outlets to plug in your computer (free Wi-Fi included). The nice thing I love about our library is that it is generally open 24hrs. During finals week, it is open 24hrs beginning the Sunday before finals and up until the end of finals on Friday.
2. MSU Union Women's Lounge (Sorry Boys!!!!) This is a great lounge located in the MSU union and is for women only. The nice thing about this lounge is that it is the only spot in the union that is a designated quiet area. So you are guaranteed to get a lot of work done here and if you are hungry you can grab some food from the union food court and bring it back to the Women's lounge. Free Wi-fi is included!
3. The Gilchrist Lounge in the West Circle area- I use this lounge quite often when I am not in the mood to escape from my dorm complex. This is one of the few designated quiet areas in my dorm. They have nice chairs and comfy couches so you can be a bit relaxed while doing your work. In addition, there is free wi-fi available!
4. Starbucks on Grand River- I like to come here if I want a little bit of noise while doing my work. I usually grab a nice cup of coffee and sit back in the back of the Starbucks and start doing my work. When do decide to take a study break while at this Starbucks it is fun to people watch !!!! Free Wi-Fi is included here!
Finding that special study spot takes a lot of time and effort. It took me at least a year to find these study spots at MSU. My advice to all students is to explore and be patient; that special study place will come in time.
Good Luck To All Students On Their Finals!
Cheryl's Favorite Study Spots
1. The Library- If you are looking for a place that is completely quiet, the library is the best place on campus to guarantee that any of your work gets done! The library at MSU has a lot of comfy couches, chairs, multiple printers and computers to get all of your work done. In addition, if you need to work on your lap top, the library has a lot of outlets to plug in your computer (free Wi-Fi included). The nice thing I love about our library is that it is generally open 24hrs. During finals week, it is open 24hrs beginning the Sunday before finals and up until the end of finals on Friday.
2. MSU Union Women's Lounge (Sorry Boys!!!!) This is a great lounge located in the MSU union and is for women only. The nice thing about this lounge is that it is the only spot in the union that is a designated quiet area. So you are guaranteed to get a lot of work done here and if you are hungry you can grab some food from the union food court and bring it back to the Women's lounge. Free Wi-fi is included!
3. The Gilchrist Lounge in the West Circle area- I use this lounge quite often when I am not in the mood to escape from my dorm complex. This is one of the few designated quiet areas in my dorm. They have nice chairs and comfy couches so you can be a bit relaxed while doing your work. In addition, there is free wi-fi available!
4. Starbucks on Grand River- I like to come here if I want a little bit of noise while doing my work. I usually grab a nice cup of coffee and sit back in the back of the Starbucks and start doing my work. When do decide to take a study break while at this Starbucks it is fun to people watch !!!! Free Wi-Fi is included here!
Finding that special study spot takes a lot of time and effort. It took me at least a year to find these study spots at MSU. My advice to all students is to explore and be patient; that special study place will come in time.
Good Luck To All Students On Their Finals!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
When All Else Fails.... Know Your Resources
So, you are sitting in class and the professor has just taught you new material. However, near the end of class you still feel completely confused with the material that was just taught to you so you decide to go to the professors office hours that are held right after class. After visiting your professor office hours you still don't feel like you don't have good grasp on the material. Now, you are stressed out. What are you going to do next?
This is the point in time when knowing other resources to use in your school or outside of school can be very helpful. At Michigan State University the college at which I attend I am very fortunate for the amount of resources we have. As a student with LD I prefer material and concepts to be explained to me a few times and multiple approaches so that I can make sure that I actually understand the information and not just memorizing. In addition, I feel that resources are very useful to me when my professor of a class has a hard time trying to teach me a specific concept that he expects me to learn.
Below I have listed some of the resources that I use at my school, Michigan State University. For any student with an LD , I encourage you to do some research and find resources that can be available to you in your school so that you can go to this place or places to get extra support in academic subjects that are challenging for you.
Cheryl's Brief List of Resources She Uses At MSU:
1. MLC - Math Learning Center: Open Monday-Friday (Hours change frequently and vary day to day) and Sundays. This is a great place to go if Math is a difficult subject for you like it is for me. Here, you can get help from undergraduates and graduate students who are either math majors or have taken at least calcus and 4.0 most of the basic math classes at MSU. In addition, I have occasionally gotten help from some of my professors in the MLC who hold their office hours in the MLC.
2. The Writing Center- Open Monday- Friday and Sundays. The writing center is by far my favorite resource on campus. All of the consultants are very friendly and they can help you with pretty much any written assignment out there. Many times the writing center has helped me edit resumes, critical response papers, persuasive papers, research papers, powerpoint presentations, and even just to brainstorm what to write for a specific paper. Most of the consultants in her are undergraduates and graduate students who have a lot of experience with writing or are writing majors.
3. The LRC- Open Monday-Friday. Learning Resource Center is the place to go on campus if you would like one-on-on tutoring in an academic subject. The have a total of about four specialists that can help you in Math, English, or Science. The nice thing is that this tutoring is free and you get to make an hour appointment each week.
Best of luck in your future academic studies !
