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buildingwings.bsky.social
Building Wings
@buildingwings.bsky.social
180 followers 130 following 160 posts
Specially designed instructional resources for teachers, SLPs and OTs to help ALL learners soar in literacy learning and current events knowledge in PreK-12+ and adult learning centers. https://www.buildingwings.com/
https://linktr.ee/BuildingWingsCo
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Building Wings @buildingwings.bsky.social · Nov 18
Literacy learning is within reach for ALL learners.
buildingwings.bsky.social
Access isn’t a perk — it’s a right, in every space and at every stage of life. Real progress looks like systems that include everyone by default, not by exception.

#AccessForAll #AccessibilityMatters #BelongingMatters #PeopleFirst #PurposeDriven #BuildingWings
Quote on a blue gradient background. Text reads: "Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life." The quote is attributed to Emma Thompson.
December 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
Routines build confidence, reduce anxiety, and set the stage for meaningful learning, especially for students with #ASD and complex learning profiles. That’s why establishing a predictable daily schedule is more than just helpful — it’s essential.

Because when the schedule works, everyone wins.
Class schedule on a whiteboard with colorful "Schedule" header. Two columns list Time, Class, and Wednesday timings. Classes include Morning Check-In, ELA, Math, Life Skills, Elective, Lunch, Afternoon Check-In, and PE. Times range from 7:45 AM to 2:50 PM, with minor variations on Wednesdays.
December 4, 2025 at 5:55 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
If literacy feels like 🌀 for AAC users, this webinar is your reset button.
Dec 9 LIVE w/ Kelly Fonner, MS: routines + tools + Readtopia/ReadtopiaGO examples + engagement boosts.
Click to register: https://bit.ly/3M8p6xf

#AAC #EdTech #SpecialEd
Webinar announcement for "From One Teacher to Another: Practical Strategies with Readtopia and AAC" by Building Wings. Scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 12 PM CST. The speaker is Kelly Fonner, M.S. Includes a photo of the speaker.
December 2, 2025 at 11:04 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
Our December Monarch Picks are here! ❄️✨

From snowy days and snowman fun to traditions, special meals, and cozy winter moments—this month’s reads are full of seasonal joy.

Find your next favorite winter story on Monarch Reader! ❄📖

https://bit.ly/3SIWtbb
December 2, 2025 at 2:42 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
New on News Currents: remembering disability activist Alice Wong’s powerful legacy, a first look at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and a peek into peregrine falcon life via “Nestflix.” 🗞️🦅🏺
Catch the full roundup here https://bit.ly/4i4Lena

#NewsCurrents #DisabilityRights #Egyptology #Birdwatching
A teal-and-yellow “News Currents by Building Wings” weekly articles graphic. A large yellow “NEW” badge sits on the left. Three device screens show featured stories: on a desktop monitor, a photo of disability activist Alice Wong; on a tilted tablet, images referencing the Grand Egyptian Museum; and on another tablet, a close-up of a falcon for a “Nestflix” livestream story. Bottom text reads: “Article Topics: The Life of Alice Wong • Grand Egyptian Museum • Nestflix.”
December 1, 2025 at 2:05 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling especially thankful for the Building Wings community. 💛

You make what we do possible. Hope your day is full of gratitude, joy, and great company! 🦃🥧

#ThanksgivingDay #SeasonOfGratitude #GatherAndGiveThanks #BuildingWings
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
When students know the plan, learning flows.
This teacher’s center chart up on the board keeps everyone on track so small-group time can shine. 🌟

How do you manage and organize your centers?

#EduSKY#TeacherLife #LearningStations #ClassroomCenters #DifferentiatedInstruction #StudentEngagement
A young woman with long blonde hair sits at a small table, engaging with two people. She wears a "Special Olympics" shirt and smiles warmly. In front of her are tablets and documents. Behind her, a projector screen displays images and text, indicating topics like "Readtopia with Miss Dom" and "Learning Letters with Mr. Tom." The setting appears to be a classroom or educational space.
November 25, 2025 at 5:22 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
The Science of Reading tells us what works. Comprehensive Literacy for All (CLFA) shows us who we must include. Readtopia + ReadtopiaGO help you do both—every day, with every learner. 🧵👇
#ScienceOfReading #CLFA #LiteracyForAll
An infographic titled "Does 'Comprehensive Literacy for All' align with the Science of Reading?" shows two columns. The left column lists aspects emphasized by the Science of Reading (SOR): "Diverse, Daily Instruction," "Explicit & Systematic Phonics," "Phonemic Awareness," "Language Learning," "Vocabulary Development," "Equity and Inclusion," and "Writing." The middle column with checkboxes indicates alignment. The right column explains how Comprehensive Literacy for All (CLFA) expands on each aspect, including emergent learners, phonics, sound identification, interactive read-alouds, vocabulary development, assistive technology integration, and options for alternative pencils. A colorful design with a silhouette of a child reading under a tree is at the bottom.
November 24, 2025 at 10:05 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
It’s FRIDAY. We made it. 🙌
Weekend vibes: 💃🤖💫
What’s one win you’re celebrating from this week? Big or small — drop it below 👇

