School just started. My classroom is an ED (emotionally disturbed) unit in our school. I have been a teacher for 18 years, but when I moved from Colorado a year ago, I left all of my teaching supplies behind. Now I have a full-sized classroom and barely anything for my students.
My class serves 6 students with emotional and behavior disorders who are in great need and have no supplies.
To give you an idea of how severe the behaviors can be, we have three adults in the room at all times. Behavior disorders are varied and difficult, and I won't go in to specific details, but my students have experienced trauma at some point in life or could live with less than acceptable conditions at home resulting in poor behavior and emotional scaring. They are not equipped for the general education classroom in most cases. That is the long term goal, however.
My job is to build relationships and let them know they are loved, worthy, and can succeed in school. I will start with a lot of simple activities, games and bonding and then move into academics.
My Project
My students need a safe place, a place that is theirs. My intention is to create a quiet and organized space for each student, one in which they can sit comfortably and utilize games and toys that help them relax and prepare for learning.
The gears set and Maker Kit I've chosen are for team building.
The workbooks are for academics, of course. I have all different ages and abilities so many levels of books and workbooks are helpful. I have none of the tools on the list.
I have asked for non-traditional learning tools because I always begin the school year with games and fidget toys that allow for relationship building and easy conversations. The goal is relationship building first, academics second. This is a shift from traditional learning, but the students are far from traditional students.
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