This is the point in time when knowing other resources to use in your school or outside of school can be very helpful. At Michigan State University the college at which I attend I am very fortunate for the amount of resources we have. As a student with LD I prefer material and concepts to be explained to me a few times and multiple approaches so that I can make sure that I actually understand the information and not just memorizing. In addition, I feel that resources are very useful to me when my professor of a class has a hard time trying to teach me a specific concept that he expects me to learn.
Below I have listed some of the resources that I use at my school, Michigan State University. For any student with an LD , I encourage you to do some research and find resources that can be available to you in your school so that you can go to this place or places to get extra support in academic subjects that are challenging for you.
Cheryl's Brief List of Resources She Uses At MSU:
1. MLC - Math Learning Center: Open Monday-Friday (Hours change frequently and vary day to day) and Sundays. This is a great place to go if Math is a difficult subject for you like it is for me. Here, you can get help from undergraduates and graduate students who are either math majors or have taken at least calcus and 4.0 most of the basic math classes at MSU. In addition, I have occasionally gotten help from some of my professors in the MLC who hold their office hours in the MLC.
2. The Writing Center- Open Monday- Friday and Sundays. The writing center is by far my favorite resource on campus. All of the consultants are very friendly and they can help you with pretty much any written assignment out there. Many times the writing center has helped me edit resumes, critical response papers, persuasive papers, research papers, powerpoint presentations, and even just to brainstorm what to write for a specific paper. Most of the consultants in her are undergraduates and graduate students who have a lot of experience with writing or are writing majors.
3. The LRC- Open Monday-Friday. Learning Resource Center is the place to go on campus if you would like one-on-on tutoring in an academic subject. The have a total of about four specialists that can help you in Math, English, or Science. The nice thing is that this tutoring is free and you get to make an hour appointment each week.
Best of luck in your future academic studies !
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cheryl's Survival 101 Guide For Finals.... To Prepare For Glory
Oh..... It's that time of year again. Time to sharpen those number two pencils and be ready to fill in those scantron bubbles! Finals are almost here!
When you mention the word final to a college student this is probably on their list of what they cringe in fear at. This particularly occurs with students who have an LD and are extremely bad at test taking (Like myself).
A finals week approaches (and believe me, it is approaching!!!!) It is important to take the time (at least the week before) to prepare yourself for all of your exams. Below I have created a survival guide for finals that will prepare you for glory and ace those finals!!!!
Cheryl's Survival 101 Guide To Surviving Finals
1. Be Healthy! Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. In addition, try to eat healthy as well. During your meals be sure to add some vegetables, fruit, protein, and whole grains. Your body will thank you !!!
2. Review class notes, lectures, and textbooks. Some professors tend to be very sneaky on exams and use the textbook to create exam questions, particularly on multiple choice tests.
3. If your TA/Professor is holding a final exam review session, GO TO IT!!!!! They will give you hints and tips of advice on how to study for their exam. Need I Say More? Just GO !!!!
4. Make sure during final exam day to bring extra pens, pencils, and erasers. I can't tell you how many times during an exam one of my pencils has broken and I wasn't allowed to get up and sharpen my pencil!!!
5. Exercise!!! Exercise helps the brain to function and help you be more alert while taking tests!!! Attend a group exercise class or do some strength or cardio workouts on your own.
6. Set an multiple alarms the night before your final exam so you will not be late for your exam!!!
7. Arrive early for an exam. Make sure you have enough time to get to the exam location and have enough time to get settled once at the exam location
8. Plan a schedule of when you will review for each class. Remember to also plan for study breaks!!!!!!
9. Make sure you know the exact location of where your final exam will be held. If you are even the slightest bit unsure contact your TA/Professor IMMEDIATELY!!!!
10. TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY !!!! make sure in your schedule you have time to socialize with friends and also have room to study for those finals exams.
Stay Strong, Don't Give up, Have confidence in yourself. YOU WILL SURVIVE !!!!
AND NOW....
A little YouTube video to enjoy and be ready to start studying for finals.
Happy Studying!
When you mention the word final to a college student this is probably on their list of what they cringe in fear at. This particularly occurs with students who have an LD and are extremely bad at test taking (Like myself).
A finals week approaches (and believe me, it is approaching!!!!) It is important to take the time (at least the week before) to prepare yourself for all of your exams. Below I have created a survival guide for finals that will prepare you for glory and ace those finals!!!!
Cheryl's Survival 101 Guide To Surviving Finals
1. Be Healthy! Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. In addition, try to eat healthy as well. During your meals be sure to add some vegetables, fruit, protein, and whole grains. Your body will thank you !!!
2. Review class notes, lectures, and textbooks. Some professors tend to be very sneaky on exams and use the textbook to create exam questions, particularly on multiple choice tests.
3. If your TA/Professor is holding a final exam review session, GO TO IT!!!!! They will give you hints and tips of advice on how to study for their exam. Need I Say More? Just GO !!!!
4. Make sure during final exam day to bring extra pens, pencils, and erasers. I can't tell you how many times during an exam one of my pencils has broken and I wasn't allowed to get up and sharpen my pencil!!!
5. Exercise!!! Exercise helps the brain to function and help you be more alert while taking tests!!! Attend a group exercise class or do some strength or cardio workouts on your own.
