#140 - An Alternative to Big Box Curriculum

Many educators are required by their district to use prepackaged curriculum sets. While these sets are very user friendly, they often do not follow a comprehensive literacy approach to learning and assume reading level equates thinking level. As a result, many learners are either left behind or lack access to age appropriate materials and cognitive concepts.

About the Guest: Don Johnston, M.S.

Don didn’t read his first book until the 9th grade after he was inspired by a very special teacher. He learned to make “movies in his mind” which was the key to his learning. This was influential in the visual supports in Readtopia. Don has wanted to bring visual learning to other students his whole life. Now it’s a reality! Don made Readtopia his full-time passion, driving the development forward. He embedded himself in many Readtopia videos, talking directly to students on-location from around the world.

Links to Mentioned Content

• Readtopia

• In addition to Readtopia, Don and his team have created a variety to literacy materials to support comprehensive literacy instruction including First Author, Snap & Read, CoWriter, Quizbot, and UPar

• Download a free copy of Don’s book, Building Wings

• For the parent pricing of Readtopia call the office at 847-740-0749

This episode is part of a 15 episode series in season 5 focusing on literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities.