Fifth Field Experience

11.09.11


"In what ways do you observe the school, classrooms and teachers using inclusive practices?"


Today we had our usual boys in the first 7/8 class come in. We are still reading the novel "Loser" for the Book Club. A has the boys read a couple chapters on their own, and in class read one or two chapters outloud. Today I read chapter 8 out loud. The boys seemed to enjoy it as I made sure to keep my voice full of expression while reading. After we read aloud, the boys could continue to read quietly or pick out something else to read.


The other 7/8's had their homework/study time. We just observed and were there if the students needed any help.


The 1/2's are still not coming due to swimming lessons.


At the school is a very diverse and accepting school, so it is no wonder that have no issues with inclusion. The school is one level which makes the school very accessible for physically disabled students. The main door had the wheelchair button to automatically open the door, where there are a couple steps there is a ramp, and different level drinking fountains for all students. Besides physically, the school has integrated the special needs students, as well as students of ESL that have little to no understanding of English into the classroom. They have items such as fidgets, stress balls, allow the students to chew straws or other things that help with stress in the classroom as well as keep students occupied. The teachers make sure the students are able to use the fidgets or chew on straws if need be, and seem to keep the main theme of the days lessons at one level for all the students, but will fall back to help any students who need the extra assistance.The students of different levels of skills and abilities are included as much as possible, such as in the 1/2 class there is a girl with down syndrome who participates fully with the other students such as with swimming lessons or any class activity.