Accommodation and Modification Ideas for students and parents:

In addition to the tips listed below, please check out our Grades 6-12 Special Education SEALS resources page for some amazing online learning that is especially adapted to our students’ learning styles! 

  • Work with a time in mind – 15-20 minute increments to start.  Take frequent breaks!
  • Set a timer so you don’t keep looking at a clock and you have clear set time goal
  • Increase the time as you see fit for your routine
  • If you feel frustrated or anxious – stop!  Get up and move around or switch to a different subject.
  • Get up and do something in between work sessions – snack, take a walk, draw, etc.
  • Start with your least favorite subject and end with your most favorite
  • If you can – do some work online and then do something more hands on
  • Do odd or even problems instead with worksheets that are too long for you ie: math worksheets
  • For Writing – use a graphic organizer to help layout your thoughts first – see attached PDFs.
  • For Reading  – Look for age appropriate content/interest, but at your reading level – https://newsela.com/ is a great source for this and https://www.resourceroom.net/older/hilow_sources.html
  • Using a multiplication table and/or calculator may be helpful to have handy
  • Take advantage of SPEECH TO TEXT in Google Docs to help you start writing assignments.  Be sure to go back and edit edit your papers.
  • Use TEXT TO SPEECH – where the computer reads any text to you that you choose. There are free resources online that will do this – here is one to start with: https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/.  This site is awesome!
  • Listen to audiobooks and even audio textbooks online and follow along if you have the book available as well.
  • Have a family member be your scribe and write for you.  You speak, they write.
  • Make a checklist of your academics for the day and mark them off as you go.
  • Turn the tables and quiz a family member on your spelling list – see how they do!
  • Make sure you are comfortable, have good lighting, and even have music in the background if it isn’t distracting.
  • Fidget / sensory tools such as stress balls, etc. are good to have at your workstation
  • Take extra time to do your work, but since you are working from home that won’t be too much of an issue as of now.
  • Work outside if you can find a patch of sunshine!

Don’t forget your case managers are available for you to contact with any concerns or questions.