Help for a new 6th grade LD teacher

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

I am teaching 6th grade for the first time. I will be teaching math and language arts. After reading IEPs most are all functioning 3/4th grade level in all areas. I have no materials, but the my generous school system has alloted me $300. I need ideas for curriculum and sources for materials. I know I am asking for a miracle but I need one. School starts Monday!

Submitted by Jenn on Sun, 08/29/2004 - 7:32 PM

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How are your students in reading? Do they need more phonics skills, or are you working on comprehension or both? I’ve found that Perfection Learning has great books for students who are reading below their age level; they have many low level/high interest books that cover of a variety of genres and frequently tie into common themes in science/social studies. Almost all of the books have a skills book that goes along with it that reinforces skills such as alphabetical order, main idea, sequencing, syllables, etc. However, if your students need basic phonics skills, or more intensive review, this is not for them. I love Wilson Reading for phonics, but it is expensive! The book Reading Reflex by Carmen McGuinness could help you; it’s relatively inexpensive, especially on Amazon.com, and is readily available at most larger bookstores.

For math, I’m going to suggest something that is brand new to me this year but that I’m excited about: Math-U-See. The books are put out not by grade level, but by topic, so you’d have to check out the web site to see where your student fall in terms of areas they still need to master. It is manipulative based, which I’m thinking will be perfect for my student this year. You will need a VCR/DVD player that you can get your hands on on a regular basis, as the lessons are given via those. You can either watch them yourself and teach the students, or have them watch with you. As math programs go, it’s relatively inexpensive: $55.00 for videos, teachers manual, student text, and test book, and $30 for the manipulative blocks. You will need their blocks. Check out their web site: www.mathusee.com.

Good luck! I teach 6th grade too, only in more of a co-taught setting. We begin 9/1. Have a good year!
Jenn

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