Learning Support with Ms. Bethany

03/29/2026

Comment “VERTICAL” to grab our favorite vertical surface toys that help build strong handwriting foundations.

Let’s break down why vertical surfaces matter for handwriting…

Using toys and activities on vertical surfaces (like walls, easels, windows, or whiteboards) isn’t just play, it’s powerful brain and body work. Vertical play naturally activates a child’s core, shoulders, arms, and hands, all of which are essential for writing.

When children don’t get enough vertical surface work, you may notice some of these challenges:
🧠 Poor posture or slouching at the table
✋ Weak hand strength or hand fatigue when writing
✍️ Difficulty forming letters neatly
💪 Weak shoulder and arm stability
🖐️ Awkward pencil grasp or switching hands often
😩 Avoidance of coloring, drawing, or writing tasks

Vertical surface toys help by:
✔️ Strengthening the shoulders and core
✔️ Improving wrist position and hand control
✔️ Supporting proper pencil grasp
✔️ Making pre-writing and writing feel easier

If you want simple, playful ways to support handwriting before frustration sets in, we’ve rounded up our favorite vertical surface toys and activities.

For more activities that get kids working and playing on vertical spaces, comment “VERTICAL” and we’ll send you the link. 👇

03/29/2026

It is a myth that people who have dyslexia can't read at all. Most people with dyslexia can read - but it takes a great deal of effort. They may not be able to sustain their best reading over time. So they might read the first paragraph, page, or chapter well - and then their reading deteriorates, because that took all they had. They often struggle to read with automaticity. This is why ACCOMMODATIONS are so important! Just because a student with dyslexia reads well when you ask them to or gets good grades doesn't mean accommodations aren't needed. When you get that, you're starting to really get what is. Thanks to Dyslexia Inspired for this graphic.

03/29/2026

03/20/2026

Before children ever read a word on a page, they are building the foundation for reading through conversation.

Children’s oral language skills—vocabulary, sentence structure, and listening comprehension—play a powerful role in later reading comprehension. Long before students begin decoding printed words, they are learning how language works by listening, speaking, and making meaning through everyday interactions.

Every conversation matters.
Every question matters.
Every opportunity for students to explain their thinking strengthens language—and ultimately strengthens reading.

When we intentionally create space for students to talk, listen, and express ideas, we are strengthening the language comprehension side of reading.

02/26/2026

There are so many ways to get flexible seating, but dangling feet isn't one of them. I have put so many stools/blocks unders kids feet when the special Ed classroom isn't set up for as many levels that get to enjoy the space.

An easy to use free printable for how to size a classroom desk.
>>> https://missjaimeot.com/product/how-to-size-a-desk-cheat-sheet/?ref=4

01/22/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀
https://www.theottoolbox.com/executive-functioning-skills/
Thanks to Executive Functioning Toolbox for this most helpful infographic!

There are SO many sub-areas to executive functioning skills! This graphic is a quick reference for those sub-areas. Check out the link above for great strategies to improve these EF skills!

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: https://tinyurl.com/2ufr7fpy

01/18/2026

Reasons to Use Visuals with Children ...
--->> https://northstarpaths.com/graphics-free-downloads/

01/04/2026

Executive function is so critical and in the realm of the unknown, but pretty easy to work into everyday life.

Why executive function is needed in the classroom for higher learning development...https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-07-8-executive-functioning-skills-child-cant-complete-tasks-stay-organized-school/

12/19/2025

𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A8yqBA1CL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thanks to IEP Education Plan for sharing this great post & quote from IEP Individualized Education Program at IEPFOCUS.com!

Differentiated instruction enables more thinking than more work, but the payoff for students (& their teachers!) can be so worth it!

𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: https://tinyurl.com/473mhnut