6/17/2020
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Laura Dickey
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I have a student who has severe AHD and an emotional disability. He struggles to stay on task and in his area, let alone his seat. He gets upset with other students easily, as well. Last year, his class was doubled up with another one for Art. I had around 36 third graders, including him, in my room with just me. This environment was really hard for him to cope with. Honestly, none of my strategies were really working until I found a way to build a relationship with him. As an Art teacher, I only get to see my students maybe once a week. I've been thankful for having dismissal duty because it has given me a chance to see some of my students on a more regular basis. This particular student tends to get pulled from his class for behavior issues a lot too. I started telling him that I missed him whenever I saw him after he missed a class. I found out things he was interested in and started having mini conversations with him about those things. It really changed his response to me. He still struggles but when I redirect him, he actually responds and tries to continue working. If he is struggling to be around others, he just has to let me know that he needs space and there is a table he can go work away from others. This year, it has been easier for him in my room as his class comes on their own now. They can spread out more and I am able to give him more attention, as well. He is still assigned a table that is close to the front and where I do most of my instruction. I try to keep my instruction time in short time increments too. I'm so glad that he really loves coming to Art now. He still struggles but we have found a way to make this subject and my classroom a place that he feels welcome and successful. |
6/17/2020
Topic:
Tools And Strategies
Laura Dickey
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I really would like to implement chaining and graphic organizers in my classroom. Chaining would be helpful in breaking down a project into small steps that would be less likely to overwhelm my students with and without disabilities. I always try to give steps in smaller increments to keep engagement. I'm always worried that my instruction will turn into something like a lecture. Chaining would have even further break things down for my students. Graphic organizers would help as a visual guide through those steps and help them organize their process better.
I do not have a SmartBoard but I do have a projector and a large screen. I often use them to show examples and videos from my computer. I also use them with my document camera and project my hands working on the example so they can better see what I am doing, as well. |
6/17/2020
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Laura Dickey
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I often use Ticket Out the Door or Exit Slips in my classroom. I have a student who is nonverbal so I ask him to either draw an example, point to his answer or select his answer from a few options. He really likes when he can draw an example the most. |