This class is taught in English.

 The students identify letter and letter sounds as they are related to their experience. 

 As a dedicated education teacher with over 30 plus years of experience in (online and public school) teaching children (birth-sixth grade) with special needs, regular education, students who are second language learners, preschoolers, and my children, I know that writing is an important skill.  I have an Ed.S from Walden University Online December 2015, M.ed.  in Curriculum & Instruction University of Phoenix June 2005, BA in Special Education with concentrations in affective, emotional, and cognitive disorders from  Old Dominion University June 2002, BS in Elementary Education from  Bemidji State University July 1985 with associates degrees in Early Childhood Associate Degree and Sociology. In addition, I have 6 years of online experience in working with children and adults whose second language is English or who are learning English, as well as, working with students in the public schools whose second language is English or who have language delays (written and spoken).  I have certifications in TEFL and TESOL, in addition, to receiving certifications from professional development provided by public school districts in Texas and Colorado.   I have taught, developed individual education plans and individual literary plans, and worked with students who have limited fine motor skills, gross motor delays, or sensory or neurological delays, for over 30 years. I have worked with occupational therapists (and other specialists) to develop students' individual education plans, to help them learn to write, specifically to help them develop their eye-hand movements, fine motor, academic skills (reading and writing), gross motor, and life skills.  I was the lead teacher in center-based programs for students with moderate to severe disabilities. I was a resource teacher and inclusion specialist for students with mild to moderate disabilities in public schools. This course will be based on techniques and skills that I found useful in helping students learn to write. The training I have received, certified workshops, and courses, to give me continuing education points to maintain my licenses in regular education and specialized education, were in sensory, fine motor, gross motor, curriculum development, academic, and writing skills.   I have received training in a variety of established handwriting programs, i.e. Handwriting Without Tears, Zaner-Bloser Handwriting, D'Nealian, Draw, Write Now as well as reading curriculums with associated writing programs. I have been trained and taught the Fundations/Wilson Language Training.  I still have and use those materials in my classes.  In addition, I have reviewed various curriculum programs (Reading, Writing, Math) and adapted them so that my students (who had the fine motor and/or gross motor delays) can receive full advantage of these programs.
I am certified to teach students who have (mild, moderate, and severe) Affective, Cognitive and Emotional disorders. I have taught and adapted programs for students who have physical (fine and gross motor skills) in addition to effective, emotional, and cognitive disorders. In addition, I have trained teachers to work with students in their classrooms who have a variety of disabilities that affect their writing, reading, and math development. During my career, I  have maintained and advanced by taking courses and attending workshops in a variety of areas to help students with mild, moderate, and severe (Affective, Cognitive, and Emotional disorders), as well as, Physical disabilities.  I have also used aids, play-dough, small balls, and specialized materials that I have developed, with the help of occupational therapists, to help students to learn to write and develop their fine and gross motor skills.   

none

Informal, participation in class

50 minutes per week in class, and no time outside of class.