Why are Some Children called "Exceptional"?

      While all children are exceptional for just being themselves, those identified as exceptional in terms of education are those who differ from the general population to such a degree that they need specialized services in the form of an individualized school program in special education or related services. Exceptional children includes a range of students who experience learning, behavioral, sensory, and physical difficulties as well as those who are gifted in a superior range of learning and require modifications in the school curriculum in order to achieve optimal performance.  I'd be remiss to not mention that while all children are more alike than different, those who are identified as "exceptional children" need to be identified in order to benefit fully from their education. The ultimate goal of all persons involved in a student's education is to give every child a chance to thrive by providing learning situations and environments suitable to the child's unique needs.

Educator Links:

Identify Narratives:  Inspiring Students to Take Control of Their Stories

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/identity-narratives-control-own-stories-amelia-clune

Encouraging Courage- What Courageous Educators Do
http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/alfie-kohn/encouraging-courage-what-courageous-educators-do/

Parent Link:

Ten Sanity savers for ADHD Parents

http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/125/slide-1.html

Parent -Child Opportunity:

Baby Steps to Literacy (BSTL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy by giving babies their first book. Baby Steps to Literacy is currently looking for babies under 28 months and their caregivers to be part of a simple and convenient reading study. If intersted, you may contact BSTL at:   http://babystepstoliteracy.com/dissertation_study_-_infant_reading_study 

Mitt Aubin's Book Review:

The Mystery at Jamestown: First Permanent English Colony in America! , is part of a series written by Carole Marsh. These books are historical fiction set in real places.  The novels are mysteries with living characters, Christina and Grant are Marsh's grandchildren. Other characters come from the Carole Marsh Fanclub where kids can apply to be a character in a future novel. There is also an on-line scavenger hunt and map for kids to track their adventures.  I will be using this novel to review an unit on Jamestown that my 7th/8th self-contained students did last year before moving forward in American History. I will also tie in an unit on archaeology since artifacts from Jamestown are discussed in this kid gripping novel. My students love our mini archaeological digs!