Reading & Writing
How to create a good reading
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What is a life journal?Life books are notebooks that students can write in, draw in, and express themselves in. Life books can contain: drawings, pictures, stories, questions, quotes, memories, ticket stubs, post cards, and dialogue. In life journals students can go above and beyond to communicate ones thoughts in any creative way possible. Life books do not have a specific format. It is a very informal way of writing that allows the students to open their lives into writing without the pressure of being judged by their teacher or their peers.
Implementation in the classroom:A life book is something I feel that would benefit my students with Asperger syndrome. Children with Asperger syndrome struggle with communication and social interaction with others. In having a life book, those students can express their emotions in a positive way. Children with this disability can easily become frustrated and stressed out. Having a life book can help them to release their anxiety and help get their focus back. Writing is often a chore for students who have Asperger syndrome. In doing a writing journal I hope to encourage students to open their minds up to the wonderful world of writing.
Inspirations of life books:Amelia Writes Again by Marissa Moss is an example of a life journal that is written by a 10-year-old girl named Amelia. Amelia received the journal for her birthday where she writes about what goes on in her daily life.
In the journal Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments Amelia is about to embark on a three-day field trip with her classmates. She writes about her fear and her experiences before, during, and after the field trip. In Amelia's Bully Survival Guide she writes and expresses how she feels about the science class she is in and the bully she has to encounter on a daily basis. All of these journals are a great reference for children who are beginning their own life journals. The themes in the Amelia books are so broad that any student should be able to find an Amelia journal that they can connect with. |
In doing my research I found that children with Aspergers syndrome really do enjoy reading. They usually get stuck on one topic of interest so as a teacher we need to find ways to expand their reading interest. One of my articles mentioned building off of their topic of interest. For example if they are interested in Dinosaurs build off of that idea to expand their reading into birds or other animals. The artifact listed above has great ideas on how to integrate reading as well as writing through life books into your classroom.
Griswold, D. E., & Barnhill, G. P. (2002). Asperger syndrome and academic achievement. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(2), 94-102. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2490/content/17/2/94.full.pdf html
Miles, B., & Simpson, R. L. (2001). Effective practices for students with asperger syndrome. Focus on Exceptional Children, 34(3), 1-14. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:7125/docview/224047185
Griswold, D. E., & Barnhill, G. P. (2002). Asperger syndrome and academic achievement. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(2), 94-102. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2490/content/17/2/94.full.pdf html
Miles, B., & Simpson, R. L. (2001). Effective practices for students with asperger syndrome. Focus on Exceptional Children, 34(3), 1-14. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:7125/docview/224047185