Middle school is a tough time in any students life. Pair it with having a disability and it makes it even harder. My students live for the social aspect of their day. They thrive on interactions with others but struggle with communication, appropriate social skills and making friends. Good old fashioned hands on face to face games and puzzles are a great way to bridge that gap. Having a Giant 4 in a Row Game, Jumbo Toppling Tower, the Gravity Maze and the Tumbling Block Game are games that everyone can relate to on some level. They don't need special abilities to become involved in some way. By providing the students with activities they can all relate to and that require minimal skills and/or skills that can be assisted with I am teaching my students how to interact appropriately, have fun socially and make and keep friends. The magnetic building blocks, brain flakes and building toy blocks are geared towards students who are more creative than athletic and want to work quietly at sit down tasks. This helps get the students who have a harder time socializing involved too. Even working side by side with others is better than playing alone.
Everyone wants and/or needs a friend. Friendship and acceptance is a mainstay in everyone's life. Creating an inclusive environment for my students and teaching others about empathy is one of the greatest gifts I can give as a teacher. Creating opportunities during my lunchtime and after school best buddies club is the best way I have found to teach these concepts.
About my class
Middle school is a tough time in any students life. Pair it with having a disability and it makes it even harder. My students live for the social aspect of their day. They thrive on interactions with others but struggle with communication, appropriate social skills and making friends. Good old fashioned hands on face to face games and puzzles are a great way to bridge that gap. Having a Giant 4 in a Row Game, Jumbo Toppling Tower, the Gravity Maze and the Tumbling Block Game are games that everyone can relate to on some level. They don't need special abilities to become involved in some way. By providing the students with activities they can all relate to and that require minimal skills and/or skills that can be assisted with I am teaching my students how to interact appropriately, have fun socially and make and keep friends. The magnetic building blocks, brain flakes and building toy blocks are geared towards students who are more creative than athletic and want to work quietly at sit down tasks. This helps get the students who have a harder time socializing involved too. Even working side by side with others is better than playing alone.
Everyone wants and/or needs a friend. Friendship and acceptance is a mainstay in everyone's life. Creating an inclusive environment for my students and teaching others about empathy is one of the greatest gifts I can give as a teacher. Creating opportunities during my lunchtime and after school best buddies club is the best way I have found to teach these concepts.