Curriculum Work
I have been spending my time at McLane Elementary, on Delphi Rd, in a kindergarten class within the TEACCH program, which serves kids with autism and other communication disabilities. I've done work for people with various disabilities before, although they have all been adults struggling to get by in their daily lives. It is very different to be in a classroom setting and trying to teach kids who have trouble with communication. Each of these children is beautiful and special, and during my time participating in the classroom, I have worked with them individually to build upon their strengths and what they enjoy. Because their needs are so individualized, I have chosen to create an activity which can be utilized by their teachers over time. I feel this will be more effective than attempting to do a presentation, activity, or lesson, as they are all on different levels and it is very difficult to hold their attention in one place.
Observing the "task" items in the class, I discovered a series of binders they had with movable velcro part. The object was to match the movable part in the binder to the full image on the page. For example, if there was a scene of a child playing football, kicking the ball, there may be a picture of a ball stuck to the opposite page with velcro, and another piece of velcro on the ball, and the kids would pick it off from one page and attach it to its matching spot on the other page. Inspired by these, and seeing the possibilities where I could relate it to my work, I decided to design them a binder with 10 plants from the Longhouse garden. I chose things that were both varied and common. I drew these images in a simplified manner for the kids to read more easily, and paired them with text about the plant. The results are below.
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The teachers appreciated the addition to the class. They let me know I was welcome to come back any time.
