Articles written by Karen Plumley

The social skills necessary for meaningful dialogue with peers often elude children with Asperger syndrome. Conversation starters will be helpful in making friends.

Dec 21, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Special needs handwriting lessons to help young kids with writing difficulties, problems in handwriting mechanics, and handwritten fluency.

Dec 11, 2009 - Karen Plumley

When the Christmas season comes to a close, don't throw that pile of holiday greeting cards in the trash - recycle them! Here are several ways to reuse Christmas cards.

Dec 4, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Kids with math disabilities (dyscalculia) will have deficits in skill areas such as memory, organization, and problem solving. Here are tips to help struggling students.

Dec 3, 2009 - Karen Plumley

A student with a math disability (dyscalculia) will struggle with skills such as memory, organization, and problem solving ability.

Dec 3, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Getting into shape by walking and exercising are popular resolutions that can be a permanent lifestyle change. Get motivated with New Year plan to walk and exercise.

Nov 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Great for a family gathering or a potluck holiday party, this colorful chicken calzone recipe shaped like a Christmas wreath will be festive and delicious.

Nov 28, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Herbal vinegar with fresh garden herbs will be a great flavor enhancer for meals, and can be given as a unique, natural gift for friends and family.

Nov 27, 2009 - Karen Plumley

One of the most feared tasks that people have to face is public speaking. However, it is often part of a job or school course. Here are some tips for giving speeches.

Nov 25, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Handshaking, hugs, kisses, and travel will be the norm during the busy holiday season. How can the spread of swine flu, seasonal flu, and other illnesses be avoided?

Nov 24, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Kids love doing holiday arts and crafts projects. Here are some holiday craft ideas and simple Christmas decorations for preschoolers and young children to make.

Nov 24, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Make a low fat bread stuffing recipe that is still moist but much healthier than the regular bread stuffing for turkey or roast chicken.

Nov 23, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Make moist and buttery bread stuffing with mushrooms and sherry to go with the roast turkey for a wonderful Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.

Nov 23, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Coloring pages can be downloaded for free and make a great holiday activity for young children for day care, in the classroom, or at home during the Christmas season.

Nov 22, 2009 - Karen Plumley

A decadent, delicious chocolate trifle recipe can be made quickly and easily with packaged brownie mix, chocolate mousse, whipped topping, and various garnishes.

Nov 19, 2009 - Karen Plumley

As part of an exciting social studies curriculum, have students learn about different cultures by arranging a lesson plan that includes a cultural feast.

Nov 19, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Ways for teachers and paraprofessionals to build peer friendships among students with special needs in the classroom, teambuilding tips and improving social skills.

Nov 18, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Will the new mammogram advice from a US Task Force for women in their forties benefit insurance companies, and possibly future government supported health care?

Nov 17, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for toddler boys through age 4? Popular holiday toys for tots this season include Chuck My Talking Truck and Leapfrog Learning System.

Nov 17, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for toddler girls through aged 4? Popular holiday toys for infant girls and tots this season include Elmo Tickle Hands and Baby Stella.

Nov 16, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for girls ages 5 through 8? Very popular holiday toys for young girls are Zhu Zhu Pets, Liv Dolls, Barbie sets and anything from Justice.

Nov 14, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for boys ages 5 through 8? There are some very popular holiday toys for young boys such as Bakugan, Tech Deck, and LEGO sets.

Nov 13, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Encourage students to improve writing skills with newspaper writing literature lesson plans containing creative writing prompts, headlines, captions, and essay writing.

Nov 13, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Wondering what IEP stands for? How about BIP or ED? Special education acronyms can be confusing to teachers. Here is a list of common special needs abbreviations.

Nov 12, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Students with epilepsy in the classroom will need several special accommodations. These strategies and interventions can be helpful for the epileptic child.

Nov 11, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children with epilepsy may have learning disabilities and behavior problems. How seizures and medications affect children's learning and behavior in the classroom.

Nov 10, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Ever wonder how to make the perfect turkey gravy, without lumps and seasoned to perfection? This article describes how.

Nov 9, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Preschool bulletin boards with festive themes are a great way to welcome the holiday season in the classroom. Below are some easy Christmas bulletin board display ideas.

Nov 9, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Flying Without Fear is an iPhone course by Virgin Atlantic for people who are afraid of flying in an airplane that may help to cure fear of flying.

Nov 6, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Traveling with a special needs child this holiday season? Here are some of the best holiday travel tips for families of kids with disabilities.

Nov 5, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Can't get the swine flu shot? Try these new tips to prevent swine flu and seasonal flu. Stay healthy this winter with advice on how to boost immune system.

Nov 5, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for some fun Thanksgiving team building activities for the kids? Teach them to work as a team with great group games for children this November season.

