Misunderstood Minds

       Misunderstood Minds, provides great insight into the reality of students with learning disabilities. As teachers, we may over look the severity of a learning disability and often do not notice signs or symptoms of the disability. This then leads to students feeling lost, discouraged, and different. The best type of learning environment is well supported and offers students the tools they need to succeed. To do this, we as teachers, must recognize signs of a learning disability and support the students in every way that we can to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in learning material.
       After interacting with the reading tab on Misunderstood Minds, I felt the discouragement that many students feel when not being able to accomplish a task or activity. A simple reading prompt my not be so simple to every student. I realized that rushing and moving at a fast pass is not important. The main goal is that every student understands what they have read. I have worked with students in the past who need the same passage read to them three or four times before they can confidently answer the question or questions being asked. I always remind myself that the processing time for everyone is different and the absorption rate is also different. One strategy to help with students who have a difficult time with reading comprehension is providing the student with reading options. These include; reading the text to themselves, reading with a peer, having the teacher read aloud, and using text to voice applications on an iPad and a DynaVox. In this case, assistive technology helps to supplement the learning and understanding of the reading.
       The writing tab on Misunderstood Minds, was very eye opening for me. Sometimes as teachers we assume that if a student can think of an idea or come up with a graphic organizer then they should be able to write the essay. It is not that simple though and there are many more steps that are involved. According to this section, students have a hard time writing the words or letters and then forming those into complete ideas and sentences. I found it interesting how many steps and parts there are to writing, even just a sentence. I realized that I over look some of these steps and it is important to take time with students to ensure that they can complete and understand every step. In this case, assistive technology can be used in the form of a computer with a word document on it. Having the use of a word processor allows the students to concentrate on the writing and less on the formation of letters and words. Students can just type there thoughts or ideas and then put them into sentences a bit easier. This may not work in all cases but it does allow students to have one less thing to think about and to clear their mind to have more precise thoughts.
       The math tab on Misunderstood Minds, was probably the most shocking to me. Providing students with multiple steps can be extremely overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes a simple math problem is hard enough to put together but then add about four more steps to the procedure and it seems impossible. Students with learning disabilities need to be provided with the proper tools to complete each step of each math problem. By giving students one step at a time, we are giving them a chance to find the answer and feel more confident in math. One strategy I have used in the past is covering up every step except for the one that is being read and completed. Then, uncover each following step one at a time. This allows the students to not become  overwhelmed and to understand the problem more clearly. Assistive technology can be used to give support in math class by giving students something as simple as a manipulative or a calculator when needed. Some math problems may seem simple but giving students a manipulative to use might allow them to feel less stress and understand the problem more clearly.
       Fully understanding the different types of disabilities helps teachers to become more effective and provides students with an appropriate learning environment. Misunderstood Minds, allowed me to take a step back and realize how a task may be more difficult than it appears. I have realized that it is important to take the time to get to know every student and fully understand each of their needs. Not every problem will make sense and not every reading with be understood and that is alright. Through teacher support and assistive technology, students can reach their learning goals and feel more confident in the classroom.