Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Oradell Public School
Specialized Educator: An LDTC is a certified teacher with expertise in working with students who have learning disabilities.
Assessment Role: They assess students to identify learning disabilities through formal testing and classroom observations.
IEP Development: LDTCs play a key role in developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with learning disabilities.
Instructional Support: They provide targeted strategies and accommodations to support students in the classroom, focusing on areas like reading, writing, and math.
Consultation and Collaboration: LDTCs collaborate with classroom teachers, parents, and school teams to provide guidance and support in modifying instructional methods.
Advocacy: They advocate for students with learning disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate educational services and resources.
Here are some great books, categorized by purpose:
Bob Books (Bobby Lynn Maslen) – Simple, phonics-based books for early readers.
Elephant & Piggie series (Mo Willems) – Funny, repetitive text that builds confidence.
Fly Guy series (Tedd Arnold) – Simple text with engaging, silly stories.
The King of Kindergarten (Derrick Barnes) – Great for social-emotional learning and confidence-building.
Hi-Lo Books (High-Interest, Low-Readability) – Publishers like High Noon Books or Barrington Stoke offer engaging, lower-level texts.
Dog Man & Captain Underpants (Dav Pilkey) – Graphic novels that engage reluctant readers.
The Bad Guys (Aaron Blabey) – Easy-to-read text with humor and action.
Hank Zipzer series (Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver) – Written by an author with dyslexia, relatable for struggling readers.
The Unicorn Rescue Society (Adam Gidwitz) – Engaging and accessible adventure stories.
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig) – Addresses inclusivity and kindness.
Each Kindness (Jacqueline Woodson) – A powerful lesson on empathy.
All Are Welcome (Alexandra Penfold) – A great book for diversity and inclusion.
A Boy Called Bat (Elana K. Arnold) – Features a neurodiverse protagonist.
Who Would Win? series (Jerry Pallotta) – Fun nonfiction with animal battles.
Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty) – Encourages curiosity and problem-solving.
National Geographic Kids Readers – High-interest nonfiction at different reading levels.
The Questioneers series (Andrea Beaty) – Engaging STEM-focused stories.
Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) – A heartwarming, classic tale.
The One and Only Ivan (Katherine Applegate) – A beautiful animal story.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Kate DiCamillo) – A powerful story about love and loss.
Because of Winn-Dixie (Kate DiCamillo) – A touching, relatable story.
Supporting your child's development and well-being is a collaborative effort between home and school. Here are some effective strategies for parents:
Establish a Consistent Routine: Children thrive on predictability. Set regular times for homework, meals, and bedtime to provide structure.
Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Active listening fosters trust and understanding.
Promote Reading Habits: Dedicate time each day for reading. This not only enhances literacy skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Monitor Academic Progress: Stay engaged with your child's schoolwork. Regularly review assignments and communicate with teachers to address any concerns.
Foster Social Skills: Encourage participation in group activities, such as sports or clubs, to develop teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Model Positive Behavior: Children often emulate their parents. Demonstrate kindness, patience, and resilience in daily interactions.
Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on the use of electronic devices to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Encourage Problem-Solving: Allow your child to face challenges and think critically to find solutions, fostering independence and confidence.