Special-needs kids need extra special touch
| December 4, 2007 |  View for printing |
Gayle Solís Zavala's classroom bustles with activity, and the aroma of blueberries abounds as students of various ages follow a simple recipe for muffins.
One girl cracks an egg. Another student measures milk. A boy who barely spoke for two years ventures an answer when Zavala lifts a mixing bowl and asks, "What's this?"
After 22 years at Gove Elementary and many teaching awards, Zavala, 55, can turn almost anything into a learning opportunity for her developmentally disadvantaged students. In making muffins, they use reading, math, and social cooperation. They must follow directions and delay gratification, important lessons in baking or life.
By Deborah Sharp, Special for USA TODAY
Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/educati ... acher_N.htm 
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