6. Set an multiple alarms the night before your final exam so you will not be late for your exam!!!
7. Arrive early for an exam. Make sure you have enough time to get to the exam location and have enough time to get settled once at the exam location
8. Plan a schedule of when you will review for each class. Remember to also plan for study breaks!!!!!!
9. Make sure you know the exact location of where your final exam will be held. If you are even the slightest bit unsure contact your TA/Professor IMMEDIATELY!!!!
10. TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY !!!! make sure in your schedule you have time to socialize with friends and also have room to study for those finals exams.
Stay Strong, Don't Give up, Have confidence in yourself. YOU WILL SURVIVE !!!!
AND NOW....
A little YouTube video to enjoy and be ready to start studying for finals.
Happy Studying!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"A Thesaurus Is a Girl's Best Friend ! "
When writing an essay for one of your classes do you ever find yourself using the same word multiple times throughout your paper?
I know I do !
For students who have a learning disability like myself, one of the biggest issues we face when writing a paper is syntax in the English language. Syntax is the study of the rules for the formation of a grammatical sentences in a given language. As a student, often when I am writing an essay for a class I have a tendency to struggle with the formation of putting words in order and using proper grammar to make complete sentences in the English language.
The best example I can give is that a lot of times in my essays you may see words or phrases that I have already used or other times I may switching from past to present tense in one paper.
In order to help prevent this situation I look to a thesaurus, which I have nicknamed a "girl's best friend".
I can't tell you enough how grateful I am that my mom introduced to a thesaurus as a young child. If she hadn't shown me this wonderful tool, let me tell you my papers would be bloody awful!!! From using a Thesaurus over the years, I can tell you that it has helped make my writing much more precise and descriptive.
Below I have posted the link to my favorite online Thesaurus. It is free and I encourage any student with an LD who struggles with writing to use this tool. In addition, I also would recommend any teachers or parents use the Thesaurus with any child they know who has an LD and struggles in the area of writing.
Cheryl's Favorite Thesaurus Website (It really is a "Girl's Best Friend ! ")
Stay Strong and Keep On Writing !
I know I do !
For students who have a learning disability like myself, one of the biggest issues we face when writing a paper is syntax in the English language. Syntax is the study of the rules for the formation of a grammatical sentences in a given language. As a student, often when I am writing an essay for a class I have a tendency to struggle with the formation of putting words in order and using proper grammar to make complete sentences in the English language.
The best example I can give is that a lot of times in my essays you may see words or phrases that I have already used or other times I may switching from past to present tense in one paper.
In order to help prevent this situation I look to a thesaurus, which I have nicknamed a "girl's best friend".
I can't tell you enough how grateful I am that my mom introduced to a thesaurus as a young child. If she hadn't shown me this wonderful tool, let me tell you my papers would be bloody awful!!! From using a Thesaurus over the years, I can tell you that it has helped make my writing much more precise and descriptive.
Below I have posted the link to my favorite online Thesaurus. It is free and I encourage any student with an LD who struggles with writing to use this tool. In addition, I also would recommend any teachers or parents use the Thesaurus with any child they know who has an LD and struggles in the area of writing.
Cheryl's Favorite Thesaurus Website (It really is a "Girl's Best Friend ! ")
Stay Strong and Keep On Writing !
Friday, December 2, 2011
Want To Read Great?.... Annotate!!!!
When Assigned to Read a Book for Class Do You.....
Struggle to find the main idea in the story?
Have trouble identifying vocabulary?
Often have trouble organizing the important information from the details of a text?
Have trouble identifying the genre or main themes of the novel
Struggle to write an essay on that specific text for class?
Struggle with connecting passages of the text to your real life?
If you answered yes to any of the following questions above then annotating maybe an excellent tool for you to use when reading any piece of literature.
Growing up with a learning disability I always struggled with reading comprehension particularly finding the main idea of a story and also writing papers on particular texts. If it wasn't for my 8th grade teacher who introduced me to annotating I probably would still struggle with reading comprehension today.
Everyone has different ways that they like to annotate. Over the years I have come up with my own process which I have listed below.
Cheryl's Annotating Guide
Materials: Post-it notes (small square kind, 3-4 different colors maximum), a highlighter, a pen or pencil
1. Annotate (write) characters, setting, plot, throughout the text - first post-it color
2. Annotate (write) themes that the author uses throughout the text- second color post-it
3. Annotate (write) passages that seem to connect to your life- third color post-it
4. annotate (write) questions that come to mind while reading the story/ also annotate (write) new vocabulary that you are unfamiliar with - fourth post-it color
* in total you should have four different colors of post-it notes throughout your text that you are reading. The highlighter is optional, but remember you need to write down information on the post-it and then bookmark that page of the text.
After reading my annotating method above, I'm sure you think this is probably time consuming, but if you follow all of these steps annotating is really useful. This will make you a better critical reader and responder to any piece of literature.
So, feel free if you are a person that struggles with reading like myself to try this approach out. In addition, below I have also added a few articles that I found online about annotating.
CollegeBoard: Annotating Vs. Note-Taking
Colorado State article about annotating
Buck's County Community College Guide To Annotating
Happy Reading!
Struggle to find the main idea in the story?
Have trouble identifying vocabulary?
Often have trouble organizing the important information from the details of a text?
