I serve students in a self-contained autistic support classroom. The students in my class have diverse needs and require a high level of structure and evidence-based instruction and behavioral supports in order to achieve full potential. They come to school each day ready to be challenged to reach for the next bar, which looks different for each of them. Some of my students are learning to write their names. Others are learning names for common objects like shoes and pencil. Still, some others are working at-grade level and trying his or her very best during their inclusion time with their same-aged peers in regular education.
All of my students, though, require motivation to learn these skills that greatly increase the quality of their lives.
Part of my job is knowing each student and setting the stage for his or her best work. One of the ways I do this is by using a class-wide reward system where students follow an individualized work schedule. As they complete tasks, they earn money (not real money, "class cash") that they are able to spend anyway they like - whether it's drawing, time on the iPad, or playing with blocks.
My Project
Students in an autistic support classroom require a variety of materials to meet their diverse learning needs. Student learning is individualized. Academic tasks are carefully selected to be challenging but not overly frustrating. Leisure activities are important in our room, too! Many students with autism require additional practice learning how to play appropriately by themselves or with others.
In autistic support, each moment can be a teachable moment with the help of these supplies.
The materials in this project will be used not only to help my students learn academic skills but leisure skills, as well. Students will use the Nuts About Sorting and Comparing Sizes activity kits to learn to sort by color and identify big/small objects. The cut & cruise cars will help students struggling with scissor skills. The blocks and block table will be used for a variety of things such as playing pretend, imitating building structures, and sharing. The wobble chair and glitter wands will be something students can use when taking a break from activities.
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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. Fisher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.