✨ New on News Currents! ✨
Explore MLK Jr. Day, burrowing owls 🦉, and protected lands in New Mexico 🏜️.
Fresh stories to spark curiosity—dive in! https://bit.ly/4i4Lena
#NewsCurrents #BuildingWings #LearnSomethingNew
What does specially designed instruction really look like in classrooms?
It’s not just differentiation. It looks like co-teaching, AAC, and intentional classroom design.
Read the full Building Wings blog: https://bit.ly/4jfyoUY
#SpeciallyDesignedInstruction #SpecialEducation #IEP #BuildingWings
🎙️ Maureen Donnelly, Director of Curriculum, joined All Means ALL Podcast to challenge myths about literacy instruction—grounded in Comprehensive Literacy for All.
Literacy isn’t an intervention. It’s a right.
🎧 Listen: https://bit.ly/3MY9aOV
#ComprehensiveLiteracyForAll #AAC #BuildingWings
Alt text: A promotional graphic for News Currents by Building Wings, featuring a computer and two tablets displaying different articles. The computer shows "The Future of the Affordable Care Act" with a politician and a hospital scene. One tablet shows an article titled "Celebrating George Washington Carver" with a black-and-white photo of Carver. The other tablet displays "Scientists Help Return an 'Extinct' Antelope to the Sahara" with an image of two scimitar-horned oryx. The background includes text: "NEW" and "Article Topics: The Future of the Affordable Care Act, George Washington Carver, Repopulating the Sahara."
❄️📚 Back into the swing of things!
As students & educators return from winter break, this week’s News Currents features timely stories on the future of the Affordable Care Act, George Washington Carver, and repopulating the Sahara.
#NewsCurrents #Education #CurrentEvents #BuildingWings
A wooden sign reads "Closed for the Holidays! We will return on January 5, 2026." It features the "Building Wings" logo. The background shows a snowy landscape with pine trees and a sky filled with snowflakes.
Snow days > work days ❄️☕
We’re on holiday break and back Jan 5, 2026—refreshed and ready to cheer on educators everywhere 📚✨
#EducationCommunity #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.
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
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
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.
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
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
Trish Johnson, Don Johnston, and Maureen Donnelly stand together smiling in front of a bright blue Building Wings display with a large illuminated logo.
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
🚀 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
It’s Fat Bear Week! 🐻💙
At Building Wings, we’re celebrating with our bears too!
📚 Explore:
The Brown Bears of Katmai (Readtopia Short)
This Bear and You (ReadtopiaGO, Year 2)
NEW Fat Bear Week book on Monarch Reader
👉 bit.ly/3W4MUE4
#FatBearWeek #BuildingWings #MonarchReader #EduSKY
🌱 School culture is the soil where learning grows—and when every student is seen as capable, high expectations become reality.
Read our latest blog on how belief, buy-in, and belonging transform classrooms: bit.ly/4pfpysN
#SchoolCulture #EveryStudentCan #BuildingWings #EduSKY
Bar chart titled "The Effectiveness of Readtopia" showing reading placement levels of middle school learners from the beginning to the end of the year. Each learner's progress is displayed, with yellow bars for the start and teal bars for the end. Most learners show improvement, as highlighted by increases in Readtopia levels from C5 to C6 or similar. Data from a study involving Cal State Fullerton and Placentia Yorba Linda Schools.
📊 Real results with Readtopia!
In just ONE year, more than half of middle school learners improved their reading levels. 🚀
Because when ALL learners soar, amazing things happen. 💡
Ready to see some change? https://bit.ly/4hHJlNs
#Readtopia #BuildingWings #Literacy
Alt text: An infographic by Building Wings titled "What Does Good Instruction Look Like?" comparing "The Problem with Competitors" and "What We Do at Building Wings." Competitors' issues include "Mindless cause-effect computer tasks" and "Superficial engagement." Building Wings emphasizes being "Explicit & systematic," using routines, and being research-based. Quote by Dr. Karen Erickson at the bottom: "When students were exposed to consistent literacy routines, they succeeded."
Every learner deserves more than digital busywork.
