Entries by Michael Boll

Embracing Messy Learning: Understanding How to Work with Children with Special Need

Sometimes, working with children with special needs can pose quite the challenge.  Having a classroom filled with children with such varied needs and disabilities can be almost overwhelming for a teacher — where do you put your focus when so many people need your help?  Read on for tips and pointers for teaching children with […]

Students vs. Schools – How Children are Being Denied the Services They Need

It’s a sad state of affairs indeed when a dispute arises between students vs. schools, but that’s where we find ourselves. Although special needs children make up about 10% of our population of students, special education is much harder to come by than one would think. Rarely do students in need of special education actually […]

Schools Fail to Uphold Zero Tolerance Policies

“Schools Fail to Uphold Zero Tolerance Policies” — it sounds like a bad thing, but we promise, it isn’t. While they may sound like a good idea, zero tolerance policies have actually shown to be more than a little destructive. Luckily, America’s school system is finding solutions, and statistics are back on the rise. So […]

Approaching Special Education Problems in the Classroom

Managing any child comes with it’s own set of unique troubles, whether it be high-leveled energy, impulsive acts or disruptive tendencies. However, when it comes to children with special needs, your approach to the issue is vital. If you’re a special needs educator, it’s plain to see how one might collapse without something to support […]

5 Strategies to Motivate Students Using a Special Education Timeline

Being a parent is challenging, but being a parent to a child with special needs presents its own set of unique challenges. No matter what type of disability your child has – moderate or severe – you want to make sure that she is receiving the best opportunities possible. This, of course, includes her education. Children […]

With the New Year Around the Corner, is Special Education Inclusion Right for your Child?

We all want the best for our children. That’s especially true when it comes to education. In a perfect world, we hope that school will be a place of learning, growth and community for the ones that we love most. And while the majority of educators and school administrators want to provide just those benefits […]

Fun Christmas Traditions for Children with Special Needs

It’s that time of year again. Many families around the world are pulling out totes full of Christmas decorations and preparing for another season of frivolity and traditions—many of which may have been passed down for generations. And while, for some families, these traditions are a cherished opportunity to spend time together, for the families […]

Making the Most of Winter Camps for Special Needs Children

When you think of camp for children, the summer season probably comes to mind. However, camp season doesn’t end when the summer does. There are plenty of year-round and winter camps for children, and if you have a special needs child, you may be considering enrolling your child in one of these camps. Camps provide […]

10 Tips for a Joyous Holiday Season

The holidays should be a joyous time of the year. They provide opportunities for activities that are out-of-the-ordinary, the celebration of traditions, promote togetherness and simply offer a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling.  However, as the parent of a special needs child, the holiday season may present a few extra challenges. Last week we talked about […]

Helping Your Special Needs Child Through the Holidays

The holidays are a joyous time of the year. They are bursting with fun-filled activities and offer a change from the normal, everyday routine. These activities and changes are welcomed by most; but for a child with special needs, these changes can present a challenge. Special needs children often rely on routine. Routines offer consistency, […]