Classroom Spotlight: Integrity Finds Creative Solutions
Updated: 2 days ago
Integrity is starting off this school year strong and introducing new, creative techniques to promote positive behaviors and create a fun environment.
Growing up, reading was one of the biggest fundamentals in education for Ms. Michelle. That’s why she started D.E.A.R, which stands for “Drop Everything and Read.” How it works is that every day at 10:30 a.m., all the students and staff members in Integrity drop what they were doing and select a book to read together for 15 minutes. This unique learning strategy seeks to enhance the memory and association skills of Integrity’s students.
“I created it out of wanting a routine that the students could count on pairing with a staff member in a meaningful way,” Ms. Michelle said. “In our digital world slowing down and listening to the rhythm and syncopation of reading out loud uses our imagination and is soothing.”
Mr. Gabe expressed appreciation for how teachers are pushed to be creative with their teaching approaches here at ASUA. Staff members meet students where they are, whether they’re building blocks or exploring sensory items. D.E.A.R practices the skills of boosting reading motivation, increasing literary skills, and expanding social skills.
D.E.A.R is not the only example of Integrity staff finding creative solutions to achieve desired education outcomes. “A student had me draw 26 dinosaurs,” explained Instructional Assistant Weg. “One for each letter of the alphabet that he was remembering, bringing up dinosaurs I have never heard of. It was so fun to see his knowledge and learn about new things!” Weg has been working in autism-support for over three years now, and they appreciate how everyday at ASUA is different from the last.
It’s only been a few weeks since the first day of school and already things are off to a good start with Integrity. “One of my highlights over the last two weeks has been seeing how much progress and growth the students have made,” said Instructional Assistant Kaiesha. “I’ve enjoyed being able to participate in classroom activities, build stronger relationships with the students and staff and see them become more comfortable with me. It’s rewarding to see their personalities come out and know that I’m becoming a positive part of their classroom experience.”
“When I think I haven’t achieved any academics, I look at our class sheets and see how the staff in the room worked their magic to get it done!” said Mr. Gabe.
Charlotte Roscher (she/her)
Marketing & Design Specialist