Have trouble identifying the genre or main themes of the novel
Struggle to write an essay on that specific text for class?
Struggle with connecting passages of the text to your real life?
If you answered yes to any of the following questions above then annotating maybe an excellent tool for you to use when reading any piece of literature.
Growing up with a learning disability I always struggled with reading comprehension particularly finding the main idea of a story and also writing papers on particular texts. If it wasn't for my 8th grade teacher who introduced me to annotating I probably would still struggle with reading comprehension today.
Everyone has different ways that they like to annotate. Over the years I have come up with my own process which I have listed below.
Cheryl's Annotating Guide
Materials: Post-it notes (small square kind, 3-4 different colors maximum), a highlighter, a pen or pencil
1. Annotate (write) characters, setting, plot, throughout the text - first post-it color
2. Annotate (write) themes that the author uses throughout the text- second color post-it
3. Annotate (write) passages that seem to connect to your life- third color post-it
4. annotate (write) questions that come to mind while reading the story/ also annotate (write) new vocabulary that you are unfamiliar with - fourth post-it color
* in total you should have four different colors of post-it notes throughout your text that you are reading. The highlighter is optional, but remember you need to write down information on the post-it and then bookmark that page of the text.
After reading my annotating method above, I'm sure you think this is probably time consuming, but if you follow all of these steps annotating is really useful. This will make you a better critical reader and responder to any piece of literature.
So, feel free if you are a person that struggles with reading like myself to try this approach out. In addition, below I have also added a few articles that I found online about annotating.
CollegeBoard: Annotating Vs. Note-Taking
Colorado State article about annotating
Buck's County Community College Guide To Annotating
Happy Reading!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Ommm.... Yoga's Magical Healing Powers
This week I wanted to do a post on one of my favorite types of exercise, yoga. Yoga is a mind-body exercise that brings the physical and mental disciplines together so your body can be stable and calm. There are many styles, forms, and intensities to yoga.
For about four years I have been practicing yoga. As a student with a learning disability, Yoga is an exercise that has been very beneficial to me when I need to let out my frustration that I have from a class, homework, or a teacher. In addition, I often use Yoga as a nice 30 minute study break so that I can regain my focus and attention.
One of my favorite styles of Yoga is called Kundalini which focuses more on breathing exercises then actually poses. One of my favorite breathing exercises in Kundalini Yoga is the breath of fire. If I am having a very rough day in a class, this exercise really helps relieve the stress.
Below is a demo of breath of fire I found on Youtube. (Note this video may seem strange, but this technique really helps get rid of all the stress that's in your body!)
Below I have listed some articles about the specific styles of yoga and research that is being done with yoga and learning disabilities. Feel free to take and look and maybe go to your local gym and try taking a Yoga class! You may like it!
Yoga Style Guide
Yoga Article from Mayo Clinic Website
Learning Disabilities and Yoga Article
Yoga and Learning Disabilities (Article 2) -This gives you a yoga routine to practice
Namaste!
For about four years I have been practicing yoga. As a student with a learning disability, Yoga is an exercise that has been very beneficial to me when I need to let out my frustration that I have from a class, homework, or a teacher. In addition, I often use Yoga as a nice 30 minute study break so that I can regain my focus and attention.
One of my favorite styles of Yoga is called Kundalini which focuses more on breathing exercises then actually poses. One of my favorite breathing exercises in Kundalini Yoga is the breath of fire. If I am having a very rough day in a class, this exercise really helps relieve the stress.
Below is a demo of breath of fire I found on Youtube. (Note this video may seem strange, but this technique really helps get rid of all the stress that's in your body!)
Below I have listed some articles about the specific styles of yoga and research that is being done with yoga and learning disabilities. Feel free to take and look and maybe go to your local gym and try taking a Yoga class! You may like it!
Yoga Style Guide
Yoga Article from Mayo Clinic Website
Learning Disabilities and Yoga Article
Yoga and Learning Disabilities (Article 2) -This gives you a yoga routine to practice
Namaste!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
It's a book... It's a computer? Wait... The Battle of the E-book readers
Everyone is talking about them. Today, everywhere you go I'm sure you have seen someone with a Nook, a Kindle, an Ipad or some sort of E-book reader.
An E-book reader is a mobile electronic device that is designed for reading digital books and magazines. Basically, instead of lugging heavy books around in your backpack you can upload books and read them on this device.
For almost a year and a half I have had the Barnes & Noble E-book reader called the NOOK. All I can say is that I really think this is a great device, and I would highly recommend it for other students who have learning disabilities. On the NOOK, I really like how you can enlarge the text, bookmark specific pages, and you can even annotate/highlight pages for your notes or look words up in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary that NOOK provides for you for free.
I use the NOOK mostly for pleasure reading, but more frequently I have been using it in a lot of my college classes. A lot of the books that my professors select are available on the NOOK. So, rather than paying for a textbook that is $21 at your local college bookstore, on the NOOK I can get the textbook for about $6-$7. Yeah for saving money!!!! In addition, I also love that I can check out books for free on my NOOK from my local library back home.
