In my first blog, I discussed how important it is to “bloom where you are planted” because it doesn’t matter where you live or teach. Anyone can make a difference in whatever situation or classroom they are placed. My instruction is different from that of many of the Kenan Fellows because I teach students with severe disabilities and deaf/blindness. I am happy to ‘bloom’ and create adapted methods for my students to participate in science-based activities while integrating literacy, communication and other academic areas. I love what I do. The Kenan Fellows Program has encouraged me to research methods and ideas to teach my students more effectively. I really enjoy listening to things other Kenan Fellows are doing and to figuring out how I can tailor it for my students with multiple severe cognitive and physical needs.

This has been such an eventful year, especially due to the Kenan experience. What a time to be involved in this great organization, with so many political issues right now related to the teaching profession. This experience has made me very introspective of where I am and where I want to go. So many of the younger Kenan Fellows have such a great future ahead of them. As I have 24 years of experience behind me, I am getting closer to the retirement age. 🙂 I am not ready to be done with what I can accomplish for students though. The Kenan Fellows Program has inspired me to make plans for the future in my professional life as related to students with disabilities. When Eric Gukian visited the Kenan Fellows group last fall, I came away feeling that years of experience didn’t have much respect, as if we were all done with being interested in learning new techniques and methodology.  If that is indeed the thought of administration, I am here as an example of a “seasoned” teacher who still loves learning and growing in my instruction. I plan to continue to fertilize the garden and bloom for my students as long as I can.

First of all, I would like to say “Thank you!” to the Lenovo company for being so kind to share their product with us!

I have used my Lenovo tablet in my classroom through individual activities. Since my students are limited with communication, the use of apps on my tablet help to address this area. I also use sensory apps for those students who are blind or visuall impaired.

In order to keep the tablet in one safe, I had to create a way to keep it from moving off the table or wheelchair tray while the students are accessing the device. I created a cover to go over it while still allowing them to access the screen. I used black foam board with a hole cut in the middle to show the tablet. The use of the black background helps those students with vision issues. I attach the tabet down to the table with Velcro then attach the foal board on top of it with Velcro. It has worked well so far. I have attached a picture of the handy invention. 🙂

The tablet has been of help recently with a new student in my class. He was very nervous about coming in to the classroom because he had never been to school before. He would not come in the class any farther that a few steps inside the door. In trying to get him to come more into the classroom, I went to him and showed him the tablet and turned on one of the music apps. Little by little, I was able to convince him, with the help of the tablet to come into the room and find his new seat in the classroom.

I am in the process of finding a grant to get a projector to pair with the tablet. It will be of help when we do activities together and for those students with low vision to see the information from the tablet on a bigger screen.

Thanks again to Lenovo for their kindness in donating the tablets to the Kenan Fellows!!