Freshwater fish aquariums provide amazing learning opportunities for students and our project promises to provide additional and innovative experiences for my group of learners. Our high school campus educates thousands of students and it's easy to get lost and feel lost. My special education program strives to provide students with opportunities to stand out in the crowd as people with unique gifts who are valuable contributors. The addition of 3 vocational sites will certainly help them shine!
In looking for ways to increase our presence on campus and provide a variety of work experiences, we're hoping to take our aquarium expertise and share it in 3 new rooms on campus (Library Learning Commons, Administrative Office and an additional classroom). Last year we set up a classroom aquarium, after I observed a “hard to reach” student inappropriately submerge his arm into a public fish tank. He was mesmerized by the entire sensory experience, so I responded to his interest. Our class benefited from the peaceful atmosphere the tank provided and added sensory experiences for all. The whole class wants to share these benefits with others.
On a daily basis, a team from my classroom will travel around the campus to monitor the new tanks. On these outings, they'll interact with peers and school staff they wouldn't normally meet. They'll be learning how to care for animals, improve social interactions, and impart information to others. Most importantly, this project will provide my special needs students with new jobs where they will be active, knowledgeable, and independent workers on a busy high school campus.
About my class
Freshwater fish aquariums provide amazing learning opportunities for students and our project promises to provide additional and innovative experiences for my group of learners. Our high school campus educates thousands of students and it's easy to get lost and feel lost. My special education program strives to provide students with opportunities to stand out in the crowd as people with unique gifts who are valuable contributors. The addition of 3 vocational sites will certainly help them shine!
In looking for ways to increase our presence on campus and provide a variety of work experiences, we're hoping to take our aquarium expertise and share it in 3 new rooms on campus (Library Learning Commons, Administrative Office and an additional classroom). Last year we set up a classroom aquarium, after I observed a “hard to reach” student inappropriately submerge his arm into a public fish tank. He was mesmerized by the entire sensory experience, so I responded to his interest. Our class benefited from the peaceful atmosphere the tank provided and added sensory experiences for all. The whole class wants to share these benefits with others.
On a daily basis, a team from my classroom will travel around the campus to monitor the new tanks. On these outings, they'll interact with peers and school staff they wouldn't normally meet. They'll be learning how to care for animals, improve social interactions, and impart information to others. Most importantly, this project will provide my special needs students with new jobs where they will be active, knowledgeable, and independent workers on a busy high school campus.
Read more