One positive thing I have seen with all the latest E-book readers is that they are getting a lot more students particularly children with disabilities who struggle in the area of reading, learn to enjoy reading a book. Many of the books for children that you can buy for the E-book reader are colorful, have the character read the story to you (the child) and incorporate reading games. Unfortunately, these features are not available for YA and adult novels. Hopefully, in the future they will be added to the E-book reader so that children particular teens with disabilities can enjoy reading as well.
The only negative comment that I have for this device is that it does not have a text-to-speech function. Sometimes, if there is a particular passage in a book that I can't process in my head, I like to have the option to read it allowed. I hope eventually NOOK will consider adding this function.
Below I have listed SOME of the popular E-book readers that are on the market today. Check them out and try one out for yourself.
The Kindle
The Nook (My Favorite!!!)
The Kobo
The Ipad
Happy Reading!
An E-book reader is a mobile electronic device that is designed for reading digital books and magazines. Basically, instead of lugging heavy books around in your backpack you can upload books and read them on this device.
For almost a year and a half I have had the Barnes & Noble E-book reader called the NOOK. All I can say is that I really think this is a great device, and I would highly recommend it for other students who have learning disabilities. On the NOOK, I really like how you can enlarge the text, bookmark specific pages, and you can even annotate/highlight pages for your notes or look words up in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary that NOOK provides for you for free.
I use the NOOK mostly for pleasure reading, but more frequently I have been using it in a lot of my college classes. A lot of the books that my professors select are available on the NOOK. So, rather than paying for a textbook that is $21 at your local college bookstore, on the NOOK I can get the textbook for about $6-$7. Yeah for saving money!!!! In addition, I also love that I can check out books for free on my NOOK from my local library back home.
One positive thing I have seen with all the latest E-book readers is that they are getting a lot more students particularly children with disabilities who struggle in the area of reading, learn to enjoy reading a book. Many of the books for children that you can buy for the E-book reader are colorful, have the character read the story to you (the child) and incorporate reading games. Unfortunately, these features are not available for YA and adult novels. Hopefully, in the future they will be added to the E-book reader so that children particular teens with disabilities can enjoy reading as well.
The only negative comment that I have for this device is that it does not have a text-to-speech function. Sometimes, if there is a particular passage in a book that I can't process in my head, I like to have the option to read it allowed. I hope eventually NOOK will consider adding this function.
Below I have listed SOME of the popular E-book readers that are on the market today. Check them out and try one out for yourself.
The Kindle
The Nook (My Favorite!!!)
The Kobo
The Ipad
Happy Reading!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Standardized Testing... DAH-DUH-DUN-DUN!!!!!!!!!! DAH!!!!!!
SATS, ACTS, state mandated exams, UGH!!!! Whenever someone says the word TEST I cringe in fear. Being a student with a learning disability every time I had to take one of those pardon my french (damn standardized tests) that precious No Child Left Behind Act forces the schools to give, I never seemed to pass the majority of these tests like my non-disabled peers. However, over the years of school and test taking, I have come to accept the fact that tests is something that I and all other human beings have to face frequently in our lives. In order to ease some of the pain of standardized test taking, over the years, I have learned some great test taking strategies from my family, mentors, and teachers.
Below I have listed some useful links that emphasize and explain more in depth about these test-taking strategies for students with learning disabilities. If you follow these tips, I can't guarantee you will be a great test taker, but, you will be able to PASS a mandated standardized test.
Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies
Essay Test Taking Strategies
Parents Guide to Help LD Children With Studying For Tests
Great link for Teachers, Advocates, Parents to Understand What Testing is Like For LD Students (THIS IS a PDF file!!!)
Facing The SAT- A Personal Story from an Individual With an LD
As one of my former teachers quite often said... "Best of Skills"! Good luck in your test taking endeavors!
Below I have listed some useful links that emphasize and explain more in depth about these test-taking strategies for students with learning disabilities. If you follow these tips, I can't guarantee you will be a great test taker, but, you will be able to PASS a mandated standardized test.
Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies
Essay Test Taking Strategies
Parents Guide to Help LD Children With Studying For Tests
Great link for Teachers, Advocates, Parents to Understand What Testing is Like For LD Students (THIS IS a PDF file!!!)
Facing The SAT- A Personal Story from an Individual With an LD
As one of my former teachers quite often said... "Best of Skills"! Good luck in your test taking endeavors!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Have No Fear, Graphic Organizers Are Here!
To all of my readers,
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. I know I sure enjoyed going home to Chicago and spending quality time with my family and enjoying a delicious meal! Now.... back to blogging. Below is my latest post.
During the writing process do you ever experience a moment when you can't figure out what exactly to write down on the page?
As a student with a learning disability, whenever I am assigned a writing assignments I tend to experience this form of what many people would call writer's block. Most people who do not have disabilities experience writer's block for a certain period of time and then overtime disappears. However for students who have learning disabilities, when we approach a writing assignment our writer's block never seems to disappear for each assignment. This is because our brain can't process quickly enough to allow us to think and write at the same time.
So, What Is The Solution?
As a student with an LD, whenever I approach a writing assignment one of the best solutions that I use is a graphic organizer. Right before I even write a paper, a graphic organize helps me plan out all of my ideas so eventually they will become specific topics that are organized into topics and paragraphs. The great thing about graphic organizers is that there are so many versions and vairiety of models that you can use to help you in the writing process.
