I teach exceptional learners (6th-8th grade) in a self-contained classroom for students with intellectual disabilities. Several of these learners come from a low-socioeconomic background and often do not receive the required support to enhance their educational endeavors. Although these students face a variety of challenges, they arrive at school with a smile from ear to ear and eager to learn.
Each student has a variety of sensory needs, gross and fine motor impairments as well as challenging learning demands.
A creative and hands-on learning environment is required to meet the unique learning needs of each student. All of my students love technology but have difficulty accessing material on the computer because of fine motor impairments and level of cognitive functioning.
My Project
Due to students varying sensory needs and cognitive level of functioning, instruction would be enhanced and retention would increase if Kindle Fires were incorporated into instruction. Each learner reads at a pre-k to 1st grade level. With the Kindle, students would be able to better access audio books, utilize apps that increase phonological awareness, and build letters recognition. In addition to delays in literacy, these learners perform significantly below grade level in math. With the Kindle, leaners numerous math apps that build number recognition, address basic addition and subtraction, work on money skills, etc.
Positive reinforcement is instrumental in educating these exceptional learners.
The Kindles would be used as a motivational tool. Students will be able to earn additional time to play educational games for completing instructional activities and positive behavior.
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