Writing for Special Needs Learners: From Sentences to Paragraphs!
This is a special education class for writing sentences and paragraphs. We will practice describing our lives, our world, and familiar places and things. Great for learners with autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual disabilities.
Laura Rupers, M.Ed., Certified Reading Specialist
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(136)
What's included
2 live meetings
1 in-class hours per weekHomework
1-2 hours per week. After class, the learners will receive a copy of the slideshow. For homework, they will copy the paragraphs we wrote together. I will also include some “sentence starters” for them to continue the story, if they choose. At the next class, the learners will have the opportunity to show their work.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 3
Beginner Level
In this class, we will learn some simple grammar rules, and practice writing sentences and paragraphs. We will use concrete examples, such as pictures of familiar things, that the learners will find fun and relatable. Learners will be encouraged to submit photos of family members, pets, friends, and familiar places. (See welcome letter for details.) We will start with a warm up activity, such as a song about parts of speech or complete sentences. After the warm up, we will have a “Show and Tell” time to present our homework. (This is optional, but encouraged.) During every class, we will use a slide presentation to spark a class discussion. We will use strategies such as brainstorming or completing a graphic organizer to get our ideas flowing. For example, we might see a picture of an animal, such as a panda. The learners will take turns describing the panda, what it is doing, etc. while I type their responses onto the slide. I will ask questions as needed to draw out the details. Next, we will take their words and phrases and practice putting them into complete sentences. I will provide sentence starters and ask questions as needed to help the learners craft meaningful sentences. As time allows, we will put the sentences together into paragraphs, while discussing spacing, capitalization, punctuation, and more. After class, the learners will receive a copy of the slideshow. For homework, they will copy the paragraphs we wrote together. I will also include some “sentence starters” for them to continue the story, if they choose. At the next class, the learners will have the opportunity to show their work.
Learning Goals
We will learn that complete sentences require a subject and a predicate.We will learn to talk about ourselves in first person.
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is designed for learners with special needs, such as ASD, Down syndrome, or intellectual disabilities. We'll use slide presentations and props to help us focus on what to write about, and songs to review grammar concepts.
Parental Guidance
Our class will cover a variety of topics such as home, family, pets, entertainment, and more. If your child has any specific fears, such as clowns or dogs, please kindly message me through Outschool to let me know. Additionally, if your learner or family does not eat certain kinds of foods (pork, candy, etc.), or does not celebrate certain holidays, please let me know so I can tailor the class content accordingly.
I will use presentations that I have created on Canva. Sometimes, I will send links for the parents and learners to view at home; no account will be needed.
Pre-Requisites
Learners should be able to read and copy down simple sentences, e.g. "I see an animal wearing a costume." (Lexile 160L-310L, Grade 1) For examples, see: readinga-z.com/books/leveled-books (click on "D"). Parent support is encouraged.
Joined December, 2020
4.9
136reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Western Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Western Kentucky University
During my Master’s in Elementary Education with Reading Specialist endorsement program, I had many classes which addressed special needs and individual differences, as well as how to adapt curricula and lessons to meet those needs. I am a National Writing Project fellow (‘96-’97), in which I learned and practiced a variety of strategies for teaching writing to students with intellectual disabilities. I have been teaching learners with special needs for 31 years. I have helped learners improve their knowledge and usage of grammar, as well as their syntax. For example, in answering “What did you do yesterday?”, one learner initially gave responses such as, “Did you go to the store” and “[Name] likes hamburger French fries.” After tutoring, the learner consistently responds with appropriate answers, such as, “I went to the store with Mommy. I bought a puzzle.” I have also had much success with encouraging preverbal learners to speak and even answer simple questions.
Testimonials:
- “Ms Laura has an amazing rapport with the kids; particularly the special needs kids. She is patient and engaging. My son looks forward to his classes with her each week. Since working with her, his ability to connect and communicate with others has improved tremendously!” - Outschool parent of a private writing tutoring learner with autism
- “I love the happy upbeat setting of this class. My son is preverbal and Ms. Laura can get words from him and even engagement in short conversations. Very happy with this class.” - Outschool parent of a learner with autism
- “Absolutely LOVED Laura's style and I was thrilled that she managed to pull my son out of his shell almost immediately. You can tell she has a genuine passion & gift working with special needs. I'm signing him up for every class she offers!” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- "She is amazing. She is our beacon of hope. She is a professional special needs educator truly. As a special needs parent and educator, we all know we need lots of energy to educate kids. For special needs children, we need double and triple efforts. Miss Laura, she delivers extraordinary lessons. My son has quality time with Miss Laura." - Outschool parent of a private tutoring learner with special needs
- “Ms. Laura is amazing, inclusive and very enthusiastic. If you want a high energetic class, this is the class for you. My daughter has a speech disorder, but Ms. Laura amazes me with the strategies she uses to ensure that she understands my daughter.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “This was such a fun class for our child! He used his AAC to communicate. Thank you for providing such a fun and inclusive space.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “My son loves this class and looks forward to it every week. He has limited speech and the teacher knows how to communicate with him very well.”- Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “Ms. Laura is incredibly kind and experienced with children who have Down Syndrome and children with special needs. She is never rude, and always patient with a genuine smile. Our [daughter] loves this class. We plan to return fall 2024. I highly recommend her.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “My son with DS loves the lessons.. . . [the] teacher's lesson really encourages him to engage with students and with the teacher too.” - Outschool parent of a private tutoring and group class learner with Down syndrome
- “Wonderful teacher that accommodates the needs of the learners.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “Laura went above and beyond to make this class SO GREAT for my girls! So grateful for her” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs
- “My 11 year old son has significant autism and struggles socially, however he has connected with Miss Laura and the other children in a very real and lovely way” - Outschool parent of a learner with autism
Reviews
Live Group Class
$24
weekly ($12 per class)2x per week
30 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-5 learners per class
