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Did I Read That Right?
Wait a minute... What year is it? I'm a pretty grounded individual, so I'm certain that it is 2022. Not 1950. Last week, I had some ugly...

DJ Nicholson
Apr 27, 20221 min read
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Is Child's Play Still a 'Thing'?
With all of the demands, expectations and standards thrown at children, I wonder if this is still an active expression. Growing up, this...

DJ Nicholson
Apr 11, 20222 min read
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Flip It.
NO! Not that kind of flip... Flipped learning. Never heard of it? Flipped learning can be a game changer for children that need more...

DJ Nicholson
Apr 1, 20222 min read
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Redefining the Word "Pencil"
As someone who truly appreciates a good #2 pencil, the traditional pencil is my tool of choice when I am writing and has been since I was...

DJ Nicholson
Mar 18, 20222 min read
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The What, How and Why of Inclusion
You actually do know WHAT to do. As an educator, you know what inclusion is. You can define it and talk about it. You can even say "We...

DJ Nicholson
Mar 15, 20222 min read
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The Blue Fleece Blanket
Creating a sense of belonging makes all the difference. Every child wants to belong to their school community. In school communities,...

DJ Nicholson
Mar 10, 20222 min read
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The Midnight Rider Mindset
Take a page from this little guy's playbook to live your best life! THIS is The Midnight Rider. The Midnight Rider is a 12 1/2 year old...

DJ Nicholson
Mar 5, 20222 min read
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No Need to Be So Formal...
Tired of the same ol' assessments that don't give you enough information? Or so much information that it's impossible to trudge through...

DJ Nicholson
Mar 3, 20222 min read
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"I Don't Know Anyone with a Disability"
During a recent presentation to a group of non-educators, a member said just that. "I don't know anyone with a disability." You might...

DJ Nicholson
Feb 25, 20221 min read
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What did you say? I didn't catch that...
I am not an auditory learner. I know this about myself, so I am able to compensate by writing things down and making sure that I am...

DJ Nicholson
Feb 19, 20222 min read
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High Frequency Words: It's Time to Differentiate
If they already know the word, why do you keep teaching it?! High frequency words are those that are most common and can be recognized by...

DJ Nicholson
Feb 9, 20223 min read
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Instructional Design: Explicit and Systematic Instruction
Now that we have a handle on how to determine Present Levels of Performance/Function (PLoP/F)s and have relevant goals that align, let's...

DJ Nicholson
Feb 4, 20222 min read
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So... What is Specially Designed Instruction?
It's time to consider how we're addressing academic skill gaps. (Note: For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on academic...

DJ Nicholson
Jan 31, 20222 min read
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Can't Stop, Won't Stop... Moving.
It is natural for children to be in motion. Some children need more opportunities to move than others, often during times of the...

DJ Nicholson
Jan 16, 20222 min read
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The Blue Chair
We've all seen it. Rows of the classic blue classroom chair... Whether it's in the cafeteria, the classroom or set up for an assembly,...

DJ Nicholson
Jan 7, 20222 min read
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How about a modification?
I having been practicing yoga for more than 10 years, and I love the benefits of such a beautiful practice. It grounds me, centers my...

DJ Nicholson
Jan 5, 20222 min read
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New Year, New Mindset!
Happy New Year! I think Taylor Swift said it best when she sang, "I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' 22!" The start of a new year...

DJ Nicholson
Jan 1, 20222 min read
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Inclusive Playgrounds
Playgrounds are the community gathering places of childhood. They're filled with all types of activities: swings, slides, ladders,...

DJ Nicholson
Dec 29, 20211 min read
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You Must Have a Recipe.
I am not known for my skills in the kitchen. Partly because I have never had a cooking class or entertained the thought of cooking as a...

DJ Nicholson
Dec 27, 20212 min read
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All Wrapped Up in Newspaper
I saw a post in an educator Facebook group the other day asking, "What is the best gift you've ever received from a student?" Now... I've...

DJ Nicholson
Dec 22, 20212 min read
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