Nov 4, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Try some fun team building holiday activities and projects for groups of preschoolers and school-aged kids this season using marshmallows, cotton balls, and jingle bells.

Nov 3, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Teaching strategies and techniques for remembering lessons will be important so that children with special needs can improve their own memory and performance in school.

Nov 2, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Students with special needs often have memory problems. Teachers can use effective memory strategies to improve recall for children with disabilities in the classroom.

Nov 2, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Tips on how to keep an infant safe while bed sharing with parents, prevent SIDS, protect infants from smothering, falling off, and other mishaps when co-sleeping.

Oct 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Tips on how to keep an infant safe while sleeping in a crib, prevent SIDS, and protect infants from strangulation and other mishaps in a baby bed, bassinette, or crib.

Oct 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Tips on how to keep an infant safe while sleeping, prevent SIDS, protect infant from choking, and important fire safety precautions for maximum baby sleep safety.

Oct 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

With proven techniques and help from parents, babies can settle into a regular naptime routine that will also help them sleep better at night.

Oct 27, 2009 - Karen Plumley

New parents will try anything to get baby to sleep through the night. But by promoting better sleep habits right away, parents can prevent future kids' bedtime battles.

Oct 27, 2009 - Karen Plumley

How do parents determine which extracurricular activities will be right for their kids? Here are some tips on selecting sports, clubs, and lessons for preschoolers.

Oct 22, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Here are some ideas for building students' social skills, and developing conversation, conflict resolution, and anger management abilities in a regular classroom.

Oct 21, 2009 - Karen Plumley

One way to honor veterans on Veteran's Day is to compose an essay, letter, or speech supporting their service and sacrifices. Here are some topic ideas for November 11.

Oct 19, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Patriotic quotations and sayings about freedom and love of country are perfect for Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence day essays and speeches.

Oct 19, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children can honor military heroes on November 11 by showing respect, support, and appreciation. In this way, young citizens can celebrate Veteran's Day.

Oct 16, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Express thanks and holiday sentiments with heartwarming personalized corporate Christmas cards that can be sent to employees, clients, and potential customers.

Oct 15, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Funny and thought-provoking quotes about bosses and working are perfect for greeting cards and emails for the boss on National Boss's Day, October 16.

Oct 14, 2009 - Karen Plumley

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can be used in the classroom to stimulate speech, language in kids with autism, Down syndrome, and other disorders.

Oct 14, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children with communication disorders such as those relating to Down syndrome or autism may need assistive technology to augment speech or replace verbal communication.

Oct 13, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Parenting can be comical at times, and tough at other times. Get inspired and laugh with some great quotes and sayings about parenthood.

Oct 9, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Halloween can sneak up on busy guys very quickly. By using ingenuity, an easy and inexpensive outfit can be put together in minutes before the big costume party.

Oct 9, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Humorous and thought-provoking quotes about teachers and the teaching profession are perfect for teacher gifts, greeting cards, and daily inspiration.

Oct 9, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to loved ones. This article contains some great homemade Thanksgiving gift ideas: autumn themed baskets, bouquets, and jars.

Oct 7, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a sweet autumn treat and can be served for breakfast, snack, or dessert on Thanksgiving. It is easy to make with canned pumpkin.

Oct 7, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Trying to pack a healthy meal in a child's lunch box? A truly healthy lunch is also a germ free one. Here are some useful lunch box safety tips for parents.

Oct 6, 2009 - Karen Plumley

All children can benefit from great teambuilding games that teach sharing, turn taking and cooperation. Kids with autism in particular need to improve teamwork skills.

Oct 6, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Kids with Asperger syndrome usually struggle with effective social skills. Students may benefit from the scripting, prompts, and visuals of acting lessons.

Oct 5, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Create a school bulletin board and classroom displays that young children will enjoy in celebration of Christopher Columbus' great discovery on October 12, 1492.

Oct 5, 2009 - Karen Plumley

When the cook is busy preparing the turkey, some easy, no-cook Thanksgiving Day appetizers will be the perfect choice for a delicious first course snack.

Sep 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

What are Zhu Zhu pets and where can they be purchased? Zhu Zhu toy hamsters are a hot gift for Christmas this year. What can kids do with their Zhu Zhu pets?

Sep 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Learning about bats will be a great Halloween lesson plan for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students. Add a bat lesson to the late fall curriculum.

Sep 28, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Learn two new recipes using artichokes. Impress party guests with a great artichoke dip, or serve an elegant artichoke stuffed chicken entree for dinner.

Sep 27, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Holiday celebrations can be tough for children with autism. Help autistic students cope with classroom parties and special days that don't follow the normal routine.

Sep 26, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Primary grade students can learn about meteorology and weather forecasting with an elementary weather lesson plan about fronts, air pressure, and air moisture.