Below I have listed some websites to some great graphic organizers that can help students with LD succeed in writing. Don't be afraid to give one of them a try!
The Venn Diagram Organizer
The Sequence of Events Organizer
The Five Pararaph Essay Outline
The Concept Map (My Personal Favorite!)
The Time Line Graphic Organizer
Happy Writing!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. I know I sure enjoyed going home to Chicago and spending quality time with my family and enjoying a delicious meal! Now.... back to blogging. Below is my latest post.
During the writing process do you ever experience a moment when you can't figure out what exactly to write down on the page?
As a student with a learning disability, whenever I am assigned a writing assignments I tend to experience this form of what many people would call writer's block. Most people who do not have disabilities experience writer's block for a certain period of time and then overtime disappears. However for students who have learning disabilities, when we approach a writing assignment our writer's block never seems to disappear for each assignment. This is because our brain can't process quickly enough to allow us to think and write at the same time.
So, What Is The Solution?
As a student with an LD, whenever I approach a writing assignment one of the best solutions that I use is a graphic organizer. Right before I even write a paper, a graphic organize helps me plan out all of my ideas so eventually they will become specific topics that are organized into topics and paragraphs. The great thing about graphic organizers is that there are so many versions and vairiety of models that you can use to help you in the writing process.
Below I have listed some websites to some great graphic organizers that can help students with LD succeed in writing. Don't be afraid to give one of them a try!
The Venn Diagram Organizer
The Sequence of Events Organizer
The Five Pararaph Essay Outline
The Concept Map (My Personal Favorite!)
The Time Line Graphic Organizer
Happy Writing!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Let's Get Away From It All !!
As Thanksgiving holiday approaches that means.... the first semester of school is about to end soon. In my opinion this can be a good and bad thing. It's good because you only have to survive a few more weeks of the classes that can be the most challenging for you. However, this can also be a bad thing, because now, teachers are piling up work for students to complete before the semester is over. These past couple of weeks I have been receiving a lot of essays, exams, quizzes from all of my professors here at MSU. However, as a student with an LD with all of this pressure to get work done especially to complete tasks in my weakest subjects of Math and Science has left me feeling stressed out and having a lot of pressure and tension.
Want to know my secret of how I get rid of all of this stress?
I take breaks!!!! I like to call them study breaks. These breaks are about 30 to 60 min. and they occur periodically after I have been working for about an hour to an hour a half on assignments. Below I have listed my top ten study break ideas. I encourage LD students to try some of these out and see how they work. Once you find a study break that works for you, stick with it and use it frequently. You will be much happier and a hopefully somewhat stress free.
Cheryl's Top Ten Study Breaks
1. Watch ONE episode of your favorite TV series on HULU. I emphasize ONE, because some people may have the tendency to watch more than one episode. ONE episode gives you a nice 30-40min. break for your brain to clear.
2. Find a favorite music video, comedy sketch, funny video etc. on YOUTUBE. Again, only watch ONE video and then back to work!
3. Phone, skype, or facebook chat with a friend or family member. Make sure you set a timer or alarm for 30 or 40 min. so it will go off and remind you to get back to work!
4. EXCERCISE!!!! find a group exercise class like Zumba or Yoga or develop your own strength or cardio workout
5. Power nap! Take a 30-40min. nap in the middle of the day if you are really tired. This is especially useful for college students who have several classes in one day. This power nap, gives your brain a break and helps your body refresh. Make sure you set a timer or alarm for 30-40 min. so you can wake up!
6. Clean/organize your room. I know this sounds a bit boring, but getting up and moving around can actually help the brain reorganize thoughts and make you feel more awake.
7. Make yourself a nice cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot coco and reflect on the day.
8. Have a healthy snack like trail mix, some fruit or veggies. It will energize your body.
9. Read a favorite magazine. One of my favorite's is People magazine where you can find all of the latest celebrity gossip.
10. Take a nice warm bath or shower. It helps your body relax and the steam helps relieve any of the tension in your body particularly if you have a bad headache.
Well, that's all for now. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, my next post will probably not be until next Sunday or Monday.
Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving holiday!!!
So long for now,
Cheryl
Want to know my secret of how I get rid of all of this stress?
I take breaks!!!! I like to call them study breaks. These breaks are about 30 to 60 min. and they occur periodically after I have been working for about an hour to an hour a half on assignments. Below I have listed my top ten study break ideas. I encourage LD students to try some of these out and see how they work. Once you find a study break that works for you, stick with it and use it frequently. You will be much happier and a hopefully somewhat stress free.
Cheryl's Top Ten Study Breaks
1. Watch ONE episode of your favorite TV series on HULU. I emphasize ONE, because some people may have the tendency to watch more than one episode. ONE episode gives you a nice 30-40min. break for your brain to clear.
2. Find a favorite music video, comedy sketch, funny video etc. on YOUTUBE. Again, only watch ONE video and then back to work!
3. Phone, skype, or facebook chat with a friend or family member. Make sure you set a timer or alarm for 30 or 40 min. so it will go off and remind you to get back to work!
