classroom setup for middle school

I am transitioning to the middle school with my special ed students. Any ideas on how to set up the room for middle school? The students are physically and cognitively impaired.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jody Allard on January 13, 2009 at 11:24pm

Hi Jennifer,

As a former special ed teacher who now teaches middle school math I have experience with both types of classrooms. Some things which may come in useful for you include the following: bean bag chairs, comfy chairs, a couch, room dividers, head phones, single and double desks, a fish tank or hamster cage, tv with dvd player and a variety of posters for the walls. I hope this helps.

Jody
May the force be with you

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Permalink Reply by Scott Beiter on January 14, 2009 at 6:23pm

I'm an 8th grade science teacher with several inclusion classes and experience with physically impaired students. First of all, make sure everything is wheelchair accessible. Though this is required by law it doesn't mean a district will think to do it. Desks should be movable and not your standard desk. Tables may work better. The special education classrooms in my district use these types of tables. I find chairs and tables are less restrictive and allow for more easy accommodation of students needs (even right vs. left handedness). Hope these suggestions help.

Scott

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Permalink Reply by chandra poore on June 12, 2012 at 6:53pm

Jennifer,

I teach MS/HS Special Education and have students that are also physically and cognitively impaired. I like using tables instead of student desks. This allows my program to be more functional in nature. We can cook on these tables, complete work tasks, and also provides more room for my students that need to fit under a table with their wheelchairs. I hope this helps you, good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Lindy Hamp on October 22, 2012 at 6:32pm

Hi Jennifer,

I am studying to be a middle school & special education teacher and in my autism class, we have talked a lot about the physical arrangement of the room. Though I'm sure you've chosen a set-up by now, I may have a few tips you'd like to try in the coming years. Tables instead of desks make cooperative learning easy, while also allowing students to move about the room with ease. Also, perhaps organizing the room in centers/stations will help students make sense of the room. Centers will help students understand the differences between work space and play space, while also keeping an organized environment. Other options might include soft lighting and alternative seating, such as therapy balls or seat cushions. Also, it is advisable to be mindful of decorations. Some students with cognitive impairments may be overstimulated by lots of posters, bulletin boards, and color on the walls. Middle school can often be tricky enough, so anything we can do to help our students is great!

I hope this will help you out!