full class instruction

[km693]

I teach a K-1 special ed. class. I am struggling with losing half the kids and boring the other half during full group instruction. What should I do?

[christiw]

Do you have instructional aids? How many students? Are there similar learning styles?

[SpEd guy]

A centers based model would allow you to provide group instruction for some while others work independently and/or collaboratively.

[km693]

I have 10 students. I have two aides that are to help me with the students and one 1 on 1 aide who is assigned to a particular student. One of my aides goes to lunch the entire afternoon (from 12:55 - 1:55 and we leave at 2:14). Most of my students have autism, so they are not very verbal. They all do better with a visual response system, but I have no formal system in place. I considered a centers based model, but I don't have the appropriate furniture and materials to really make it effective. I switch to centers style in the afternoon for ELD, science and social studies. In the morning I do circles and group work, but I am trying to catch up so I have more time to work with the groups my aides are leading. I also find that my aides think that center time is a time for them to have a break, and I need to come up with a way to gently inform them that it's learning time.

[seasaw]

Your aides are being paid to do a job and need to be reminded of their duties. They should not be going on a break at the same time. I am surprised they are given breaks during class time. Usually break time is during recess and lunch period for aides at my school. I think you should be straight forward with them, afterall this is your class and they technically work for you. Good luck.

[orlandoteacher]

I would find a job description in the Employee handbook, make copies of them, and put it in their boxes. Some people just need a little reminder. ;)