This Week in My Class

This week in my special education classroom has been an exciting journey into hands-on learning that fosters both creativity and critical thinking. Incorporating the Chicago Air and Water Show as a theme allowed the students to engage with real-world STEM concepts in a fun and meaningful way. Using the STEAM bins, which contained assorted materials relating to aviation and watercraft, my students explored concepts like air flow, motion, and engineering principles. These tactile experiences are incredibly valuable, especially for students who thrive with hands-on learning rather than traditional lecture methods. The universal screeners helped me assess where each student is in their learning journey to tailor the upcoming lessons specifically to their needs. By integrating writing exercises about the Air and Water Show, the students practiced descriptive language and sequencing skills, essential components to their literacy development. One memorable activity was making airplane crafts, which reinforced fine motor skills and allowed for expressive creativity. After reading about the fast jets and water acrobatics featured at the show, the children described what they saw and imagined, expanding their vocabulary and observational abilities. Reflecting on this week, I'm reminded of how powerful thematic, integrated approaches are in special education. Combining science, art, and literacy around a relatable topic can ignite curiosity and make learning more accessible. I'm looking forward to continuing this momentum throughout the year, cultivating a classroom environment where every student feels engaged and excited to learn.