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Blog #10 Lindsay Smith

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Intentional Teaching in a Special Education Setting In my current placement within a special education classroom, I’ve learned how important intentional teaching and the environment really are. Every part of the classroom serves a purpose from the physical setup to the interactions, all to support independence, communication, and social skills in ways that meet the needs of each student. Fostering Independence and Social Skills Through Environment One thing I’ve noticed is how much the environment encourages students to do things on their own. Visual schedules, labeled bins with pictures are a few examples how how my mentor gives students the cues they need to transition, choose activities, and complete routines with minimal assistance and prompting. Even small things like having velcro name tags, self check lists or adaptive tools within reach help students take ownership of their day.  At the same time, the room is structured to support social interaction. There are calm areas f...
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Blog #9 Lindsay Smith

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  Field Day  Me and Riley led the class mural stamping with nature station. One thing I really tried to focus on at my station was letting the kids lead the experience. I didn’t want to overly prompt or direct them. I would just ask things like what their favorite color was or suggest picking one thing to start with. After that, I just gave lots of encouragement and praise and let them explore however they wanted so it was very student/child led. Hands-on art like this is so important because it gives kids the chance to express themselves freely, build fine motor skills, and feel proud of creating something on their own. It was really cool to see how different each child's approach was once they realized there was no “right” way to do it.  It was a fun and creative project that let the kids explore nature and art all at once. Getting Started & Challenges At first, a lot of the kids were a little hesitant about getting their hands messy. Once they got into it and saw h...
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Blog #8 Lindsay Smith

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    Technology In The Classroom  As I continue my internship experiences, one thing that has stood out is the creative and purposeful use of technology to support learning. In today’s classrooms, technology is not just a tool for convenience but it’s a bridge to student engagement, differentiation, and skill development. I've had the chance to see different platforms firsthand, and it’s clear that when used the right way, technology can make the classroom an interactive and student-centered environment. Using Technology to Boost Engagement Some of the most popular and effective tools I’ve seen are Kahoot and Blooket. Both platforms turn review sessions into a game with learning experiences where students can compete, collaborate, and have fun. Whether reviewing vocabulary, social studies facts, or science concepts. It’s especially great for learners who may not normally participate, giving them a safe space to engage through competition and collaboration. Another interact...
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Teaching File- Lindsay Smith

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T e a c h i n g   F i l e By: Lindsay Smith  F a m i l y   E n g a g e m e n t #1 🎨Message In a Backpack  The NAEYC article  “Encouraging Process Art at Home” https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/message-backpack “When children create art at home, they are more likely to take risks, explore materials freely, and build confidence in their ideas.” This values of open-ended, child-led art experiences and how these moments can grow and extend beyond the classroom. It highlights that when families are invited into their child’s creative process and most importantly without pressure to produce a perfect end product. Its all about the process as they become more confident in supporting their child’s development. This kind of home engagement fosters meaningful interactions, encourages children to express themselves freely, and builds a bridge between school learning and family life at home. Engaging families through art not only nurtures a child's imaginati...
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