United States and Cuba Relations Current Events for Special Ed PRINT and DIGITAL

This unit on US and Cuba relations contains 142 pages and 35 google slides of material specifically designed for students with special learning needs, especially autism who are in middle and high school. This is my third in a planned series on current events topics that teachers are now being asked to address in middle and high school special education settings.

This unit addresses not only 1) the current state of tension between our two countries, 2) why there is still a trade embargo, but also looks at 3) the bumpy history between our two countries. The information is presented in a simplified but rigorous way for students with diverse learning needs to make meaningful and authentic connections to the material. There are many opportunities for students to engage in repeated information on why these two countries often disagree and the potential impact it has on the world and especially the citizens of Cuba. This repetition encourages a better understanding of why this is a hot topic today. In addition, many of the activities and assessments include more than one version, suggestions for differentiation, and options for presentation.

✩✩✩ This unit now has digital versions of the printable activities. There are 34 google slides (includes a differentiated set) and a movie version of the book.

See the preview for a more detailed look at the contents.

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US & Cuba Relations Unit Includes:

• 11 day lesson plan
• 54 page book (includes movie version)
• Vocabulary board
• 12 Vocabulary cards
• Vocabulary cut and paste activity (includes digital version)
• Timeline activities (including 9 large cards and cut and paste activity) (includes digital version)
• Circle map (includes digital version)
• Cause and Effect activities (includes digital version)
• Trade Embargo writing prompt (includes digital version)
• Vocabulary puzzles (includes digital version)
• 3 Cut and paste close worksheets (includes digital version)
• Assessments (3 versions) (includes digital version)

Most activities (except book and timeline cards) are in color and BW.

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Much of what I have learned about curriculum development is incorporated in these units. For example, do not be afraid of repetition. It is critical that students with significant disabilities get to experience material over several days to be able to fully assimilate what is being taught. Also, adding visual supports to your printables and class activities helps students be able to pay more attention to the content you are presenting rather than the mechanics of what is expected. Finally, ask questions. Good questions!! Regardless of the material, if we can ask students good questions it will push them to think more deeply than before.

♥As always please take a moment to leave feedback or post any questions you may have. 

♥I am currently developing more units, and any feedback I get helps me make improvements in the future. Plus, it just means a lot to me.