Making Friends and Learning to Play Everyday in Pre-K
My students need items to help them with play-based learning strategies. I am the only preschool classroom and teacher at this campus, so any of the play items my students need I have to purchase myself.
The majority of my students (80%) are children with special needs. The other 20% are typically developing peers, chosen for their knowledge in pre-academics, social skills, self-help skills and play skills. It is very important for special needs children to have access to the general education environment.
What makes my particular teaching situation even more interesting is that I teach on the Camp Pendleton military base, so most of my students face additional challenges because often one of their parents is deployed.
Most of my students with special needs have autism, speech and language impairment, or OHI (Other Health Impairment).
My Project
Many of my students have autism and speech/language delays, and in my years of teaching preschool, I have come to learn that play can be a universal language for all children in the early stages of development. I chose the easel and easel paper, the ink pads, trace and write tablets and the dot art to help promote artistic expression and fine motor skills. The sand and water play table and cove help students with sensory needs to calm themselves. I like to utilize STEM projects in my classroom for hands on Science Technology, Engineering, and Math. The doll clothes are for the dramatic play area, where we have dolls, a doll bed and a kitchen. If we foster learning through play, the chances of my special needs students being able to fully integrate into the general education classroom is that much greater. All children, whether they are typically developing of have special needs deserve to be educated in an enriching, motivating and fulfilling environment. Teaching children through art and play is my passion in this life! Thank you!
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