Environment

My first post on the blog will be treated like the first step in setting up a classroom. Let's look at the ENVIRONMENT.

Teaching students with special disabilities requires modifications to the environment to meet their needs. Plus, the added structure and support helps the typical students too.

To start, let's look at visual supports in the environment.
First and foremost, visual supports and really, any kind of poster should be hung where the students should see it. Things should be hung at THEIR eye level not our level. Unless, you are just hanging these things for yourself.
Don't worry- I've made this mistake myself. Take a look:
Before:



After:

The students are able to interact with the posters by matching the color word to the color picture.

Schedules! Schedules! Schedules!
Schedules will provide your students with predictable routines, ease transitions, and promote positive behaviors!

I make my schedules using Board Maker.
Here is a typical schedule:

After each activity, remove the picture and put it in the "Finished Box"

For students who have a really hard time with transitions:


Place the picture icon in the location. The student will physically have to match the schedule picture to the location where they are going next.