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An inclusive early childhood classroom area is an intentional setting that promotes each bodily and emotional improvement. In this episode, host Nancy Chung interviews early childhood professional Jennifer Fernandez, and we welcome again Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L, to debate methods to create an early childhood area and easy methods to modify it to encourage independence and inclusivity.
Lively and Engaging Environment
Important concerns for creating an enticing early childhood area embody offering a transparent spatial boundary definition. If deep contact stress enter isn’t out there, there are lots of objects that can be utilized as spot markers. Commonly utilized in bodily training, a set of coloured tiles or tactile shapes work nicely as visible “seed spots” to set clear boundary expectations.
Many of our kids want that additional boundary enter so that they know the place they’re in area, as a result of their very own physique doesn’t register nicely sufficient but. So these are children that fall off their chair or crash into different children. We need to arrange very clear boundaries that give deep contact stress to their physique, if attainable. But if not, not less than a visible cue, like a spot marker or painter’s tape on the ground, whether or not it’s color-based or shape-based, so that they know the place they belong in area.
Cecilia Cruse
Open, Spacious, and Clutter-free
An early childhood classroom ought to embody objects which might be purposeful and intentional. Everything from acoustics to paint palette will have an effect on younger learners. The proper manipulatives needs to be inclusive and assist college students develop nice motor abilities. If there’s an excessive amount of colour or the room is simply too vibrant, light-dampening shades can assist relieve added stress and overstimulation from fluorescent lighting.
The instructor ought to be capable to know the ‘why’ behind every thing in your classroom. Why are you utilizing this piece of furnishings? Why do you’ve this materials out? Which is form of a frightening factor to consider as a instructor. Can I clarify every thing in my classroom? But in case you have been purposeful and intentional, it’s best to be capable to try this.
Jennifer Fernandez
Encourage Independence and Inclusivity
As mentioned in a earlier episode, there are a variety of how to create an enticing sensory area that’s appropriate for everybody. You may even flip frequent classroom supplies into adaptive instruments that promote inclusivity within the classroom. An inclusive common design is adaptive for college students with particular wants and encourages impartial studying for all early childhood college students.
Jennifer Fernandez – Early Childhood Subject Matter Expert at School Specialty
Jennifer has over 30 years of expertise in training. She has a BA in Elementary Education & Spanish and a Master’s in Bilingual Education. She has taught PreK4-2nd grade usually & bilingual/twin language settings in Texas, Minnesota, and Mexico City. She was knowledgeable studying specialist for PreK4SA in San Antonio for seven years. Jennifer is at the moment the nationwide Early Childhood Subject Matter Expert at School Specialty, the place she helps gross sales, advertising and marketing, and merchandising within the early childhood class, gives skilled improvement, and presents at state and nationwide early childhood conferences all through the nation.
Cecilia Cruse MS, OTR/L – Special Needs Subject Matter Expert at School Specialty
Cecilia obtained her BS diploma in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida and her Master’s in Education from Georgia State University. She is SIPT (Sensory Integration & Praxis Test) licensed. She has over 30 years of expertise in pediatrics with school-based providers (together with preschool and Head Start packages), acute care, and outpatient pediatric settings, together with Augusta University in Georgia and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Cecilia has expertise as a guide, creator, and lecturer, together with TV appearances corresponding to CNN’s Health Watch. She has authored a number of articles for skilled periodicals and magazines and has served as a coach, guide, and repair supplier in a number of college programs. Cecilia is at the moment the Subject Matter Expert for Abilitations and School Specialty’s Special Needs Division, the place she regularly consults with Learning Environment Specialists to make suggestions for inclusive and sensory-friendly areas and school rooms. She additionally lectures nationwide on sensible sensory options for educators and therapists.