When instruction is intentional, systematic, and accessible—learners with the most complex needs can and do succeed.
#EquityInEducation #BuildingWings #LiteracyForALL #EduSKY #TeacherChat
🚨TOMORROW @ 12PM CST! 🚨
Join us for Beyond Belief: Building Teacher Buy-In for Comprehensive Literacy for All with Paige Buckingham, MS, CCC-SLP ✨
This is one you and your team do NOT want to miss!
Save your spot now: https://bit.ly/3FRX0nb
#BuildingWings #LiteracyForAll #TeacherBuyIn
🎥 Don Johnston shares the mission behind Building Wings.
With decades of impact in special education and EdTech, Don’s legacy continues: creating literacy & learning tools that help students with complex needs succeed. 🚀
#BuildingWings #EdTechForGood #AccessMatters #StudentSuccess #EduSKY
Image titled "Shared Reading vs Reading Aloud" from Building Wings. It features text within colorful rectangles on a blue background. Key points: teachers read with students, not to them; it's more interactive; encourages communication and participation; provides exaggerated wait time; reads at a lower pace. Each point is accompanied by related icons, emphasizing the interactive and engaging nature of shared reading compared to reading aloud.
The way we read with students matters.
Shared reading transforms the experience into a collaborative learning moment—one where learners feel seen, heard, and invited in.
#BuildingWings #LiteracyMatters #SpecialEducation #ReadingTogether
🚨 Last-Minute Alert! 🚨
Don't miss tomorrow's webinar with Jen Penzenik!
Tune in for insights, inspiration, and practical tips you can use right away.
Starts at 3 PM CST— grab your spot now!
🔗 bit.ly/3Ipa8RE
#WebinarAlert #BuildingWings #JenPenzenik #EducationLeadership #EduSky
A promotional graphic for News Currents by Building Wings. At the top, a badge reads "NEW" next to the News Currents logo. Three featured article images are shown: A Mars landscape with telescopes, titled "Largest Mars Rock Sells at Auction – The meteorite sold for more than $5 million." A split image of Superman from the new film, titled "New Film 'Superman' Soars into Theaters Worldwide – 'Superman' opened on July 11, 2025." A vulture in flight, titled "Vultures: Nature's Cleanup Crew – Say 'thank you' to these messy birds." At the bottom, the article topics are listed: "Mars Rocks at Auction • Superman • Saying Thank You to Vultures."
📰 New this week on News Currents:
🪐 Mars rock sells for $5M
🦸 Superman hits theaters
🦅 Vultures get some overdue thanks
Fresh, real-world stories for curious classrooms.
Explore now → bit.ly/4i4Lena
#NewsCurrents #Education #ClassroomNews #BuildingWings #CurrentEvents
Inspirational quote on a blue gradient background: 'I don’t need easy. I just need possible.' — Bethany Hamilton. The word 'possible' is highlighted in a white, handwritten-style font. Background includes subtle Building Wings logo
An important reminder to empower every learner to find their possible—even when the path isn’t easy. 💪🪽
#Motivation #SpecialEducation #BuildingWings #BethanyHamilton #PossibilityNotPerfection #EduSky #Quote #Art
A bright graphic titled “5 Benefits of Shared Reading” lists key advantages: vocabulary development, understanding reading direction, text comprehension, alphabet and phonemic awareness, and fostering communication and participation. The Building Wings logo appears at the bottom with the tagline "How ALL learners soar." The design features a cheerful blue and white background with yellow starbursts.
Shared reading isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about connection.
It builds routine, sparks joy, and helps early readers engage with language in meaningful ways.
Find Out More Here: bit.ly/3HPY4Fy
#EduSky #SharedReading #EarlyLiteracy #BuildingWings #AAC
Two tablet devices with colorful AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) symbol-based interfaces sit on a table next to open picture books. Several adults and children are gathered around, pointing at the pages and screens, actively engaging in shared reading.
When we honor all forms of communication, learners are building confidence as they are commenting, connecting, and engaging with texts.
Literacy is for everyone.
#AAC #AllMeansALL #LiteracyForAll #BuildingWings
Every learner deserves to soar, and that starts with the power of joyful reading.
