12/5/2021
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Michelle Kroog
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I have had special needs art classes in the past who were all considered orthopedic impairments and traumatic brain injuries- all 6 students were wheelchair bound/ had feeding tubes and the works. Many of them had issues with using their muscles ( couldn't hold a paintbrush, couldn't sit up at the tables etc., making a mess on themselves because they couldn't sit close enough to the tables ( even with smocks). There was 2 aides that came with them to specials but even with their help, it was still a struggle . I tried to improvise the equipment I had in the art room but it was quickly becoming apparent the class needed a lot of adaptive tools and urgently . I then worked with the physical therapist, occupational therapist, and principals and we were able to order and provide the class with adaptive and easy grip brushes, adaptive and easy grip drawing tools (pencils, pens, markers), extended paintbrushes, and we even were allowed to purchase adaptive art furniture for wheelchair access! We got Copernicus tabletop easels, Alvin reflex tables ( allows wheelchair to fit comfortably at the tables). Once we had all the correct tools for these students, their art lessons flowed much easier . We were then able to work with the students doing hand over hand art activities or we would show them how the tools worked and some of them could do the art projects with little or no help. One student felt more confident and was interested in creating art, whereas before she wouldn't really do anything because she would get frustrated because she couldn't reach the table or the paintbrush would constantly fall out of her hand. It was nice to see that class enjoy art especially with the right tools |
12/22/2021
Topic:
Tools And Strategies
Michelle Kroog
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In my art classroom, I have used the smart board technology for students with disabilities several times- this allows them clear visuals and hands on learning experiences. We have used Venn Diagram when comparing 2 works of art. The students can slide their choices to the appropriate circles as needed. We also used the smart board to complete 5 W charts and story mapping as well. These all worked especially well for students who had visual impairments- bright colors, shapes etc can be used for them |
12/22/2021
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Michelle Kroog
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For ELL students, I often assess students with a sketchbook. This requires the students to draw pictures and label with key terms the technique of art method taught, integrated instructional information, or key concepts they learned that day/week. This is helpful for student with learning disabilities and may have language barriers since it allow information to be broken down into simplified visual sketches and notations. I also find the use of response cards to be efficient. Students with disabilities can chose to answer by drawing a picture on their or attempt to write the correct words- this allows me to check for understanding of the topics they learned. |