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Mrs. Havens’ Classroom Edit display name

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The students who receive speech services within our special education classrooms participate in a more play based therapy session this year. The use of play helps enhance language skills but also gives them social interactions that are vital for everyday life. We are using PECS (Picture Exchange System) to utilize communication skills for our students who are non-verbal. This gives them a way to communicate with others without using their voice. The PECS program requires a very systematic approach which involves having extra materials on hand that are an interest to the student. Our students are at varying levels in the PECS program but we are seeing success with it! In addition, we are also using STAR (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) to provide evidence based instructional practices. All of the materials requested will be used for direct hands-on therapy approaches. Shape sorters to emphasize shape and color vocabulary. Puzzles help give another avenue for vocabulary practice. The play food gives additional vocabulary and category practice which in turn will assist in eliciting vocalizations. The sensory materials will be used to give students sensory breaks in between each task presented. Play sets give us multiple opportunities to target following directions, basic concepts, sequencing, and vocabulary exposure in a fun, yet meaningful way. We are need more materials to help us motivate our students to succeed. The activities we provide change daily and differ for every student in the classroom. The level of materials and planning needed is high, but giving the students tools they need to communicate and learn is well worth it! These materials will assist us in helping our students with special needs reach their highest potential!

About my class

The students who receive speech services within our special education classrooms participate in a more play based therapy session this year. The use of play helps enhance language skills but also gives them social interactions that are vital for everyday life. We are using PECS (Picture Exchange System) to utilize communication skills for our students who are non-verbal. This gives them a way to communicate with others without using their voice. The PECS program requires a very systematic approach which involves having extra materials on hand that are an interest to the student. Our students are at varying levels in the PECS program but we are seeing success with it! In addition, we are also using STAR (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) to provide evidence based instructional practices. All of the materials requested will be used for direct hands-on therapy approaches. Shape sorters to emphasize shape and color vocabulary. Puzzles help give another avenue for vocabulary practice. The play food gives additional vocabulary and category practice which in turn will assist in eliciting vocalizations. The sensory materials will be used to give students sensory breaks in between each task presented. Play sets give us multiple opportunities to target following directions, basic concepts, sequencing, and vocabulary exposure in a fun, yet meaningful way. We are need more materials to help us motivate our students to succeed. The activities we provide change daily and differ for every student in the classroom. The level of materials and planning needed is high, but giving the students tools they need to communicate and learn is well worth it! These materials will assist us in helping our students with special needs reach their highest potential!

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About my class

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