I teach pre-school Special Education in a diverse community in a large city in New Hampshire. My classroom is usually the first school experience for many of my students and the first time they are away from their primary caregiver for an extended period.
The most wonderful attribute I could share about my students is their natural ability for acceptance.
With my classroom having a wide range of student ability, the differences between one another go unnoticed. This is such a beautiful thing to witness day in and day out and puts a smile on everyone’s face who enters the world of preschool.
My preschool special needs students are just learning how to interact with others in the school community. A big part of our day is spent teaching students how to share items as well as turn taking. This can cause young learners to become frustrated and many are met with emotions that they have yet to experience.
Frustration can lead to tantrums and this is where the “quiet zone” can help.
My hope is that this quiet area equipped with a fish tank, sensory tools, and a special bean bag chair will provide students with a place where they can take a break and where the teacher can talk about the emotions the child was feeling.
Creating a classroom community where each student feels safe, respected, and happy is my goal each day and by providing this quiet place will go along way in meeting that goal.
Thank you,
Melissa Nickerson