New Year, New Blog

My "teacher" resolution was to update my blog with ideas that worked in the classroom at least once a week. Today is our first full week so here goes nothing. Prior to Christmas break, we talked about Maps using the book "Me on the Map" which can be found on youtube video. We held discussions about maps and then got to talking about our school. We made a list of important places in our school. Next, each student was given a camera and we went around the school taking pictures of all of our important places.

Results were quite beautiful:

Then we drew out a map of our school on a large piece of paper and added all of our pictures. For the younger students, it was necessary to walk around the school and draw out the map as we go. (Then, we came back and glued). Last, they drew a picture of themselves in a room in the school. Here's our final result:

The students really enjoyed the activity!

Hopscotch

I had the idea to make a hopscotch using letters. One student would identify the letters on cards then the other student would hop to the letter on the floor.
It worked well for letter recognition and cooperative play.

After letters, we worked on shapes.
The students would roll a shape dice and then hop to the shape. The students could also pick two shapes out of container to practice multiple step directions.

5 senses

Blindfold painting. The students had to listen to the bell to paint.

Touch Hunt
First we labeled the containers of various objects.


Then we used the "Touch Hunt" to guide the students in finding a variety of different items to glue on to the first initial of their name.

As they found each item, they checked it off and then glued it on.

Shower curtains and STOP signs!

Shower curtains are used in my classroom to prevent students from accessing the items on the shelf. For these shower curtains, I simply bought a white liner and Command hooks to hang them.


The STOP signs provide a visual support for students to remind them that they are not supposed to be looking behind these. I have the most trouble keeping hands from going behind my shower curtain by the carpet during circle time. For some students, it is too tempting to sit by it. To solve the problem, I simply move them so they are not sitting next to shelf.


But for the most part...it does the trick!

These shower curtains were hung with a mini rod found at Walmart. The hook shower curtain has a tendency to fall off. I would not recommend using them.
Behind these curtains, I keep our books!

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.