Journal 4
Journal 4
Journal 4
Emily Kidwell
Criteria 5 & 6
Criteria 5 and 6 focuses on the environment and space of the classroom created
by the teacher. In the classroom I do my observation, there is lots going on around the
room from sensory items, seating, and learning tools. The layout of the classroom is
consistently unique as it segregates between the three teachers, so that there is limited
distraction, and the classroom has limited technology. These aspects in an elementary
special ed classroom allow for students to be successful and fully engage in their
academic work.
The sensory items around the room include a roll-out tool for students to reset
their mind, coverage around all the LED lights so that the lighting is not harsh, an egg-
shaped chair that students can fully enclose, and a large comforter for students to use
when they're struggling. These sensory items around the room allow the students to be
more successful academically while not being judged for their disability. Students have
immediate access to these items without having to disrupt or ask permission to use
these tools. Often times when students use the tools is because they are promoted by
the teachers in the room to use them. The sensory items around the room are a positive
Other tools used in my CTs classroom include lots of visual and hands on
learning tasks. From my observation, lots of her students benefit from physical
interaction with academic work whether that's using counting cubes during math, using
Letterphonics, or using a sandbox instead of paper during writing. The counting cubes
has helped lots of my CTs students grasp the concept of counting, addition, and
their letter sounds not only auditory, but also physically by using hand motions with
each sound which allows visual learners to be more successful when learning their
letter sounds.
creates a unique layout for the classroom. The room is divided into thirds with the use of
room dividers so each teacher has their own private space, but the teachers also have
access to collaborate with each other and other students. The dividers allow privacy and
result in the student's to be less distracted by other students around them, especially if
around peers and adults. As we know, students will not always be segregated away
classroom is beneficial for the behavior students. In the semester I have been doing my
observation I have not seen the room layout change at all which creates a positive and
safe environment for the special ed students as many students with disabilities
students to be productive and feel supported when working on academics. The access
of sensory items gives students relief and a safe spot to go to if the student is
struggling in their own classroom. The academic tools used in the rooms promote
positivity and causes the students to last longer when attempting harder academic
tasks. The atmosphere of the classroom also has a zero tolerance for bullying which is
another reason that the classroom becomes a safe space. Moving forward, I want to
learn more about the different styles of teaching special ed students and how to create