I teach at a Title I elementary school that also happens to be a feeder school for students with special needs. I have been utterly blessed to teach the Multi-VE 2-2 class this year and next year I will be teaching language arts and social studies to the students in 2nd-5th grade. My students have a variety of moderate to severe disabilities. Some disabilities included are Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and seizure disorders.
Despite their disabilities, my students have a contagious joy for learning!
They make me want to cherish each day with them as they bring such positivity and light to my life. They don't let their shortcomings, either from home lives or from what disabilities they may have, hold them back from learning. They are an awesome group of self motivators always trying to work harder and accomplish more goals set before them. I could not be more proud to say that I am their teacher.
My Project
Over the last couple years, I have incorporated a variety of flexible seating options that allow movement to increase focus and engagement. I have seen firsthand how behaviors have decrease and engagement has increased. Like I mentioned above next year I will be teaching 2nd thru 5th graders and I realized I need to start getting them ready for future classes that might not have the same set-up as I do in my classroom.
With the increase in the number of standing desks, I can provide a sense of personal space and boundaries for my students that typical desks can provide but, still allow them to move and fidget as they engage in learning activities.
This will help prepare them for future classes in which they will be required to sit at a desk. My past students really loved pairing the wobble chairs with the standing desk when they got tired of standing so I have requested more stools. I would like to provide that opportunity to still move as they sit at the stand up desks.
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