Summer Institute

Just Give Him the Whale

Training Description

Do you know someone who loves whales? Or ceiling fans? Or elevators? Most of us do know learners with specific interests. Often, however, these favorites of students on the spectrum are not celebrated but seen as annoying, problematic or in need of “extinction”. In this presentation, Dr. Kluth will explore alternative perspectives and will focus specifically on how fascinations and areas of expertise can serve as supports, inspirations, and hobbies. Participants will learn how honoring interests and using them as tools can help teachers calm, comfort, teach, and connect with students with and without identified needs. Some of the topics to be covered in this session include using research to drive planning, focusing on "bridges vs. carrots", and integrating "favorites" into learning experiences.

Training Objectives

• Participants will learn how to use special interests as classroom tools/resources (vs. only as personal rewards)
• Participants will be introduced to at least 3 research studies supporting the use of special interests in the classroom
• Participants will understand how to use a special interest to teach, support or engage students in the context of standards-based lessons

Target Audience

Educators, Administrators, SLPs, OTs, PTs, & Family Members

About the Presenter

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.

Paula is the author of more than 15 titles including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom and All In: 18 Ways to Include All Students in Virtual Classrooms. She is also the author of books for children including Coaster, a story of a puppy with wonderful wheels.

Paula has won several awards in her field. She is the recipient of the PEAK Parent Center’s Ally for Inclusion Award; The PEAL [Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership] Center’s Inclusive Education Champion Award; The National Down Syndrome Congress’s Educator of the Year; The Belle Center of Chicago’s Inclusion Advocate of the Year; and the University of Wisconsin’s “Forward Under 40” Award.