Where do I start?

Rebecca Grudzien — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:00:12 GMT

Hello out there!! I am in my fifth week of teaching at a preschool for students with disabilities ranging from adhd, severe speech delay to autism. I am in a 12:1:1 class with 9 students, 1 classroom aide, and two personal aids with another personal aide to come. I follow a daily schedule starting with morning circle which consists of welcome, song, weather, name/picture recognition, etc. The classroom was added on because of need. I am sure I will reach the full quota soon. The problem is, is that I am nearly 50, have not taught pre-school in 15 years, and am out of the loop. Fortunately, I was given a classroom aide who has lots of experience and has been a tremendous help with organization and manipulative preparation and creation. I have purchased a lot of table activities, toys, manipulatives, etc. However, something just doesn't feel like it is clicking. I'm having trouble planning, and I don't know why. I like to be a bit more improvisational...however, my clasroom aide is very strong-willed and believes at structure is the key. Is there anything wrong with playing a game of "Elfin!" and the end of the day instead of sitting at the table doing puzzles?? Becky

RE: Where do I start?

MoriYah — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:03:48 GMT

The problem is is that children with autism and ADHD CRAVE structure. In fact, delaying the start of class by even 2 minutes can push some children into a behavior. I have been an autism therapist for 10 years and presently work in an autism school with a ratio and set-up very much like yours. Although all the particulars are not always set in stone- most things are very planned out and structured for our kids. They HAVE to be. I am sure your spontaneous play would be prefect and very much needed in a mainstream school, but in the class you are in it is just the opposite. Give it time, get to know the students well, and then you will be able to find those whom are more flexible and will appreciate the change of pace and added fun.