.The current climate in education calls for educators to better prepare our students with special needs. This presentation by author (Stories With Holes, Thinking and Writing Activities for the Brain, Brain Whys , Teachers’ Guide to Trauma ) and consultant Nathan Levy will address the challenges of working with students who appear unmotivated, frustrated, and resigned to experiencing failure. In this session, logic stories will be demonstrated as a powerful method for increasing motivation and achievement of your students with special needs. Other creative ideas will be offered to help break the cycle of discouragement and failure that many of these students face by developing strong, positive relationships in the classroom—a culture where ALL students will find learning opportunities and a willingness to participate. Abundant activities and ideas will be shared that can be used the very next day.