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Repost from 2022. There is something you should know about me: I L.O.V.E. stationery. It is a sort of special interest of mine and I am proud to say I could make you a pen recommendation for almost any need you have. I have incorporated stationery into my practice as a teacher and as a support for neurodivergent students as well as disabled students. My hope with this post is to provide a few different ways you can incorporate highlighters into your practice that support students and you. Sensory Note Taking StationI got this idea from a website that specialised in disability education/special education needs and supplies. I ultimately formed my own way of doing it and my students have appreciated it. There are lots of ways to take notes and keep track of things in a classroom and some teachers require it done a certain way. I was one of the kids who, when I didn't understand a class or topic (*cough* Biology *cough*), would completely redo my notes at home using markers, stickers, highlighters, etc. Whatever your practices and policies are regarding notes, some students have different needs and providing a sensory note taking station can support them! The idea is to support sensory needs (sight, sound, smell, etc.) through readily available stationery supplies. Here is what is in my cart (picture forthcoming as I don't have access to my classroom over the summer):
If a student needs supplies that support a limb difference or needs help gripping smaller objects this can help make the difference for them. Students should also be allowed to use a device when appropriate for note taking. I know that I prefer, for example, a paper notebook for my academic notes but I use my iPad (I use Notability) for professional notes/teaching notes, and I use Google docs for most professional brain storms. I also keep a variety of planners for different needs too (Plum planner, Google Calendar/Keep, and my bullet journal). It may seem excessive for some people, but for those who are neurodivergent it is an amazing experience. Highlighters for AssessmentsThe other major way that I use highlighters is for assessments for students who need accommodations. While any student may need this for a variety of reasons, I've used this in the past to support students who:
I'd love more ideas to add to this! If you try using highlighters in this way, let me know how you use it!
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Repost from 2021
Sensory overload is something that many people experience and I would venture to say that everyone experiences at least once. As teachers, however, we need to be aware that some people experience this regularly and some even daily in their lives. For example, I have anxiety and migraines and sensory overload is a symptom of both for me. Textures, light, sound can all become too much for me and I can have a very physical response to it. What does all this have to do with classroom timers? Let's explore it a bit. Often, classroom timers are big, can be bright, and loud. They include a countdown of numbers that is constantly changing. They end with an alarm signaling time that is, too often, a loud repetitive ringing. All of these things can prompt sensory overload and can trigger major anxiety. Today... I have a headache. It is not so bad that I cannot function, but sound is a trigger right now for me. I also needed a timer in class today. I went to an old favourite: Online-Stopwatch and was about to browse through to find a quiet timer when I noticed some choice menus at the top of the page. I honestly don't know how new of a feature this is, but I know that I just noticed it and have not heard much or any discussion on this topic.... so here it is. Online-Stopwatch now includes a variety of sensory and calming timers. I've included links to the menus below. Check them out and let me know which are your favourites in the comments. Today, I am rocking this sensory marble timer. |
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