12/21/2020
Topic:
Students With Disabilities
Sheila Wilson
|
I currently have a 2nd grader who is ASD. When I had him in kindergarten, he had a myriad of issues. He'd cry out, put his hands on his classmates (especially putting his hands round their neck.) Most of my time was spent redirecting his behavior.
At the start of this school year, I experienced some minor problems with him, which have since been remedied. He does not like loud sounds , so I know not to place him near the computer speakers. I use a "color" system for him (blue, green, yellow and red). He likes to be on blue. I give him a warning and most times that is enough to get him back on track. He struggles with writing things down, so I have him work with a classmate or I come by and ask him questions to check his understanding. |
12/22/2020
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Sheila Wilson
|
I've used graphic organizers for a number of concepts. Venn diagrams are effective for comparing and contrasting instrument families (especially brass vs woodwind, which students tend to get confused). For SWD, comparing entire families might be a bit overwhelming. I would have them select an instrument from the families being compared (example: trumpet vs. flute) and provide visuals to help them see the differences and similarities.
I have used cooperative learning strategies for years. One of the most successful was a Kagan strategy, where I have assessed students on their recorder skills and placed them in groups of four with each students at a different level: high, medium high, medium low and low). There were several students who were low and made very little progress in whole group instruction. It wasn't until they started working with a peer, that they made not just a little progress, but rapid progress. I think this would work well for SWD. Sometimes students connect better with a peer and can get more one on one time that the teacher might not be able to give them. |
12/22/2020
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Sheila Wilson
|
I have a student who has ASD. I have noticed that he does not respond well with written work. He is quite bright and can respond orally. Point to the answer is one possibility for assessment. He also likes technology, so using assessments in our LMS, Canvas is a possible alternative to a pencil and paper assessment. I would record the questions and answer choices so he could play and replay them as many times as he needs to. |