Are you ready to head back into the classroom for a great start to 2023? Here are our ten top tips to get your learning space ready to go for a smooth transition for your learners from Christmas at home to learning in the classroom!
- Clean and organise the classroom: Organise your learning materials, such as play and sensory objects. Make sure they are super clean and available on your first day. Be ready for a smooth start by having your day’s equipment to hand and ready.
- Create a positive and inclusive learning environment: Consider the classroom layout and how it can promote student collaboration and interaction. Think about removing unnecessary displays to cut down visual clutter. Have the room dividers to cut down echo ready for that learner who finds hearing challenging on the first day of term. Make the room feel welcoming and inclusive. Set your classroom up in a way that is safe and accessible for all students.
- Plan the first day of class: Consider what you want to accomplish on the first day of class and how you will set the tone for the rest of the term. Plan an engaging and interactive lesson to help students get to know each other again and build a sense of community back in the classroom. Plan your lessons and activities with their unique needs in mind.
- Review your communication: Review your communication aids and methods for the term and plan out your lessons to nudge these. Consider how you will incorporate different teaching methods and activities to engage students and meet the learning objectives. Make sure your symbols are up-to-date and appropriate, and your objects of reference are clean, accessible and ready. Ensure that new staff and staff working with a new student understand their communication methods and needs. Review your ‘about me’ or communication passports for each student.
- Get to know your students: this sounds unnecessary, as you’ve already been teaching them all year. Take the time to get to know your students again, as they may have a new favourite toy, or there may be a change in their communication methods. This will help you create a positive and supportive learning environment and tailor your teaching style to meet the needs of your students.
- Set clear expectations and structure: Many students benefit from routines and structure, as it helps them feel more comfortable and know what to expect. Plan to achieve less rather than more, as your students will need time to return to the routine of school days. Make sure that your team are familiar with communication methods and the student’s sensory needs.
- Consider creating a schedule: this includes what is next and the time for transitions. Try to be consistent with this schedule. Ensure that staff understand the schedule, and that each team member knows how to communicate effectively with each student.
- Be ready for a difficult situation: transition can be difficult for some of our students on the first day of term. Make sure you have an area prepared for those students who need space and get your sensory distractions, like sensory lights, tactile objects and spinners, organised for a situation where you need to encourage the learner to be calm and settled.
- Prepare for emergencies: Make sure you have a plan in case of emergencies, such as a fire. Review the school’s emergency procedures and ensure you know where emergency supplies, such as medication, first aid kits and essential equipment, are located.
- Stay organised: make sure your storage space is organised and tidy. Ensure that the wheelchair storage is clear and you can easily access it first thing in the morning when the classroom starts filling up. Remember that you may need one of your blinds down in the room to help that learner who is not dealing well with the visual clutter.