#BuildingWings #FridayFeeling #WeDidIt #EduSKY
A cheerful robot with gold gear-like glasses dances joyfully against a vibrant blue starry background. The words "Friday feeling" appear in bold yellow letters at the bottom left.
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
New episode drop!
In Part 2 of the All Means ALL Podcast, Don Johnston talks about the power of high expectations and the teacher who changed everything for him.

A meaningful conversation about belief, opportunity, and what every learner deserves.

➡️ Listen: https://bit.ly/48sKg0X
Senior man in a blue puffer jacket standing by a rocky and watery landscape. Text reads "Building Wings: How ALL learners soar" with a circular logo stating "All Means ALL" on the right.
November 19, 2025 at 10:16 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
Let’s talk about modeling
AAC isn’t just a tool, it’s language, and needs to be modeled to be learned.

By consistently modeling without expecting learners to immediately respond, we’re showing them that AAC is a valid and powerful way to communicate.

#ModelAAC #EveryVoiceCounts #AACModeling
A woman with curly hair in a strawberry-patterned sweater is sitting at a desk, actively pointing at a tablet device with a blue protective case. Her expression is engaged and animated. She holds up a printed page in her other hand, and some educational materials are visible on the desk.
November 17, 2025 at 10:05 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
There’s no better feeling than when a lesson flows just right — learners are engaged, the energy is high, and every resource you need for meaningful instruction is right at your fingertips.

https://bit.ly/4b83mtX

#TeachingTools #ClassroomSuccess #TeachingWithPurpose #LiteracyForAll #TeacherWins
A teacher wearing a "Readtopian" T-shirt stands in front of a screen displaying "Diana Trujillo: A Space Scientist" with space-themed graphics. A student in a blue hoodie sits in front, viewing a tablet.
November 13, 2025 at 4:13 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
What happens when we see possibility before limitation?

We stop underestimating human potential.
We start unlocking communication, literacy, and inclusion for all.

💡 Explore how possibility takes flight at https://bit.ly/4b83mtX

#PresumeCompetence #SpecialEducation #InspirePotential
A gradient blue background features a quote in white and black text: "The least dangerous assumption about human beings is to assume that they are capable of emergent literacy and communication, regardless of the severity or complexity of their disabilities." Attributed to Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver.
November 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
💥 It’s happening TOMORROW!
Discover how to unlock literacy for nonspeaking communicators who use AAC in our free live webinar with Brandi Wentland 🎙️
🕛 12–1 PM CST
Don’t miss it — save your spot!
👉 https://bit.ly/43fpGix

#AAC #Readtopia #SLPLife #EdLeaders
A blue-themed promotional image for a Building Wings webinar. It features a computer screen displaying details about a webinar titled "Unlocking Literacy with Readtopia" by Brandi Wentland, scheduled for November 7, 2025, at 12 PM CST. The left side has a circular photo of a smiling woman, and the right displays a tablet with a colorful flowchart. The word "NEW" is highlighted in a yellow circle at the top.
November 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
✨🤖 Just a little reminder from your favorite neighborhood robot: you’ve got this!

Need a boost or some extra support? Click the link —we’re here for you every step of the way. https://bit.ly/4k2vnau

#YouGotThis #KeepGoing #YouGotThis #StayMotivated #Positivity #GrowthMindset #BelieveInYourself
A cartoon robot character stands confidently in a classroom. The robot has a shiny purple body, a coil spring on its head, and large gear-shaped eyeglasses. It raises one finger and has a friendly smile. Behind the robot are a chalkboard, desks, a stack of books, and an apple, creating a school setting.
November 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
🌍 New This Week in #NewsCurrents!

