12 Educational Sites to Keep Your Child Learning All Summer

Websites and online services can be a great resource when trying to keep your child learning over the summer and other breaks from school. But it can be hard for parents to know which ones pack a lot of educational content and which are just flashy fun. To help, I’ve selected a dozen of my favorite educational sites for either engaging with online or downloading worksheets to do with your child.

Some of these sites are intended for teachers but will be useful to parents looking for enrichment activities. Most are aligned to common core standards, appeal to different learning styles, and offer high-quality content. A few will cost you, but if you’re seeking good instructional content, the expense may be worth it.

1. Do2Learn

Find it at: www.do2learn.com

About: “Do2learn provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills.”

Categories: Disabilities | Academics | Social Skills | Behavior Management | Picture Cards

2. IXL Learning

Find it at: www.ixl.com

About: “IXL is an immersive K-12 learning experience that provides comprehensive, standards-aligned content for math, language arts, science, and social studies.”

Categories: Math | Language Arts | Science | Social Studies | Grades Pre-K K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12

Pricing: For families, $9.95–$19.95/month

3. Apps in Education

Find it at: appsineducation.blogspot.com

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4 Things to Know About Successful Inclusive Schools

I've just finished the edits on a book I've been writing for the past 2 years! Throughout the research and writing, one of the aspects of inclusion that has struck a chord (and I always knew, but took for granted) is that for successful inclusion to occur it must happen at every level of the education system. 

I've always said that inclusion doesn't happen in isolation. Truely inclusive environments don't take place in just one classroom. Inclusion must exist at all levels of education - from daily lessons to community support. You simply can't have one without the other. Much like a Russian stacking doll, inclusion is embedded deep within the system. Inclusion must occur in:

1. The Community - Community attitudes and values shape the expectations of local schools. For inclusive schools to successfully operate, communities must demonstrate acceptance and support of all students in their local schools regardless of cultural, physical, or personal beliefs. They can contribute to school events, volunteer, and become advocates for inclusive schools. 

2. The School - Schools must be structured to support inclusive programming. Timetables, staffing, training, and resources need to be allocated to provide students with the appropriate supports. For example, teachers need time to plan with special education personnel. Paraprofessionals must be made available to students who require one-to-one instruction, and resources such as learning aids and assistive technology must be available for student use. 

3. The Classroom - From teacher and student attitudes, to the physical arrangement of the furniture, to the routines in the school day, inclusion must be a driving force in a classroom. More than just a social program, it actually needs to be part of the culture of the classroom. Students must model inclusion, demonstrate inclusion, and expect inclusion from one another. 

4. The Lesson - A simple lesson can make or break an inclusive opportunity for a student. For students to fully participate and have equal opportunity in education, they must also have equal access to daily lessons. Adaptations to student work must be made to facilitate student engagement. Adaptations, such as accommodations, can be made to make learning accessible. Adaptations, in the form of modifications, can be made to make learning possible. 

How about your school? Is it inclusive? Is inclusion embedded in all levels of the education system in your community? Let me know by commenting below!

10 Twitter Accounts to Follow for Inclusion Inspiration

A great way to keep up with what’s going on with inclusion is to follow people who are passionate about it on Twitter. You’ll find links to news stories, opinion pieces, and how-tos every day to inspire and inform you. Here are ten I recommend — and while you’re at it, follow me at @inclusive_class.

1. @think_inclusive

“Inclusive Education Advocacy, News, and Resources || Inclusion. Every Day.”

     More from @think_inclusive: Website | Facebook | Google+ | Instagram

2. @PaulaKluth

“Consultant, teacher, author, advocate and scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities.”

More from @PaulaKluth: Website | Facebook | YouTube

3. @BrookesPubCo

“All learners deserve to meet their potential, from preschool to high school and beyond. Tweets about inclusive education, UDL, co-teaching, disability, and more.”

More from @BrookesPubCo: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Blog

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE LIST.....................