In the self-contained grade 3-5 autism program the students have many needs that are not just academic support. They need sensory input support, seating options such as bean bags and exercise balls, weighted blankets to help support pressure needs, as well as fidgets to support sensory and aide with attention. Study carrels support the students attention and cut down on distractions within the classroom. These needs have to be met in order to foster a collaborative community for learning academics and social skills.
The most interesting people you find are ones that don't fit into your average cardboard box, instead they'll make their own. In my classroom students are not just sitting at their desks all day in their chairs. In my classroom the teachers and the approach to teaching is flexible to meet the needs to the students. I have a student that likes to be "squished" on the floor and work on his lap. For him, the weighted blanket provides the "squished" pressure he expresses he needs to help him focus. We teach social and emotional skills, and we talk about coping strategies that all people use during different feelings. One coping strategy that works for some of my students is to get movement in. My students benefit from sitting on an exercise ball or having a band on their chair to allow for movement.
In my classroom I approach teaching in many different ways. I make a lot of materials specific to students and what engages them, and how they learn best. I make interactive books that students use Velcro pieces for during reading, or to answer questions. I make file folders to work on student independents with academics. I use Velcro and laminating sheets frequently to individualize these for my students, and address multiple topics.
About my class
In the self-contained grade 3-5 autism program the students have many needs that are not just academic support. They need sensory input support, seating options such as bean bags and exercise balls, weighted blankets to help support pressure needs, as well as fidgets to support sensory and aide with attention. Study carrels support the students attention and cut down on distractions within the classroom. These needs have to be met in order to foster a collaborative community for learning academics and social skills.
The most interesting people you find are ones that don't fit into your average cardboard box, instead they'll make their own. In my classroom students are not just sitting at their desks all day in their chairs. In my classroom the teachers and the approach to teaching is flexible to meet the needs to the students. I have a student that likes to be "squished" on the floor and work on his lap. For him, the weighted blanket provides the "squished" pressure he expresses he needs to help him focus. We teach social and emotional skills, and we talk about coping strategies that all people use during different feelings. One coping strategy that works for some of my students is to get movement in. My students benefit from sitting on an exercise ball or having a band on their chair to allow for movement.
In my classroom I approach teaching in many different ways. I make a lot of materials specific to students and what engages them, and how they learn best. I make interactive books that students use Velcro pieces for during reading, or to answer questions. I make file folders to work on student independents with academics. I use Velcro and laminating sheets frequently to individualize these for my students, and address multiple topics.