‘Kinesthetic and Authentic Learning through Haiku Poetry’ by Kirk Bergen

Children absolutely love learning and studying anything having to do with animals. They are more focused and tuned in to the learning process visually and auditorily and are excited to learn more with photos, videos, text, sound, conversation, and dialogue with the introduction to the topic.

At Davis-Ramoth School in Selawik, Alaska in Northwest Arctic School Borough, general education teachers have been joining their students during their daily Inupiaq class to learn more about the culture and to learn more about what they are studying and learning. I then like to integrate what they are studying and learning in Inupiaq with social studies, science, art, reading, and writing back in the general education classroom with kinesthetic learning that emphasizes hands-on and interactive learning experiences. This type of learning utilizes the sense of touch and movement to facilitate understanding and retention. Physical activity is incorporated with movement and hands-on experiences to enhance the learning process. Continue reading ‘Kinesthetic and Authentic Learning through Haiku Poetry’ by Kirk Bergen

‘Picturing Your Future When the Internet Is Out’ by Jim Kreatschman at DOL

It was late August 2020 and I was still hopeful that things would turn around and students would be back in school. I received a call from Robert Whipple, a teacher in Hooper Bay.  He was looking for secondary transition resources for his students in special education.

Public school students who receive special education services have a ‘Transition Plan’ as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The transition plan outlines goals unique to each student’s interests and strengths to ensure a smooth transition from school to college and/or training, work and community living.

Hooper Bay Village

Robert explained how his students had little to no access to the internet away from the school building.  He was only able to work with each student for 30 minutes a week on the phone and needed activities to help them focus on their own transition from school to adult life. Continue reading ‘Picturing Your Future When the Internet Is Out’ by Jim Kreatschman at DOL

‘Keeping the Focus on Secondary Transition’ by Jim Kreatschman

During these crazy times it’s hard to get what needs doing done! Even more difficult is focusing on planning for the future. Help is here.

The Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) have partnered with the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) to build Transition Alaska.org as a virtual classroom for teachers and students to keep the focus on transition. Continue reading ‘Keeping the Focus on Secondary Transition’ by Jim Kreatschman