The day begins with our "Hello, ready to learn!" song. This inspires them to strive for the best in all they do. They use adapted computers to write and read followed by math and science lessons. After lunch they create music and art. My special education students need hands-on lessons to learn and grow.
My students are special w/Multiple Disabilities: Intellectual Disability, Down's Syndrome, autism and/or cerebral palsy.
They love coming to this general ed school. Their class is filled with art work, musical instruments and adapted equipment. The room is spacious to accommodate the students in wheelchairs. My students are included in general education electives such as music and art. They are integrated during lunch and field trips.
My students are happy most of the time, generally when they are busy creating and socially interacting. They need maximum assistance for activities of daily living. They want to be more independent and strive to do as much as they can on their own though they still need help.
Being middle school students with cognitive, functional ranges between 06 months - 5 years of age, it is amazing how well they adapt in the 3 years I have them in my class. They are inspiring to me and other teachers in the school.
My Project
The art materials I requested will be a very exciting inclusion to their schedule of activities. Right now, all my students are girls. Making, painting, stringing beads and creating sequences of color is motivating and fun. This art project also will be used as musical instruments! These, along with the Xylophone I requested will improve math skills, fine and gross motor skills and social skills. They will be able to give gifts to their parents which helps their self esteem. Science is one of their favorite classes. The solar system mobile will make astronomy lessons more meaningful. Learning about our solar system is very abstract for them. My students need hands-on lessons to improve their ability to internalize concepts. They will create replicas of planets then hang them up the mobile in their classroom.
Research indicates fun and laughter improve memory when learning. These materials will help my students become the best they can be.
Art and music skills can achieve multiple goals.
Self expression, creativity, and hands-on materials improve my student's self esteem, academic and social skills. They will create cherished memories using the materials. Science lessons will become more meaningful using the solar system mobile. The Consequence Game will teach them to make more mature decisions in their life. Word games and sentence strips will help their communication skills.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Dundas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
