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The school environment can be overwhelming for students with special needs. Light tubes, calming sound machines, and objects with different textures can help an anxious child focus on their learning. In our classroom, we use half of the overhead fluorescent lights and use small lamps and light screens. My students need a variety of sensory tools to help them focus on their goals. A typical child is able to filter out excess noise, light, and sound, however, students who are on the autism spectrum or a student with Down Syndrome may struggle to achieve academic goals simply because there is too much going on around them. Imagine a world where you are keenly aware of every sight, sound, and texture to the point of being too distracted to complete your school work. Or having daily anxiety caused by changing schedules, fire drills, or even a substitute teacher! The tools I am requesting would be used daily by multiple students for a variety of reasons. I want to help my students learn as much as possible while they are in my class. If this can be accomplished by allowing them a sensory break to watch bubbles in a lamp or play quietly with a chain made of plastic links, I feel it is my job to give them every advantage available. These students are amazing little people and though they may not be able to explain how they are feeling, they will learn to use these available resources to manage their feelings independently which is a win, win situation! I cannot follow them beyond fifth grade, but I will do my best to prepare them for a successful future in a sometimes hectic world!

About my class

The school environment can be overwhelming for students with special needs. Light tubes, calming sound machines, and objects with different textures can help an anxious child focus on their learning. In our classroom, we use half of the overhead fluorescent lights and use small lamps and light screens. My students need a variety of sensory tools to help them focus on their goals. A typical child is able to filter out excess noise, light, and sound, however, students who are on the autism spectrum or a student with Down Syndrome may struggle to achieve academic goals simply because there is too much going on around them. Imagine a world where you are keenly aware of every sight, sound, and texture to the point of being too distracted to complete your school work. Or having daily anxiety caused by changing schedules, fire drills, or even a substitute teacher! The tools I am requesting would be used daily by multiple students for a variety of reasons. I want to help my students learn as much as possible while they are in my class. If this can be accomplished by allowing them a sensory break to watch bubbles in a lamp or play quietly with a chain made of plastic links, I feel it is my job to give them every advantage available. These students are amazing little people and though they may not be able to explain how they are feeling, they will learn to use these available resources to manage their feelings independently which is a win, win situation! I cannot follow them beyond fifth grade, but I will do my best to prepare them for a successful future in a sometimes hectic world!

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About my class

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