4. EXCERCISE!!!! find a group exercise class like Zumba or Yoga or develop your own strength or cardio workout
5. Power nap! Take a 30-40min. nap in the middle of the day if you are really tired. This is especially useful for college students who have several classes in one day. This power nap, gives your brain a break and helps your body refresh. Make sure you set a timer or alarm for 30-40 min. so you can wake up!
6. Clean/organize your room. I know this sounds a bit boring, but getting up and moving around can actually help the brain reorganize thoughts and make you feel more awake.
7. Make yourself a nice cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot coco and reflect on the day.
8. Have a healthy snack like trail mix, some fruit or veggies. It will energize your body.
9. Read a favorite magazine. One of my favorite's is People magazine where you can find all of the latest celebrity gossip.
10. Take a nice warm bath or shower. It helps your body relax and the steam helps relieve any of the tension in your body particularly if you have a bad headache.
Well, that's all for now. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, my next post will probably not be until next Sunday or Monday.
Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving holiday!!!
So long for now,
Cheryl
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Just A Post-It A Day Helps The Tasks Get Done... In A Most Delightful Way
I have a paper due on Tuesday, a test on Wednesday, call my parents to check in, do laundry on Friday, study for a math exam on Friday, call the doctor to get an allergy shot, check your email, clean your room,....
Overwhelmed yet?
The schedule you just read above is what my schedule looks like on a daily basis. Now, you are probably asking how does this girl with an LD remember all of these appointments on a daily basis. Wanna know my secret? The key is post-it notes. Everyday I carry around a package of post-it notes and whenever a task comes to my mind that I have to get done, I write it down. This becomes my to-do list. As a student with an LD, it is very hard for me to keep organize, because my brain just doesn't process a lot of information fast enough. With post-its they help me remember all the tasks I have to do. If you are a student with an LD I highly recommend getting yourself a stack of post-it notes and trying this technique. Below I have listed the website for the company who makes post-its. You can get them pretty much at any store. It doesn't have to be from the website.
Stay focused and when ever a task comes to mind, Post-it!!!
Post-it notes
Overwhelmed yet?
The schedule you just read above is what my schedule looks like on a daily basis. Now, you are probably asking how does this girl with an LD remember all of these appointments on a daily basis. Wanna know my secret? The key is post-it notes. Everyday I carry around a package of post-it notes and whenever a task comes to my mind that I have to get done, I write it down. This becomes my to-do list. As a student with an LD, it is very hard for me to keep organize, because my brain just doesn't process a lot of information fast enough. With post-its they help me remember all the tasks I have to do. If you are a student with an LD I highly recommend getting yourself a stack of post-it notes and trying this technique. Below I have listed the website for the company who makes post-its. You can get them pretty much at any store. It doesn't have to be from the website.
Stay focused and when ever a task comes to mind, Post-it!!!
Post-it notes
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Help! I Need Somebody... Not Just Anybody! HELLLP!
Ever parked your car in a parking lot and forget where you parked it? Have you ever driven a car to a new destination that you have never been before and even with the help of Google maps or mapquest you arrive several minutes late to the location you have to get to or you end up in a dead end or sketchy neighborhood? Are you a person who has a hard time visualizing directions?
I'm sure many of you have experienced one of these situations. For students with LD, like myself, being able to follow directions step by step is very hard, because unlike other human beings who are non-LD our brains tend to process information a bit slower.
However, with new technology like GPS navigational system, it helps guide you to a new destination while you are driving in a car. The neat thing about this piece of technology is that it is a voice prompted device that gives you turn by turn directions so you as the driver can focus on the road. In addition, this tool provides a visual image (map) of your current location. After having a GPS for a few years I would highly recommend it to students with LD especially those who are just learning how to drive a car. This tool helps a student with an LD develop their sense of direction when driving a car by using visual and auditory components all contained in one piece of technology.
One company that I feel makes a very good quality GPS navigational system is Garmin. Below I have provided a YOUTUBE clip that is linked to their website. CHECK IT OUT!
Give The Gift of Garmin- Never Be Lost Again
Safe Travels!
I'm sure many of you have experienced one of these situations. For students with LD, like myself, being able to follow directions step by step is very hard, because unlike other human beings who are non-LD our brains tend to process information a bit slower.
However, with new technology like GPS navigational system, it helps guide you to a new destination while you are driving in a car. The neat thing about this piece of technology is that it is a voice prompted device that gives you turn by turn directions so you as the driver can focus on the road. In addition, this tool provides a visual image (map) of your current location. After having a GPS for a few years I would highly recommend it to students with LD especially those who are just learning how to drive a car. This tool helps a student with an LD develop their sense of direction when driving a car by using visual and auditory components all contained in one piece of technology.
One company that I feel makes a very good quality GPS navigational system is Garmin. Below I have provided a YOUTUBE clip that is linked to their website. CHECK IT OUT!
Give The Gift of Garmin- Never Be Lost Again
Safe Travels!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
What Do I Need A Planner For Anyway? Part 2
I forgot to put this in the last post.... but here is a great link that teachers, students and advocates can use with a student who has an LD to help explain and discuss why planners are important. This is an article that I found from a website that my college Michigan State University created for first year students.
Peace & Happy Organizing!!!!
Michigan State University article: "Using A Planner"
Peace & Happy Organizing!!!!