Sep 25, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Looking for unique pumpkin stencils for carving jack-o-lanterns this Halloween? Download Twilight pumpkin stencils and software to make stencil patterns from pictures.

Sep 24, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Want to throw a great Twilight Halloween party? Decorate using Twilight inspired party items. Dress like Bella Swan, Edward and other favorite Twilight characters.

Sep 23, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children with autism experience stress with transitions, new situations, and refocusing. How teachers can help autistic kids handle change ups in the classroom.

Sep 22, 2009 - Karen Plumley

If carving a pumpkin sounds unappealing, there are many other unique, no-carve ways to decorate a spooky jack-o-lantern for Halloween.

Sep 21, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Self defense products and classes for women along with proper defensive techniques will help insure personal safety from threats, physical abuse, and violent aggression.

Sep 20, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Meeting the goals set forth by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should be the primary reason for classroom inclusion of any child with autism.

Sep 19, 2009 - Karen Plumley

College campus safety is an important topic parents should discuss with their kids. College students can stay safe on campus by practicing common sense safety tips.

Sep 18, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Economic stress and increased job loss are risk factors in the growing problem of workplace violence. What causes violence in the workplace and how can it be prevented?

Sep 17, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Teaching students with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy will require a basic understanding of the disability and many classroom accommodations.

Sep 16, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Apples are ripe and sweet in the fall. Delight family and guests with the tastes of autumn by making either of two delicious dessert recipes: apple crisp or turnovers.

Sep 16, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Leaf peeping is the best reason to visit New Hampshire in autumn. Scenic driving routes with lovely fall foliage locations attract many visitors to New England state.

Sep 16, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Using important indicators, teachers can assess the academic and social progress of their autistic students in the inclusive classroom setting.

Sep 15, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Young students in preschool can be taught to have compassion for peers with disabilities by basing a lesson plan on the book Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas.

Sep 14, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Preschool children will enjoy these educational apple activities and games in the classroom or at home.

Aug 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Preschool children who refuse to speak in school are often considered to be shy, but the speech delay could be due to a communication disorder, hearing loss, or autism.

Aug 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Students who have communication disorders will need special help from teachers in the regular classroom to develop their speech and language skills.

Aug 27, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Many back to school teaching strategies and tips can be used to help organize a classroom, rules, and schoolwork for an incoming child who has ADHD.

Aug 17, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Teachers can alleviate the first day of school jitters and make all students feel welcome with a creative back to school bulletin board display.

Aug 17, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Here are some practical tips, advice, and guidance for teachers on how to work with parents of children with disabilities.

Jul 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition that is physically limiting and painful. Teaching strategies can help kids with JRA be successful in school.

Jul 21, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Strategies for how a teacher can best organize a classroom, structure lessons, and plan the new school year to accommodate an incoming child on the autism spectrum.

Jul 21, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Students who skip classes regularly could be suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, or may simply feel unsafe at school.

Jul 2, 2009 - Karen Plumley

A few simple changes in classroom expectations for high school students with mood disorders can boost confidence and help them be more successful in school.

Jun 30, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Terminally ill kids and their parents will appreciate the support and encouragement that teachers and classmates can provide.

Jun 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children with special needs can benefit greatly from summer camp and enrichment activities highlighting their interests and strengths.

Jun 22, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Special teachers deserve a thoughtful thank you from their students. Try giving one of these meaningful gifts to a beloved instructor for end of year or teacher week.

Jun 15, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Young children love to do craft projects during any holiday, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Help preschoolers, kids create a fun Independence Day decoration.

Jun 15, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Students showing depressive or manic behaviors in the classroom can be a challenge for teachers. These strategies can be helpful for the child with bipolar disorder.

Jun 11, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Summer math activities can teach preschoolers that numbers can be found everywhere in nature. Enhance observation skills in children with these outdoor math ideas.

Jun 10, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Baby colic can be disheartening to new parents. When fussiness and crying become too frequent, try these helpful techniques and remedies to calm baby.

Jun 10, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Teaching toddlers and preschool children how to share will be a challenge that is worth the effort. Sharing activities can encourage young kids' social development.

Jun 10, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Camping is becoming a very popular family vacation option. While enjoying the outdoors with young children, there are many safety precautions to consider.

Jun 4, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Going camping with the kids this summer? If so, here are several items that are important to bring, along with activity planning tips for the outdoor trip.

Jun 3, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Meaningful Father's Day gifts do not have to be expensive or complicated. Small children can give their dads unique, thoughtful presents that are homemade.

Jun 2, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Differentiating teaching methods is the most effective way to help students with special needs perform at their best in the regular classroom.

May 29, 2009 - Karen Plumley

Children with autism and Asperger Syndrome will need to practice recognizing verbal social cues and improving conversation skills in the classroom.

May 28, 2009 - Karen Plumley