Presently, there are 35 students, 2 teachers, and 2 aides in our inclusion first grade class. Both hearing impaired and hearing children, as well as those with a variety of learning styles, make up the student population. Mrs. Kull signs throughout the day; while Mrs. Dairyko cues during phonemic awareness activities.
Our classroom is made up of two full-sized rooms connected by a large open door. We refer to the room with the students' desks and chairs as the "classroom," and the room with the computers and tables as the "learning lab." Both rooms are used for small group activities, however, large group activities usually take place in the classroom.
Within the classroom, there are desks for every student, a library, and a bathroom. There is also a surround sound system in operation. There are several computer stations, a library, a quiet reading area, a listening station, various tables for assorted activities, and a coatroom within the learning lab.
Each child has a desk to store items and a cubby shelf where notes, homework, and graded papers are delivered. The desks are arranged in tables so that children may easily work in small group and partner pairs.
Children practice their partnering and group skills throughout the day as they work on a variety of activities. An attitude of respect for each other is emphasized.
by Ellen Dairyko