7th grade special education class

[Margarete_Mabie]

Thanks to all who have already responded! My students range in age from 12 to 14 years. Of my 20 students, all are functioning below grade level (most are at about 2nd or 3rd grade levels), although some are about 5th grade level. Most of them are labeled Emotionally Handicapped, which means they have SERIOUS behavior problems, which is usually what keeps them from learning.

They are very angry, have trouble with authority in all forms, and are frequently violent and physical. The key to working with these kids is lots of new and interesting things. The traditional "books and tablets" teaching methods don't work with these guys.

Lots of special attention, frequent rewards for on-task and appropriate behavior, and "befriending" are what seem to work best. They are accustomed to having no one care about them, so I'm hoping to find penpals who DO care enough about them to be their long-distance buddies. Thank you if you can help! Success with these kids is EXTRAspecial!