This story is a reminder of what’s possible when we meet students where they are and nurture a love of reading.
Read More: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
#BuildingWings #JoyfulLearning #EducationForAll #Reading
A classroom chart on an easel displays handwritten sentences beginning with "We can..." in various colors of marker. Each sentence includes a student’s name and action, such as "We can read. Sara" and "We can count. Maryan." The background shows a classroom setting with posters and learning materials. On the right, bold text reads: "The Impact of Predictable Chart Writing" against a dark blue background with a white Building Wings Logo.
Students with complex needs can thrive with the right supports. Predictable chart writing boosts communication, literacy, and inclusion — backed by research and real-world success.
Learn more: www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-...
#InclusiveEducation #LiteracyForAll #BuildingWings #EdTech
It’s #ATAwarenessDay
Support early writers with tools like keyboards, apps & light-tech "Alternative Pencils."
Check out Dr. Caroline Musselwhite’s webinar on writing with the full alphabet + Readtopia tools.
📹 On-demand now!
bit.ly/3V5nSVl
#AssistiveTech #AAC #EduSky #EdTech #BuildingWings
An open book displays the title page reading "Comprehensive Literacy for All." On the blank opposite page is a handwritten message that says, “Be that person!” followed by two signatures. Surrounding the book are several colorful educational books, including a visible partial cover with abstract tree artwork in vibrant purples, reds, and greens. The scene is set on a wood-textured surface with a blurred red-orange gradient framing the top and bottom edges.
🚨 TOMORROW!! 🚨
Let’s talk shifting mindsets, raising expectations, and unlocking potential for ALL learners.
Join Paige Buckingham, MS, CCC-SLP
12:00–12:45 p.m. CST
Register now: bit.ly/3FRX0nb
#EdLeadership #SpecialEd #BuildingWings #Webinar #EduSky
A promotional graphic for a Building Wings webinar. On the left is a circular headshot of Paige Buckingham, a woman with curly dark hair smiling. On the right, the text reads: "Building Wings Webinars Beyond Belief: Building Teacher Buy-In for Comprehensive Literacy for All Paige Buckingham, MS, CCC-SLP" The background is blue with a yellow border.
🚨One week to go!🚨
Let’s talk shifting mindsets, raising expectations, and unlocking potential for ALL learners.
Join Paige Buckingham, MS, CCC-SLP on April 30
12:00–12:45 p.m. CST
Can’t attend live? Get the recording!
Register now: bit.ly/3FRX0nb
#EdLeadership #SpecialEd #BuildingWings #Webinar
Infographic titled "Tips for Emergent Readers" with three main sections: Read Aloud – Emphasizes the value of reading aloud and discussing books to support vocabulary growth and print awareness. Illustration: A smiling child with glasses holding an open book. Find Out What They Think – Highlights using the C-A-R (Comment-Ask-Respond) strategy to focus on students’ thoughts rather than just knowledge. Illustration: A head with a gear inside, symbolizing thinking. Independent Reading Time – Encourages daily opportunities for emergent readers to choose and explore books, even with support. Illustration: An open book with a pointing hand. The infographic is branded with the Readtopia and Building Wings logos.
📚 Supporting emergent readers doesn't have to be complicated — just intentional.
Check out these 3 powerful strategies.
Each tip reconnects learners with the joy and purpose of reading. 💬✨
#LiteracyMatters #EmergentReaders #Readtopia #SharedReading #BuildingWings #ReadtopiaGO
A graphic titled "Things to Say Instead of 'Sound It Out'" lists alternative prompts educators can use to support emerging readers. Each suggestion appears in a colorful speech bubble, including phrases like asking how the word begins or identifying familiar parts. The design uses shades of blue, purple, and teal, with speech bubble icons and quotation marks scattered in the background. A small logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Robust phonics instruction plus these tips will help all learners soar!
While "Sound it out", is a helpful tool. Here are some phrases to use in addition.
What do you say when a reader gets stuck on a word? 👇 #Phonics #SpeciallyDesignedInstruction #BuildingWings #EduSky
