Celebrating the Special School


Book Description

This book challenges the assumption that special schools are a second-best educational option for their pupils. It celebrates the success and importance of special schools within England and the support of local education authorities (LEAs) in maintaining them. Full of examples highlighting good practice, including the views of parents, pupils and ex-pupils who have all experienced a positive special school education, the book: clearly outlines the principles at the heart of the inclusion debate discusses the tension in schools between raising standards and being inclusive assesses the future role of special schools offers an alternative vision of 'optimal education' for each child. Celebrating the Special School will be of interest to parents of children attending special schools or considering placement, LEA officers, special school staff, staff working in units for pupils with SEN and parents of these children.




Let's Celebrate!


Book Description

Lyrical, sensory nonfiction text and vibrant illustrations invite readers to experience a child’s-eye view of 13 holidays around the world, such as the Spring Festival in China, Inti Raymi in Peru, Eid al-Fitr in Egypt, Día de Muertos in Mexico and the New Yam Festival in Nigeria. Includes pronunciation guides, a global festival calendar and educational notes about why we celebrate.




Neurodiversity in the Classroom


Book Description

This book by best-selling author Thomas Armstrong offers classroom strategies for ensuring the academic success of students in five special-needs categories: learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.




The Girl With 500 Middle Names


Book Description

JANIE WHO? It's hard enough being the new kid in school. It's even tougher when all of your new classmates live in big houses and wear expensive clothes, while your parents have little and are risking everything just to give you a chance at a better life. Now Janie's about to do something that will make her stand out even more among the rich kids at Satterthwaite School. Something that will have everyone wondering just who Janie Sams really is. And something that will mean totally unexpected changes for Janie and her family.




Activities for Unusual Holidays: Celebrating 38 Special Days in 38 Different Ways (Gr. 2-3)


Book Description

The activities in these books are low-prep and rarely require more than everyday school supplies. Each day has an information page and an activity page for students to complete. Background information for each holiday is included so that teachers won't have to do any additional research. The activities develop communication skills, spark imagination, and promote social awareness and kindness.




The Acorn People


Book Description

This true story of a boy who must overcome prejudice and weakness to treat a group of special needs children with the respect—and love—they deserve “will give your innards a bear hug. . . . You will read this book with a lump in your throat.” (Lincoln Journal) From Ron Jones, a teacher who started the classroom program that inspired the movie The Wave, comes a memoir about a life-changing summer. Ron expected that his time as a counselor at Camp Wiggin would be filled with sunny days spent hiking, swimming, and boating. But when he arrives on day one, his illusions are quickly shattered. He knew that the kids would be “handicapped,” but he didn’t anticipate having to care for children who can barely walk or see or retain the use of their limbs. At first, the severity of the campers’ disabilities seems too much to bear. But everything changes once Ron gets to know his group—kids who call themselves “the Acorn People” because of the acorn necklaces they wear around their necks. The campers teach him that, inside, they are the same as any average kid, and with encouragement, determination, and friendship, nothing is impossible. “A fantastic and beautiful story.”—Seattle Times “Uncomfortably moving, yet told in surprisingly unsentimental terms. . . . Succinct and tender, it will haunt the reader long after the brief passages have been read.”—Houston Chronicle "Ron Jones' true story of a group of handicapped children at summer camp is one of the most poignant, beautiful and eloquent tales to come this way in a long time."—Flint Journal




Off to Class


Book Description

Describes some of the different and unusual school settings around the world, from an environmentally sustainable school in India to schools within caves in China and schools for the nomadic tribes of Siberia.




Yes I Can!


Book Description

"Carolyn is in a wheelchair, but she doesn't let that stop her! She can do almost everything the other kids can, even if sometimes she has to do it a little differently"--




The Name Jar


Book Description

A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own. From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes the bestselling classic about finding the courage to be yourself and being proud of your background.




Every Child Included


Book Description

`This is an extremely timely book, which would be a very useful addition to any staffroom library′ - Special `One of the most detailed overviews on what is really happening with inclusion at ground level. In years to come, professionals will remember they used Rona Tutt′s book for identifying where good practice was really happening. Along with Rita Cheminais and Anne Hayward, this must rate as one of the most useful texts of the decade′ - Tricia Barthorpe, Past President of the National Association of Special Educational Needs, (NASEN) How can your school or setting become part of a truly inclusive education service that provides for all children and young people? Looking at the Every Child Matters agenda and the government′s strategy for special educational needs (SEN), this book moves beyond the debate about specialist provision to explore the exciting developments that are taking place in both mainstream and special schools, as they join forces to provide for pupils with increasingly complex needs. It provides examples of innovative ways forward that will help all schools develop their own strategies to support those pupils who find it hardest to learn. Topics covered include: o successful strategies for supporting pupils in mainstream schools o the benefits of co-located schools, federations and partnerships o the developing role of day and residential special schools o the changing nature of support and advisory services The book is essential reading for school leaders and senior management teams, and will be of interest to governors, policy makers and all those involved in the training and professional development of the school workforce. Rona Tutt is a Past President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and works as an SEN consultant, writer and researcher.