McKibbin, C. (2008).

Increasing language skills of students from low-

income backgrounds: Practical strategies for professionals. San Diego, CA:
Plural Publications.

WHAT?
Studies have found that gains associated with arts participation are
greatest for students at most risk for academic failure: those in the
lowest SES quartile. (p. 222)
o Low-performers
o Non-productive
o Disruptive
o Withdrawn
Because so many of these students are not exposed to the world at
large, field trips are extremely important. (p. 223)
o Music, plays, art, and museums.
One of the best ways to empower children from low SES homes is to
work to increase their language skills (p. 149)
Suggestions for enhancing students writing skills (p. 196):
o Write on vertical surfaces (dry erase board, chalkboard, tape
paper to a wall).
o Make sure the childs feet touch the floor. If it does not, put
books under their feet.
o Use a pillow or seat cushion to help posture.
Low SES students are underrepresented in gifted and talented
programs because of (p. 232):
o Low teacher expectations
o Difficulty identifying because of the bias of standardized tests
o Lack of appropriately challenging curricula
We can teach students to reinforce themselves, to use positive self-
talk. (p. 274)
o Say to themselves: I am here because Im special. I will work
hard and do my very best. I am successful. So let it happen
today!
Utilize Multiple Intelligences (p. 285):
o Draw a picture, mural, or poster
o Make a sculpture
o Invent a game
o Create an experiment
o Do a dance
o Bake
o Take pictures
o Think of an advertisement to sell an idea
o Make a speech
o Scrapbook
Students need to be taught in ways that engage the whole brain, not
just the left side of the brain. (p. 288)

SO WHAT?
The past couple of books that I have read about helping low SES
students have discussed the importance of motivation and relationship
building. It makes complete sense, though. Children need that feeling of
comfort and reliability to perform their best. If they are comfortable and
respect you as a teacher, they will do their best to try and please you.
Granted, it is not the goal of a teacher for their students to want to please
them. Instead, it is the motivation that is behind it and the achievements that
shine through.

NOW WHAT?
This text was full of great ideas and activities for helping lower-
income students. There were suggestions in this book that I would have
never thought of on my own. In my future classroom, I will be sure to
address all of the different learning styles that my students may have. There
will definitely be many different types, such as kinesthetic, auditory, social,
and numerous others. Instead of forcing children to write right away, I could
ease them into it with something that would spark interest. If I had a student
that was a kinesthetic learner, I could have them invent a game or object and
write about it. If I had a social learner, I could have them work with a group
to come up with a product or advertisement and then write about it. There
are so many different ways to ease into writing and make it fun!