The Floor Plan- Autism Classroom Set-Up
The mini-series continues in this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire. We are talking all about setting up an effective autism classroom. I share all of my practical tips and considerations for arranging your classroom space to meet the diverse needs of students with ASD.
Carefully planning a classroom environment with the right visual structure is key to creating an environment that promotes predictability and supports independent learning.
You won't want to miss this episode of the mini-series! Whether you have been teaching for years or you are just getting started, there is something for everyone. Let's make sure our autism classrooms are set up for student success!
Episode Highlights:
- Visualizing Classroom Spaces: Lisa advises educators to take a comprehensive tour of the classroom space to understand its layout and storage options. Visualizing how to set up different areas, such as activity centers, is crucial for creating a visually defined and structured environment.
- Furniture Placement for Defined Spaces: The placement of furniture is key to creating boundaries and divisions within the classroom. Lisa suggests using furniture strategically to define activity centers and provide clear cues for student entry and exit, enhancing predictability for students with autism.
- Consideration of Student Needs: Lisa highlights the importance of considering individual student needs when arranging furniture. For example, placing desks strategically based on student behaviors (e.g., elopement, PICA) ensures a safe and functional learning environment tailored to each student.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The classroom layout should be flexible to accommodate changing needs throughout the year. Lisa encourages educators to experiment with different setups and be open to adjustments based on student behaviors and activities.
Resources Mentioned:
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More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:
Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.
In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.
Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.
Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.
If you’re looking for more special education resources and support with increasing student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.