Special Education Students Sewing Skills

My Students

Students arrive in their "work uniforms." They are excited to learn skills to be productive citizens. They want our community to focus on their ABILITIES not disabilities. They review their daily schedule, a supervisor for the day is assigned and off to work we go.

PREP provides an opportunity for students to learn, in the least restrictive environment possible, the skills necessary for attaining the highest levels of personal, social and vocational fulfillment.

Occupational Preparation  Developing and Maintaining Work Skills  How to Respond Appropriately to Supervision  Working Cooperatively with Coworkers  How to Meet Quality Standards  How to Interview for a Job  How the Evaluation Process Works Daily Living Skills  Managing Money  Maintaining Living Environments  Promoting Personal Health  Practicing Personal Safety  Purchasing Food and Preparing Meals  Developing Leisure Activities  Learning Traffic Rules and Safety  Accessing Community Transportation Personal/Social Skills  Socially Responsible Behavior  Appropriate Social Relationships  Developing Independent Behaviors  Fostering Self-Determination  How to make Informed Decisions  Communicating with Others  Communicating in Emergencies

My Project

I love my students and hope that they will continue to come to me for help as they grow older… However, there is no joy in being 30 years old and having to ask your Mom or old teacher to sew a button on something for you. Not to mention possibly paying $10 per button to have them put back on at the dry cleaner? Whew! Knowing how to sew was once a necessary skill in our culture. Learning to sew can provide many benefits to students. It is well worth the time and effort to master the basics of sewing and teach them to the next generation. Sewing has lifelong benefits to students: • Increases creativity • Provides a sense of accomplishment • Builds self-esteem • Encourages perseverance • Enhances problem-solving skills • Teaches proper usage of specialty tools, machines and technology • Hones hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills • Opens windows to possible career paths.

Self-sufficiency is important for a child's self esteem.

Sewing is just one of the many skills that can be taught to aid in student's growth process. In the world we live in today, having as many skills as possible is imperative to compete. Sewing gives students the ability to accomplish this goal. So, not only are they learning a valuable skill that will keep them from being at the mercy of the local dry cleaners, they are also developing mental processes that will aid them in their future!