From Text Maps to Memory Caps

100 More Ways to Differentiate Instruction in K–12 Inclusive Classrooms

About the Authors

Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
Paula Kluth is a former special educator who has served as a general education co-teacher, inclusion facilitator, and instructional coach. Her professional interests include differentiating instruction, active learning, and inclusive schooling. Dr. Kluth is the author or coauthor of eleven books including:

• "You’re Going to Love This Kid!": Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms, Second Edition
• "A Land We Can Share": Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism
• "Just Give Him the Whale": 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and

Sheila Danaher, M.S.Ed.
Sheila Danaher is a consultant for the Christopher L. & M. Susan Gust Foundation, dedicated to supporting all students by creating inclusive school communities. She is a former learning specialist and administrator in the Chicago Public Schools, where she focused on supporting students with autism and differentiating instruction for all students. As a consultant for the Gust Foundation, Sheila continues her work by providing teachers with ideas for curricular adaptations, differentiating instruction.

Social Skill Slam Book

Materials

• Notebook or binder

Description

Did you have a slam book as a kid? We remember using slam books to share favorite things and recommendations for friends. The owner creates a roster with a series of numbers and one name next to each one. On each subsequent page, a question is posted along with a numbered list. Students answer each question by providing their response next to their assigned number. Some slam book owners tear out identifying information to maintain privacy, allowing contributors to freely share information.

Directions

Teachers can create social skill slam books for students needing advice and guidance from peers on topics such as making friends and dealing with stress. This format includes pictures of classmates instead of only their words of advice.
First, decide on the social skills to target and develop questions based on these skills. Sample questions include:

• How do you deal with anxiety?
• How do you start a conversation with someone new?
• How do you handle unfair situations?
• How do you cope with a low grade?

Then, ask your student with social challenges to choose a few peers as advisors. Introduce the advisors with sentences and their photos. On each page, write one question on the left side and three or four answers on the right side, including photos of each respondent. Give the book to the student for proactive study or use during challenging times.

Example

A high school student with Asperger syndrome often consulted classmates about personal struggles. His teachers helped him create a slam book filled with ideas from classmates who he viewed as successful and trustworthy.