Environmental Modifications
There are a variety of modifications that can be made to any
classroom to improve the quality of instruction for all students. These modifications are relevant to students
with communication impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments,
and attention deficit issues. These
modifications will also help students without disabilities to be successful in
the classroom.
Freedom from clutter
Remove
unneeded/unused and unnecessary items from the students’ range of vision in the
classroom. Keep the classroom free from
clutter. Children with disabilities have
difficulty working in cluttered, unorganized or untidy rooms. Organization is a key to success. Storing items inside cabinets or storage
boxes, keeping work areas free of unnecessary items, and stacking items neatly
will help students focus on what is relevant, rather than clutter in the
classroom.
Tables v. Desks
Tables
provide a neater appearance to the classroom and also keep students from
fidgeting with items inside desks and distracting themselves and others. Tables take up less space than desks. “Cubbies” can be used to hold student books
and supplies (see community supplies and cubbies).
Community Supplies
Stockpiling
student supplies on a shelf will cut down on noise in your classroom. When students bring in their supplies at the
beginning of the year, empty the crayons and markers into containers that they
can share. If you have 24 students, then
you should have 12 containers of crayons.
Sharpen your pencils and put them in a coffee jar for passing out when
students need them. Put one person each
week in charge of sharpening pencils.
Place glue containers in storage boxes of 5-6 per table. Keep books in student cubbies, and avoid
using desks for supply storage. A
storage shelf for supplies and student cubbies do not take up much space in a
classroom and will save you instructional time in the long run. Having your students bring in 2-3 boxes of
the Crayola “8” basic color crayons also cuts down on children arguing over
colors. Purchasing crayons on your own
through the school supply company is also a way to keep up your stockpile of
basic colors (boxes of 8 crayons are only $.25).
Keeping community supplies serves several purposes. First, students will not have to search their
desks for supplies if you keep community supply boxes. The supplies are out of the way during your
instructional times, and are passed out just when students need them. This keeps students from fidgeting with them
during instructional times. It also
keeps student clutter to a minimum. The
only problem arising with community supplies is if you don’t stockpile enough
for your students. Try to avoid having
more than two persons sharing crayons at a time and be sure to have all the
colors your students need in each container.
Cubbies or Community Bookshelves
Building cubbies for student books or using bookshelves can
help your students keep books and supplies organized. Again, if books and supplies are kept away from
the work area until needed, students will not be fidgeting or looking at items
when you are providing instructional time.
These can be built or purchased inexpensively.
Open Area
Students need room to move.
Your room arrangement should be allow students to move from their supply
or cubby areas to their tables, and in and out of the classroom without
disturbing the class. It is also good to
have an open area in the classroom where all students can gather and sit on the
floor for a closer look (such as during story times, demonstration times, or
special visitor times. An open area can
be carpeted for noise control and comfort.
It also provides an area for others visiting your room to provide
instruction (e.g., special education collaboration, special events and
classroom speakers).
Background Music
It has been proven that soft, easy music promotes better
concentration with children, especially children with disabilities. Instrumental music that has a rate of 60
beats per minute promotes improved concentration. Many artists perform this type of music,
especially many of the new age musicians.
Some to try are Gary Lamb, George Winston, Lisa Lynne, or Nakai. Gary Lamb has a website with more information
on 60 beat per minute music and you can access it at: www.garylamb.com
Lighting
Fluorescent lighting and bright lighting can be a major
distractor for all children. Using ½ or
2/3 or your lighting can help to promote a calmer environment for all of your
students. Lower lighting does tend to
calm children and helps them to focus better.
Eliminating fluorescent lighting totally would be optimal for
students. If you could provide some
incandescent lighting in your classroom, this also is calming for children.
Sound
Insulating your room from external sound is the best way to
improve concentration and retention of information. Carpeting in any form will help cushion
reverberation/vibration of sound. Covering
the concrete walls with material, student work or bulletin boards also helps
(not too cluttered, though…students do better with organized displays). Using heavy curtains also cushions
sound. Using an FM system can also
improve the quality of sound the students receive. You could hook up a “Mr. Microphone” to your
classroom fm radio or use a karaoke machine to improve sound quality. If you don’t have carpeting, try tennis balls
on the feet of the chairs to decrease chair noise. Using relaxing background music can also
decrease noise levels in your room.
Carpeting
Carpeting
will absorb sound made by students moving in the environment. It reduces distractions and creates a room
free of reverberation from sound bouncing off of hard surfaces. It improves the quality of the teacher’s
voice and allows students to attend better.
If you can’t get carpeting, try area rugs to cover areas of the
room. You can always roll them up during
a messy activity if that is a concern.
Scents
It sounds very 60’s or 70’s, but aromatherapy does work with
children. Using a scented potpourri
helps to calm
children, especially with scents of cinnamon, apple, or
vanilla. To eliminate fire hazards, it
is recommended you use a potpourri simmering pot with liquid potpourri as
opposed to scented candles.
Teacher Voice
We’ve all heard this before, but it is so true…keep control
of your voice. Use a soft speaking voice
at all times. Avoid raising your voice
over the level of the children or yelling at them. Students perform better and are more secure
when you are in control of your emotions.
They need your example to learn and be comfortable in their
setting.
Visual Modifications
Using overhead projectors and PowerPoint displays also
provide a visual stimulus for children to focus upon when you are
teaching. When you are completing
worksheets, the overhead projector helps students to comprehend what you are
talking about when giving directions or going over classroom work. PowerPoint presentations also provide a place
for eyes to look and a specific place to focus.
Using the PowerPoint also breaks information down into segments, which
most students with disabilities need to process concepts and understand the
material you are presenting.