Michigan State University article: "Using A Planner"
What Do I Need A Planner For Anyway?
One of the best tips of advice that I could give to all students especially to students with LD is GET A PLANNER! NOT an electronic one but a physical assignment book in which you can write down important exams, tests, quizzes, social events etc. As human beings we all have very busy lives. For students like myself who have a specific learning disability organization has always been one of my weaknesses. At times, it can be quite difficult to remember when all of my class work is due and social events are if I do not physically write out all the assignments I have to get done. (Sidenote: Most students with LD experience this, because their brain can not process all of the information fast enough. They need a visual guide!!!!) This is where a written planner comes in handy. Ever year before school starts I always make sure I make that one trip to the school bookstore and buy myself a a big planner that has a lot of space for me to write all of my school assignments and social events. This provides me a very nice visual of what my schedule will look like each week.
Below, I have provided a link to one of my favorite planners that I use each school year. This planner is beneficial for students who have large handwriting, (like myself) and need a lot of space on a page. Also, It's the perfect size that you can carry around when you are out and about.
Enjoy & Happy Organizing!
Cheryl's Favorite Planner
Below, I have provided a link to one of my favorite planners that I use each school year. This planner is beneficial for students who have large handwriting, (like myself) and need a lot of space on a page. Also, It's the perfect size that you can carry around when you are out and about.
Enjoy & Happy Organizing!
Cheryl's Favorite Planner
Thursday, November 10, 2011
2,4,6,8... Let's Advocate... A-D-V-O-C-A-T-E What's does that spell? ADVOCATE !!!!!!!
One of the most important things in my life that I have learned as a student with LD is you have got to learn to advocate for yourself. Being a student with an LD not every situation is going to be a simple task to complete. This particularly applies in schoolwork, a main area that can be stressful and challenging for LD Students like myself. There are going to be times in which you are going to have to speak up to someone and say, "Hey I don't understand this" or "Hey, I need more time for this assignment."Many of my teachers have a lot of students to keep track with or without disabilities, and they don't have a lot of time in their schedules to meet with every student on a weekly basis. From personal experience most of my teachers, college professors, TA's etc. are very understanding of my learning disability and are willing to provide the necessary accommodations that I need to get my assignments completed and done well. However, the only way they know that I am not being so called "LAZY" and need help is I SPEAK UP!!!! If you are a student with an LD that needs help do your part and ADVOCATE!!!!!! It's the only way you know for sure you are going to get the help you need.
The following link that I have posted is a guide that lists self advocacy tips for students with LD. Teachers, parents, and mentors feel free to read this as well and pass it on to any LD student you know who needs assistance with self advocacy.
Self Advocacy: Know Yourself, Know What You Need, Know How To Get It
That's all for now.
Remember, don't forget to A-D-V-O-C-A-T-E!!!!! ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE
Peace,
Cheryl
The following link that I have posted is a guide that lists self advocacy tips for students with LD. Teachers, parents, and mentors feel free to read this as well and pass it on to any LD student you know who needs assistance with self advocacy.
Self Advocacy: Know Yourself, Know What You Need, Know How To Get It
That's all for now.
Remember, don't forget to A-D-V-O-C-A-T-E!!!!! ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE
Peace,
Cheryl
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Say What? Can You Repeat That Again? What Did You Just Say?
Have you ever experienced this scenario?
Imagine you are sitting in class, let's say in a big lecture hall and the professor just keeps blabbing on and on to the entire class about a particular topic you just read in your textbook for homework. There are no visuals whatsoever on the screen. The professor just keeps on talking. Unfortunately, as hard as you try, you can't seem to get all of the notes down, but the professor doesn't care. He just keeps on going. Later, when you go back to your room to review all of the notes you have written down, you realize that you missed a lot of the major concepts that were mentioned in your textbook. Unfortunately, the professor does not have any power points that he posts online. Now, your stuck. How are you going to get all of the information so you can study for that major exam that comes up in a few weeks?
If this scenario above happens to you quite frequently you should get a smartpen. This is an amazing technology especially for students with LD. I use it for all of my classes to make sure I heard the notes correctly in class
CHECK IT OUT!
The Livescribe Smartpen
Amazon link
Best Buy link
*By the way the Livescribe pen is available online through Amazon or Best Buy.
Imagine you are sitting in class, let's say in a big lecture hall and the professor just keeps blabbing on and on to the entire class about a particular topic you just read in your textbook for homework. There are no visuals whatsoever on the screen. The professor just keeps on talking. Unfortunately, as hard as you try, you can't seem to get all of the notes down, but the professor doesn't care. He just keeps on going. Later, when you go back to your room to review all of the notes you have written down, you realize that you missed a lot of the major concepts that were mentioned in your textbook. Unfortunately, the professor does not have any power points that he posts online. Now, your stuck. How are you going to get all of the information so you can study for that major exam that comes up in a few weeks?
If this scenario above happens to you quite frequently you should get a smartpen. This is an amazing technology especially for students with LD. I use it for all of my classes to make sure I heard the notes correctly in class
CHECK IT OUT!
The Livescribe Smartpen
Amazon link
Best Buy link
*By the way the Livescribe pen is available online through Amazon or Best Buy.
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