My students need hands on learning materials materials to create more independent work tasks which will enable them to practice mastered skills, follow visual schedules, and become more independent in the classroom!
The students in my school come from all over Nassau County to learn in an environment that best fits their needs. The students can range in age anywhere from 8-21. I teach an ungraded middle school classroom, where I have six students who are primarily classified as having autism and are non-verbal. Although my students are ages 11-13, their functioning level is similar to that of a toddler. They typically present with deficits in communication, social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. In order to be successful, they require a highly structured learning environment. Visual schedules, token economy systems, sensory integration therapy, significant prompting, and lots of positive reinforcement are just a few things that aid them throughout the school day!
My Project
One vital skill I want my students to have is a repertoire of independent work skills. They are able to learn these skills through repetition and structure. Independence is not just important for school or work, but also for life skills in the home/community.
It is important for my students to begin doing tasks by themselves so that they can be successful in the future!
Some examples of independent tasks can be sorting items/colors puzzles, and peg boards. These can all be used to develop our task completion skills in a variety of ways. Materials with numbers help develop our number awareness as well as spatial concepts. Sorting helps our students to understand relationships of items. Fine motor manipulatives will help develop their fine motor skills for opening/closing containers, using utensils to eat, and getting dressed.
Students will benefit from these materials for years and years to come. Our students will make gains with these materials in so many ways which will help them in their futures.
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 Ms. Rosen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.