2/4/2020
Topic:
Students With Disabilities
Amy J Williams
|
I teach in a virtual environment and we have a high number of students that come to us because they have disabilities and were not successful in their previous schools. Out of 50 homeroom students, currently, 3 are on the spectrum, 1 has TBI, 1 has sickle cell (OHI), several have anxiety or add diagnoses and a couple also have behavioral issues that resulted in being expelled from last schools. This creates the need for modification and accommodations in almost every lesson or activity. Luckily, the students work from home and get to utilize many of the strategies and accommodations listed on IEPs daily as needed. I attend many IEP/504 meetings weekly and have become very familiar with the child find process as well. |
2/4/2020
Topic:
Tools And Strategies
Amy J Williams
|
I use technology quite a bit since I teach virtually. I use a document camera in order to demonstrate the task or technique during art lessons. This helps the students see how I do it while I explain the process. I often use peer to peer groupings to allow the students to learn from each other. With my younger students I always use chaining. I break down every art technique or process into smaller steps. This is only way I have found to avoid students feeling like the end result is unachievable. I use mnemonic strategies to use rhymes with my kinders to help them remember steps or tools. The sillier, the better. |
2/4/2020
Topic:
Tools And Strategies
Amy J Williams
|
1. I often use preferential seating or proximity seating for students that need to be in a certain area of my room. I have had many 5th graders that work best when they can stand instead of sit. I have a larger space in one part of my room so I can spread out the rows and have those that stand off to the side or in the back row. This helps students that need movement to reduce stress and anxiety. As an art teacher, I always use visual combined with verbal for demonstrations, instructions, examples and grading expectations. Art lends itself to be very visual and this is why I see many SWD excel in the Arts when they struggle in core classes.
2. I have had a lot of issues with absences and students missing key instructions or demonstrations. I have used technology to help those students get caught up when they return to class. I record a demo of the technique and video instructions for what we are doing in class that they may have missed. This is easier for the student that can pause or watch again while I continue to help others in the class. Once they are done with the video, they know what is expected and how to get started. It cuts down on my having to reteach every time a student is out. |