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Ms. Coonan's Classroom Edit display name

  • Gates Lane School of International Study
  • Worcester, MA
  • More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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My students' extreme sensory needs pose unique challenges that require creative ways to help them learn.For many children on the autism spectrum, loud noises, bright lights, and other sensory stimuli can make it nearly impossible to learn. One common coping method is rocking, which can ease anxiety and allow a person with ASD to focus. A student centered learning environment that addresses their constant need for movement sensory input would make a huge difference in helping calm my students and allow them to remain focused in our classroom. I am asking for a learning center that is composed of a teacher chair, 8 child sized rocking chairs, 4 rocking, child sized couches and 4 small tables. I would be able to teach my lessons in this center while my students rock, or not, to their heart's content as the rocking actually allows them to stay on task. This durable, hardwood furniture has smooth and rounded edges for safety and removable, easy to clean foam cushions. The little side tables would be perfect for holding crayons, manipulatives or snacks and give the space a relaxed, homey feeling. I am also asking for 2 Movin' Sit Jr. seat cushions that are placed directly on the floor for my students who feel more secure rocking if they are directly on the floor. This learning center will increase the skill acquisition and independence of all my children because it will lower their stress and anxiety and allow them to be ready to learn.

About my class

My students' extreme sensory needs pose unique challenges that require creative ways to help them learn.For many children on the autism spectrum, loud noises, bright lights, and other sensory stimuli can make it nearly impossible to learn. One common coping method is rocking, which can ease anxiety and allow a person with ASD to focus. A student centered learning environment that addresses their constant need for movement sensory input would make a huge difference in helping calm my students and allow them to remain focused in our classroom. I am asking for a learning center that is composed of a teacher chair, 8 child sized rocking chairs, 4 rocking, child sized couches and 4 small tables. I would be able to teach my lessons in this center while my students rock, or not, to their heart's content as the rocking actually allows them to stay on task. This durable, hardwood furniture has smooth and rounded edges for safety and removable, easy to clean foam cushions. The little side tables would be perfect for holding crayons, manipulatives or snacks and give the space a relaxed, homey feeling. I am also asking for 2 Movin' Sit Jr. seat cushions that are placed directly on the floor for my students who feel more secure rocking if they are directly on the floor. This learning center will increase the skill acquisition and independence of all my children because it will lower their stress and anxiety and allow them to be ready to learn.

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About my class

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