I teach a class of special needs third and fourth graders in an underserved community. I love that my students are trusting, sweet, and eager to learn. Despite their handicaps, they keep trying new things.
My students often need help outside-the-box to enable learning, so the more resources I have at my disposal, the better equipped I am to help diverse issues.
Recently, a child with paralyzing anxiety was transferred into my class. Struggling to connect with my other students, he screamed non-stop for two weeks. Eventually, I decided to take him on a short walk outside the class, while leaving it under the supervision of my para-educators. He was able to stop screaming, so we strolled over to the science classroom. The science teacher offered to lend him some toy dinosaurs for a week, and the dinosaurs gave him some comfort when he returned to class. As a result, he is mostly calm now and able to work at grade level.
Rewarding instances like these inspire me to be the best teacher I can.
My Project
I would like to purchase LEGO building blocks for my students. I feel that LEGO will inspire their creativity. Furthermore, some of my special needs students struggle with executive function. Constructing a project with LEGO bricks will give them practice in planning and patiently following through with their plans.
The LEGO sets represent both a behavioral incentive and a play option for indoor recess.
Given the difficult tasks I work with my students to accomplish, motivation is very important. My pupils face challenges including managing their emotions without outbursts, staying focused, completing their classwork, sitting nicely at their desks, and working hard. Therefore, I offer them incentives, such as time on an iPad, playing with a racetrack toy, snacks, and watching age-appropriate YouTube videos.
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