Connecting the Pieces
For Our Challenging Students
West Virgina Alternative Education Conference
June 28 - 29, 2010
Lori.Lamb@Arkansas.Gov
President, National Alternative Education Association
ADE / Director of Alternative Education
Smile, It’s a lot of FUN!
SmartestKidinClass.wmv
NCLB & Alt. Ed
Relationship
Relevancy
Rigor
Yearning for Learning
The other person’s perspective
must become the initial focus
to establish trust and
credibility.
You are the Key
All of us learn from our mistakes
Relate meaningful personal events
You are the “standard”
Stress
Anxiety- a state of uncertainty,
disturbance of the mind regarding
uncertain events
Stress
Fear- the agitated feeling caused by
anticipation or the realization of danger;
An uneasy feeling that something may
happen contrary to one’s hopes
Anger is only one letter
away from DANGER
Relaxation Techniques
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Finger Pressure
Tips & Resistance Loops
Controlled Breathing
Demonstrate First
Count “Out Loud” initially
Exhale “Through a Straw”
For younger children use a real straw
Activities
Pressure Point Toys
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Jacks and Super Balls
Kooshies
Therapy Putty
Be creative…. Brainstorm Together….
Kindness speaks loudly!
Knowing the Answer…
KentuckyMath.wmv
Describe and Discuss
Knowledge, Participation, Enthusiasm
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Rummy, Hearts, Spades
Triominoes, Dominoes, Score Four
Pool, Puzzles, Planting activities
Class Projects, Trips, Robotics
Activities Continued
Puzzles
Slinky
Drawing / Coloring
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Felt Art
Mosaic Pictures
Coloring Book Themes
School Mascot Pictures
Photos
Pictures of self and family become focus
Pictures of student in positive situation
Pictures that elicit a smile
Artistic Outlets
Music
Poetry
Writing
Art work, Creativity
Tasteful Options
Crackers
Sour Stuff
– Lemon Drops
– Sour Powers
– Gummy, Chewy, Oooey – Gooey
Background Music
Waterfall or Aquarium
60 Beats A Minute
Piano
Familiar Appropriate
Lighting
Table Lamps
Floor Lamps
Clip on Activity Center
Fun Static Lights
Wiggly and Wavy
Never Stop Trying
“There is no greater challenge than teaching
an alternative student. If you’re willing to
be creative, to risk, to try and fail and try
again, working with an alternative student
can teach you more, and touch you more
deeply than any other encounter.”
CARL…
Dropout Student Survey
Opportunities for real-world learning 81%
Better Teachers / More Interesting Classes 81%
Smaller Classes/ More Individual Help 75%
Better Communication with Home 71%
Parents check on Attendance Every Day 71%
Increase Supervision / Ensure class attendance 70%
Negotiate Tough Issues
Compromise is a lifelong skill
“Einstein’s genius came not from being
smart, but from being creative and
rebellious and being able to think in
pictures.”
Walter Isaacson
“There are innumerable explanations for a
child’s behavior. Your explanation will
dictate the intervention you select. If an
intervention that should work doesn’t,
take a second look at your assumptions.”
It’s not the Tools, It is how
you use them!
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