It will be truly rewarding. I have found that students with special needs really do enjoy "younger things". I was surprised that the 4th graders during student teaching last year loved ABC songs and dances, "younger" books--some of their favorite including was "Five Little Ducks"--and basic predictable books--I tried using nontraditional books from the library--but they preferred things like Clifford, Max and Ruby, Curious George, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Eric Carle or Bill Martin books, etc. They didn't care if I had already read it to them three times--they liked hearing them again! Ah, all my hours of looking for "the right book!"
(*It should be noted here too that the 4th graders I had were reading at a beginning/mid kindergarten grade level and were classified as CD).
I love the jungle theme because you can do so much with it. --And I have found in my experience that many students are interested in animals! Every time I would read a book--"Does it have an animal? Is it about animals?"
~I think once you get your classroom it will definitely help you visualize how you want it set up.
As for classroom management, my cooperating teacher used the sticker chart and after each lesson if they followed the rules, they could earn a sticker. If they earned 10 stickers, they could earn a prize out of the treasure box. Also, if they scored above a 70% on a computer program (reading and math), they earned a piece of candy or some kind of treat. This worked for her class and they knew the system. I think the important thing is to be consistent with whatever system you use and stick to it. She also gave free choice time and time outs. Free choice time was set up something like..."Max, you earned a sticker, you may have some free choice." Usually the student who was not following directions would be talked to and would understand what they did wrong and how to make better choices. She would say, "Max, you did not follow directions today so you do not get to earn a sticker. --talk about rules--Ok, you may have some free choice time." She would give them less free choice time by discussing the problem with them. It worked in her classroom. She also used a lot of positive reinforcement--many students with special needs hear all the time that they are "dumb" and so they feel different.
I am not familiar with Power Teaching and I am still learning about responsive classroom techniques. Maybe someone will post another thread and give us more ideas.
I hope I helped. I am not sure if that is what you were looking for. Let me know if you have any other questions. I would like to know more about you class and what you are planning so far. I am a new teacher so I am always looking for ideas!
Good Luck with your classroom.
07-10-2008, 05:44 PM
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