Autism Speaks

I thought that last weeks class was very powerful and informational not only about Autism, but also in helping to discuss classroom management skills and strategies. Josh informed us that more and more children are born afflicted with Autism and that there is a high probability that children with Autism will make it into our future classrooms.

This discussion and question portion of the class led me to take my own time to research Autism and also different organizations that fund research related to Autism. I came across www.autismspeaks.org, which is an organization that informs the public about the effects of Autism, offers support for families who have an Autistic child and also raises funds to support research into treatment options.

I appreciate that Josh came into our class and presented not only about Autism and dealing with children who are Autistic within your classroom, but also general strategies to classroom management that are effect for all students no matter their "condition" or "behavioral" issue.

Week 12, Exploring Instructional Models

This week we are focusing on the meaning of classroom centers as an instructional model, as well as others that are presented in Chapter 10 of Tompkins. When reading Tompkins try to envision what a Guided Reading group might look like in your future classroom, would you use this instructional method or do you fear that it would challenge your classroom management style? How do you think working teachers make their decisions about instructional models and how do you envision yourself choosing a model?

For those of us who are at Bath, enjoy your second "Spring Break" and as always, happy reading and posting.