Life In Our Classroom 

Technology is a big part of our classrooms.  We integrate it into all aspects of
our day and it is an essential tool in the learning process.  The following is a
list of programs that we use on a daily basis:

1. Classroom Suite
2.  Boardmaker-Mayer Johnson
3.  Intellitools
4.  Overlaymaker
5.  Microsoft Power Point
6.  Microsoft Word
7.  Photoshop
*Please visit our "Helpful Links" section to find out more details on how
to purchase  these programs.

It is important that all children are able to access materials and feel comfortable
within the classroom environment.  In keeping with the theme of universal
design, the tools on this page were created with the intention of fostering
independence as well as allowing children to feel successful while completing
everyday tasks.    


                 Attendance Chart   

 

This chart was designed so that 
every child can independently do
their attendence in the morning. 
It is created using wooden cards
attached with hinges.  Since the
cards move with minimal effort,
this is an actvity that all children
can do successfully.


 

Counting attendence is a great
math activity.  Grouping the
cards by color promotes counting
by fives.  Pointing to each card also
reinforces one to one
correspondence.



                          
                  
            Bins With Handles

 



Adding handles to bins containing
math manipulatives makes bringing
bins to tables or to the rug easier for
all students. 




 



These bins can be created by
drilling handles onto both sides
of clear plastic bins.  







                   Worktrays


   





We attached adhesive hooks to
each tray to help children to
independently open and put
work in them.



   



Hooks are attached to every child's
worktray.  This the place where
children keep projects that they are
still working on or would like to
bring home.





                  Bathroom Bins







Bathroom bins are mounted on the
wall at a level that is accessible for
all children.





                   Choice Board  


Choice time is a very important time
of the day.  Children have the 
opportunity to make choices, work
with friends and learn how to 
negotiate problems.  It is 
important for children to be 
able to make choices as 
independently as possible. 



 

Each child's name is on a wooden
eraser which makes them easier to
grab.  They velcro to the board
allowing for more independence.   






                            
                  Press Lights



Some children with motor
impairments have have difficulty
raising their hand while others find
it difficult to keep it raised.  These
lights are activated by
pushing but can also be hooked
to a switch.




 





The press lights can also be
hooked to a chair and
activated by a switch.






                  Marker and Paintbrush Stands


         
    
    Marker stands allow students to see all their choices laid out in front
    of them. The markers are easier to select and grab than sifting through a
    bin full of markers.  

                                                            
                  
            "Blue" the Bear
       

   "Blue" is a bear that has a camera attached to his wrist.  The bear along
    with the camera is often sent home with children so that they can share
    pictures and events from their daily lives with peers during morning
    meeting. "Blue" also has a recordable device in his wrist that says,
    "Do you want to read with me?"  This way children who are verbal
    or non-verbal can ask a partner to read with them.