Whether you are a brand new teacher or have worked in the field for 25 years, here are some suggestions for setting up a classroom for children with special needs.
Suggestion #1: Find out as much as you can about your students.
Kids Storage Cubby
Sometimes new teachers go in and start setting up their classrooms without first learning anything about their students. This is a mistake, especially if your students have special needs. For instance, I had a student this year who had pica, meaning she ate a number of inedibles such as glue sticks, chalk, pencil erasers, and more. Because I knew that, I knew to keep these items locked up instead of putting them out on display the first day.
Read through cumulative records. Review IEPs and Multi-factored evaluations. Call parents or even do home visits if permissible and advisable.
Suggestion #2: Take inventory of what you have and draw out a classroom diagram.
Make a list of what you have and what you need. Make sure you have enough desks, chairs, and tables for your students. If you are going to use tables and chairs, I suggest you try to get chairs for each of these places, so you will need twice as many chairs as students.
Draw a rectangle. Add doors, windows, bulletin boards and other "static" items. Then add the basic areas. You may add independent work areas such as centers if you wish. Most classrooms for children with special needs have a computer area, a quiet area such as a reading corner and an area fone on one with students. A small group area is important also.
Suggestion #3: Don't get fancy. You don't have enough time. Set up a basic classroom.
A basic classroom for children with special needs generally includes:
A Circle time/large group area with a large carpet which will include the following: Calendar, daily sign-in, lunch choices, and a daily schedule
Desks or tables for independent work labeled with student names
Cubbies or other storage areas labeled with children's names
A teacher desk or table with the following: a file for each student, basic desk supplies, a calendar and a notebook for lesson plans/substitute plans and parent contacts.
If you have an assistant its important that you include a working space for them such as a small desk or table. An area to keep their personal supplies, such as coat, umbrella and purse, is also always appreciated.
Put away or cover up all non-essential materials.
Children with special needs, particularly children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, do not do well with a lot of visual stimuli. Classrooms should use muted colors, if possible, minimal overhead lighting, and very little clutter. I'll admit that this is a challenging task for me because I tend to have a lot of classroom materials but it is necessary. If I can't put away items due to lack of storage, I try to put them in plastic storage bins or cover them with flannel-backed tablecloths.
Have a great year!
Special Price!!! Badger Basket Three Bin Storage Cubby, Espresso
Nov 05, 2011 03:30:53
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Badger Basket Three Bin Storage Cubby, Espresso Feature
- Modular storage can be stacked with additional units
- Perfect for organizing toys and teaching kids to cleanup
- Open front design makes it easy to find things inside
- Made with engineered wood and metal hardware
Badger Basket Three Bin Storage Cubby, Espresso Overview
Features:Badger Basket's Three Bin Stackable Wood Storage Cubby,Bin is a sturdy, modular storage solution for keeping all sorts of items tidy and out of sight.Features three, generously sized open bins that can be stacked with other bins to expand your storage capacity (each bin unit sold separately).Can be used for storing books,magazines,newspapers, toys, clothes, shoes and boots, winter accessories, sporting goods, videos,DVDs,CDs, craft supplies, and more!Three bin design helps with sorting and separating items.Wide mouth bin openings make it easy to load and unload.When you need to clean up quickly, it's a breeze to stuff everything inside!Great for kids when learning to sort, organize, and clean-up.For more storage, stack additional units (sold separately) next to or on top.Solid panel construction ensures that your stuff stays inside the unit - nothing falls out the back or sides.Easy assembly with a screwdriver and illustrated instructions. Wipe the wood surfaces clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent as needed and dry thoroughly. Made with wood composites. When stacking multiple bins, you must always use the included safety bracks to secure the units together. Product may vary slightly from shown. Toys and accessories shown with the bins are not included. This item ships in its original carton which may include a photo of the product. All measurements approximate. Complies with all current, applicable ASTM safety standards. Non-toxic painted finish. Metal hardware. Badger Basket's Two-Bin units (09770, 09771, 09772) can be mixed and matched with Badger's Three-Bin units (09775, 09776, 09777). If stacking three or more bins high, we recommend using wall anchor,furniture safety straps (not included) to anchor the units to the wall for safety and stability. Wall anchor straps are not included due to the many types of walls found in homes. Please consult with your local hardware retailer about your particular walls and home and what hardware is needed.SpeciSAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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