Positive Video Modeling to Inspire Special Needs Students
My students need 2 Flip Cameras to see positive video images of themselves succeeding as they work on their communication goals in movies we create for them.
My students all want to present their best selves to the world, but they often lack self esteem and doubt their ability to achieve success. They need positive images of themselves gaining communication skills to inspire continued effort.
My speech/language impaired high school students come with a variety of speech/language disabilities and a range of skill levels.
For example, we have students who cannot speak without stuttering, who must work very hard to speak clearly, who need practice using appropriate social language and interaction strategies. Some may have an extreme fear of speaking up in class because of their disabilities. It is not enough for them to see examples of others easily performing the skills they desire for themselves. They need positive examples of themselves achieving success in the small steps they are taking to achieve mastery in their own individual goals.
My Project
The availability of flip video cameras to the speech therapist and classroom staff make it possible to capture short moments of early successes. These moments can be edited into longer sequences with equipment already at the school. The individual movies we have created for our students can demonstrate that they have ability, they are already successful and that the skills they are working on can be mastered and become automatic. Nothing inspires effort like success. When students see only positive examples of their speech communication and social interactions, their self esteem improves. They are inspired to practice so these successful moments are they way they always present themselves. These videos become the students own stories. It is wonderful for students who fear speaking out, to see themselves communicating successfully. They are the stars of their own movies.
Good functional communication skills and self confidence are essential for success in all areas of life as these high school students overcome challenges and prepare to enter their adult lives in college, the workplace, or independent living.
When they are the stars of the movies we have created for them, they believe in the reality of their dreams.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Alm and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.