Our classroom is part of a large building dedicated to serving students with severe disabilities from ages 5 to 21. This year, our group consists of 6 non-verbal or minimally verbal teenagers who are academically functioning around a first grade level. All students use an iPad as a communication device.
I believe in exposing my students to as many topics and ideas as possible, regardless of disability or academic level.
Presenting new subjects in an enjoyable, intriguing way leads to student interest. Their interest keeps them engaged and their engagement results in learning.
"Kids have to be exposed to different things in order to develop. A child's not going to find out he likes to play a musical instrument if you never exposed him to it..."
~Dr. Temple Grandin
My Project
The special education classroom setting provides intensive, individualized instruction that is accessible to all learners. In our room, we try to do as much small group work and 1:1 work as possible, but the arrangement and availability of furniture and technology makes it very difficult to do so.
The portable whiteboard would be an amazing addition, since we have very little to no chalkboard space in our small room.
Its portability is what makes it a useful tool for small group instruction; it can be moved to the student in an area where he or she is comfortable. It allows instruction to be successful in any corner of the room. It will also be beneficial for our students who are visually impaired and have attention disorders.
The stool would be placed at the front of the room for "sharing", when the student comes up to read their journal writing pieces. The special seat would motivate students to complete their writing and interact with their peers. We try to encourage our nonverbal students to engage in conversation and discussion as much as possible.
The table would be set up for group work so that students have the opportunity to sit near their peers and work together, this will promote interaction and conversation. Our students often need to change their seating arrangement due to sensory issues and distractibility.
Finally, the laptop would allow students to have computer and Internet access in a location that is comfortable for them. Our curriculum contains many applications and games that students can access through the laptop. They would be able to participate in these programs wherever they are most content and engaged. It will also assist with assessments, and recording students' progress and data, which are electronically recorded.
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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. Noon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
