Learning Support’s professional development programmes aim to be flexible to your school’s current needs and future directions. We are also are happy to meet with you to discuss specific requirements.
Kim had facilitated two workshops to Mathematics teachers in the Wellington region regarding the ways students with Learning Disabilities see the classroom learning from their eyes. Her facilitation is lively and engaging, with teachers realising they need to do better in engaging all students with the learning of Mathematics and Statistics so that it is inclusive for all.
Derek Smith|Mathematics National Co-ordinator/Central South Facilitator (Secondary)|Education Support Services|Te Tapuae o Rehua Consortium Mau ki te ako|University of Otago College of Education
The “Visualisation” and “Peel Back Strategies” were especially useful. I think they will be something I can use across pretty much all levels when getting students to solve word problem. Visualising the context of the problem and being able to describe how they see it, and what they need to do to solve it must help in coming up with a solution. Staff member, Onslow College
We offer workshops on the following:
Understanding Students with Learning Difficulties
This workshop allows participants to experience the same frustration, anxiety and tension that children with learning difficulties experience. People attending this workshop will reflect upon their practice and find that it will help change their approach to students with learning difficulties.
Strategies for a Multi-Sensory Approach to Spelling Difficulties
There are a number of reasons why students struggle with spelling. Research strongly suggests that whether students are struggling because of visual, auditory, working memory, processing or phonological weaknesses, a multi-sensory approach, with high repetition is the key to success. This workshop will give you practical strategies to use with your students which will help you, help them, to succeed.
Helping Students with Writing
Even more than reading, writing is a mental juggling act which relies on the automatic deployment of basic skills such as handwriting, spelling, grammar, punctuation, topic, word choice, structure, sequencing and audience needs. While any of these skills remain cognitive tasks for a student the writing process will completely overload them. This workshop will address some of the most basic skills that need to be mastered to make writing a successful task for students.
Visualisation
An important aspect of reading comprehension is the ability to visualise the meaning of the text. This workshop will teach you how to help your students develop their visual imagery. This is taught through imagery questions, picture exercises and higher order thinking questions. Symbol imagery has also been recognised as an important tool for processing the phonological and orthographic parts of reading and spelling. At the completion of this workshop you will be equipped with tools to help improve students reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling abilities using visualisation.
Mind mapping
Imagine being able to offer your students a formula that will help them get started, organise and successfully complete a project, task or inquiry. A mind map is a straightforward way to get information into and out of a students’ brain. Mind Mapping allows students to organise their thinking, have fun and successfully recall information while saving themselves time. This practical workshop will equip you with the necessary teaching tips to take back into your classroom for immediate implementation.
Please do not hesitate to contact Kim Anderson if you would like to discuss or book any of these workshops.