The Autism Program has a spectrum of an exciting group of mixed interests, abilities, and goals. Some of our students are learning to read, write, and count, while some of their classmates are learning to imitate sounds or hold a paintbrush. Our group loves to play outside, learn new games, and boogie to a sweet tune. Some of our students are coming up on grade level academics using our room for building social skills, meeting sensory needs and working on full inclusion into the general education setting. We also work with general education students and guide them in our social skill lessons.
In this class, we build a community around what we have in common and our shared experiences.
We are part of a larger school that celebrates inclusion. As my students make gains in my classroom, they begin to try small chunks of the day with their typically developing peers. My classroom is about building skills to get included. The work we do in this classroom is building relationships, staying with the group, following directions, and accessing general education content in different ways. We celebrate little wins together and it is a BIG family!
My Project
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them. During independent or whole group work times they choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently our students are choosing to work in a variety of locations such as: at different tables, sitting under tables with clip boards, or sitting or laying on the floor with a clip board. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. We have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating. They almost always make good choices about where they sit, are more engaged, and get more work completed than when they are just sitting at their desk.
Our students are noticeably more engaged in their work and less disruptive of their peers when they are given a choice of where to work.
The products that we have selected will help our students by giving them additional seating options to make more effective learning choices. The wobble stools are adjustable and will allow students to sit at desk/higher tables but will still allow some movement. These will be extremely beneficial for some students that just need to get the wiggles out. They can also be used as an alternative chair if needed! The comfy floor seats and the beanbag chair will allow for additional comfortable floor seating options. They are lightweight and can be easily used in many areas of the classroom.
I have seen how choice can positively affect my students work and demeanor and hope that the additional options will help us grow even more!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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