Working with students that have multiple disabilities is challenging and requires extra working hours, and extra planning to differentiate and be able to meet the needs of every student.
Being the child with the disability and trying to get through a whole school day, now that's a real challenge. My planning and struggles cannot top that. A full 8 hour school day can be overwhelming for my students and can take a physical and mental toll within the first couple of hours of the day.
I have students with Autism who are on sensory overload all day. They need constant redirection, praise, and frequent breaks in order to make it through the day at ease, and without having an outburst. A sensory area would be very beneficial to my students with Autism, and every other student with a disability as well. A relaxation area with sensory objects allows them to take their mind off of the emotional distress or anxiety from attempting to stay attentive to learning vs their disabilities preventing them to do so. My students enjoy the different physical feelings from different objects such as sensory toys, which can be very soothing and calming to them. It gives them the opportunity to relax and refocus, then be able to return and continue their learning.
Flexible seating such as "bouncy chairs" that can be moved from one table/center, to another, will help those who need to stimulate while working in order to concentrate and stay focused on their assignment. It can also be a reward for those who strive to follow the rules, directives, and complete all their assignments to the best of their ability. They did not choose to have a disability, but they do choose to learn every day. This sensory area will help make that happen!
About my class
Working with students that have multiple disabilities is challenging and requires extra working hours, and extra planning to differentiate and be able to meet the needs of every student.
Being the child with the disability and trying to get through a whole school day, now that's a real challenge. My planning and struggles cannot top that. A full 8 hour school day can be overwhelming for my students and can take a physical and mental toll within the first couple of hours of the day.
I have students with Autism who are on sensory overload all day. They need constant redirection, praise, and frequent breaks in order to make it through the day at ease, and without having an outburst. A sensory area would be very beneficial to my students with Autism, and every other student with a disability as well. A relaxation area with sensory objects allows them to take their mind off of the emotional distress or anxiety from attempting to stay attentive to learning vs their disabilities preventing them to do so. My students enjoy the different physical feelings from different objects such as sensory toys, which can be very soothing and calming to them. It gives them the opportunity to relax and refocus, then be able to return and continue their learning.
Flexible seating such as "bouncy chairs" that can be moved from one table/center, to another, will help those who need to stimulate while working in order to concentrate and stay focused on their assignment. It can also be a reward for those who strive to follow the rules, directives, and complete all their assignments to the best of their ability. They did not choose to have a disability, but they do choose to learn every day. This sensory area will help make that happen!
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