🗺️ The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt 💰
🌎 COP30: Global climate talks in Brazil 🌱
🐋 Humpback whales making a comeback off Australia

Join the hunt here: https://bit.ly/4i4Lena

#Education #GlobalLearning #COP30 #EnvironmentalEducation #STEM #TeachingResource
A digital flyer for "News Currents by Building Wings" featuring three articles. The main image shows coins on a computer screen with the headline "The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt Begins." A smaller image on the left depicts a cityscape titled "Climate change experts gather in Brazil for COP30." On the right, a leaping whale is shown under the headline "Australia's Humpback Whale Population is on the Rise." The background is turquoise and yellow, with the word "NEW" in a yellow circle.
November 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
Beware the ghosts of misinformation! 👀
Teaching current events doesn’t have to be scary — when done right, it can raise informed, empathetic citizens. 🎃
Check out these 8 practical classroom strategies that make news literacy come alive!
https://bit.ly/3z3MBkY

#Halloween #Teaching #EduTricks
Teaching Current Events - Benefits and Classroom Strategies
Connect your classroom to the world by teaching current events using eight practical classroom strategies that engage students.
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 3:32 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
The science of reading applies to every learner — including those with complex learning needs.
Explore 5 key takeaways from Comprehensive Literacy for All

🔗https://bit.ly/3JxFt5E

#ScienceOfReading #SpecialEducation #BuildingWings #EduSKY
Comprehensive Literacy for All Book Review and Key Takeaways
Discover 5 key takeaways from the book Comprehensive Literacy for All and implement practical strategies to teach reading and writing to every student.
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 4:50 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
What an inspiring week at #CTG2025!

It was amazing to see so many new and familiar faces who share our passion for accessibility and innovation.

Thanks to everyone for such thought provoking conversations!

#ClosingTheGap #AssistiveTech #BuildingWings #SpecialEducation #Accessibility
Trish Johnson, Don Johnston, and Maureen Donnelly stand together smiling in front of a bright blue Building Wings display with a large illuminated logo.
October 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
It’s here! The Official Comprehensive Literacy for All Book Study — helping educators bring evidence-based literacy to every learner.

📘 Download the guide: https://bit.ly/3Wihmeb
Promotional graphic for Comprehensive Literacy for All: The Official Book Study. The image shows the book cover, “Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write” by Dr. Karen Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver, along with supporting materials titled “Guided Notes Journal” and “Facilitator Guide for Educators.” The text reads: “Comprehensive Literacy for All — The Official Book Study. Brought to you by Dr. Karen Erickson, Dr. David Koppenhaver, and Building Wings.” The design features a colorful, accessible layout in purple, green, and orange tones.
October 28, 2025 at 10:20 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
You don’t have to have it all figured out — just take the first step.
Everything you need is right here.

👉 Click the link in to just do it. https://bit.ly/42eQmgD
October 21, 2025 at 12:37 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
🚀 Things kick off tomorrow at Closing The Gap 2025!
📍 Booth #203–302 | 📅 Oct 21–23 | 📌 Minneapolis, MN

Stop by and see how Building Wings is helping ALL learners soar 🦋
Already use our products ? Come share your celebrations!

#ClosingTheGap #AssistiveTech #EdTech #CTG2025 #BuildingWings
October 20, 2025 at 6:13 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
#ClosingTheGap2025 next week!

Don’t miss this session:
The Science of Reading & Comprehensive Literacy Instruction: Reflect, Refute, or Reinforce?
8–9 AM | Plaza 4 – First Floor

They’ll unpack definitions, alignment, and how CL expands the science of reading to reach ALL learners.

#CTG2025
Image promoting the "Closing The Gap 2025 - 43rd Annual Conference." It features two women and discusses "The Science of Reading & Comprehensive Literacy Instruction: Reflect, Refute, or Reinforce?" with session dates October 21-24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It invites participants to "Come, Network, Learn!" and provides a registration website at the bottom.
October 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
📰 New on News Currents:
• Remembering Jane Goodall
• New Frida Kahlo Museum 🇲🇽
• Marie Antoinette in History 👑

Explore inspiring stories & key moments this week!
Read more here: https://bit.ly/4i4Lena

#NewsCurrents #Education #CurrentEvents
A promotional graphic for News Currents by Building Wings. It features three articles: "Remembering Jane Goodall" with an image of an older woman and a chimpanzee, "New Frida Kahlo Museum Opens in Mexico City" with images of Frida Kahlo and a colorful building, and "This Week in History" with Marie Antoinette's portrait. The graphic includes the words "NEW" and "Article Topics" against a turquoise and yellow background.
October 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
buildingwings.bsky.social
Treasure chests aren’t just for pirates—they’re for learners too! 🏴‍☠️📚

In strong literacy instruction, real objects tied to stories aren’t “extras.” This research-backed practice:
🔑 Deepens comprehension
🔑 Strengthens memory
🔑 Boosts engagement
🔑 Builds language

Hands-on learning is transformative.
October 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM