Can you imagine what it would be like to try and communicate with others without the use of your words? The iPad's touchscreen and easy portability has helped children with autism to have a voice for the first time.
I have 8 students in my classroom, ranging from Kindergarten to 4th grade.
Each child is unique and adds something special to our classroom family. My students are highly motivated by technology. They love to play games on the computer, but often require assistance because they do not possess the fine motor capabilities to move the mouse. They also love to dance. One of their favorite activities is to play the XBox "Just Dance". Academically, I have a very diverse group of students. Some students are just beginning to learn their alphabet, while others are beginning to read sight words. Some of my most challenging students are working on skills such sorting, matching, and coloring. We also focus a large part of our day on life skills. We work with the students on using the bathroom, brushing their teeth, and other daily hygiene routines. The students spend most of their day in my classroom with opportunities for inclusion for lunch, recess, and specials.
My Project
Having a iPad to use in our classroom will help to meet the needs of all the students in my classroom. I plan on using the iPad as a communication device for my nonverbal students, as well as a way to help reinforce skills with my other students. I will use the app Autismate, to do this. This app features a scene approach to communication. It also integrates video modeling and visual supports. Specially, I will be able to take a real life picture of my classroom, so students can request certain objects when tapping on the items. I can also add video when a child taps on a particular picture, like the sink, to show how to wash their hands. Since generalization of skills is difficult for children with autism, this contextual way of learning will help students transfer skills to the actual classroom.
Your donation will help children who otherwise would not have a voice be able to share their voice with the world.
Being able to watch a student use the iPad to speak their first words is incredible.
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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. Marshall and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.