My Shadow Study Experience
This reflection details my shadowing experience in a Life Skills classroom at New Augusta Public Academy North, led by Ms. Johnson. With over 11 years of experience and a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ms. Johnson emphasizes building strong relationships with her students. The classroom is well-structured, featuring individualized schedules, sensory support, and a token reward system. I observed various teaching methods, including memory games and interactive resources, tailored to accommodate different disabilities while promoting independence and social skills.
My Shadow Study Experience
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Presentation Transcript
My Shadow Study Experience ED 243 By: Kailie Tobin
Ms. Johnson • Graduated from Indiana University • Teaches at New Augusta Public Academy North MS • Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder • Has been teaching at New Augusta 11 years • Focuses on creating good relationships with her students • Teaches a Life Skills class for students with disabilities
Classroom • Well organized • Lots of schedules with daily routines in place • Each student has their own schedule of activities • Helps prepare autistic students • Pictures are associated with the words to help kids with cognitive or speech problems identify • Weekly job charts to promote responsibility and independence • Classroom has two additional aids for further assistance • Sensory/Cool-down room adjacent to class • Glass window so students can be seen • while cooling down
Rewards • Work on a ticket/ token system • Receive tickets for co-operating or helping or behaving • After a certain number they receive candy or hot lunch of their choice • Bad Behavior= Loss of tickets
Lessons • DT Trainer Computer game • Focus was meant for kids with Autism • Sewing Station/ Bolts/ Wii Sports and Dance • Works on motor skills and life skills • Memory Games/ Puzzles • Meant to improve cognitive skills • News 2 You • Reading and Math w/ pictures • Ipod Touches with Apps for Math and Music
Students • Worked with about 12 students during my time • Wide range of disabilities and severity • Highest functioning is on a 4th grade level • Most are only 2nd • These students will not receive a diploma
Jayda • Social/ Emotional Disability • She has a tendency to lash out and tell when agitated • Cognitive Disability • Working on Social Cues • Uses DT Trainer • Uses News 2 You and Wii
Brittany • Cognitive and Speech Impairment • Works with speech therapist • Orthopedic Impairment • Almost nonverbal • Uses bolts and other activities promoting coordination and hand use • Uses DT trainer and puzzles
Isaiah • Autism • Slight Language and Orthopedic Impairment • Fixates heavily on “dragon scale” and necklace • Very Repetitive • Working on social cues • Uses DT trainer, Memory, • Sequence, News 2 You
Inclusion • I was able to follow the students to their general education P.E. and music class along with their aid. • It was interesting watching them interact with the other students • Although they moved more slowly and struggled with the material, the non-special needs students were very helpful and welcoming
Alternative Assessment • Rather than taking the ISTEP or other standardized forms of testing, students have IEP’s in place • Many students use videotaping or recordings in place • Some use verbal assessments or portfolio assessment
