Looking for suggestions

[SusanWasHere]

Hey everyone!! Last spring I won the Teacher of the Year Award (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2448157) and finally got my $500 to spend. It has to be something for the classroom - so a trip to Disney is out! I'm trying to think of something really cool to get. I don't want to just buy books, toys, or anything like that. I teach special ed kindergarten - autistic kids. Anyone have any ideas of something really cool to get for my class?? I was thinking an IPad, but they're a lot more $ than I thought they were. I know there are lots of fellow teachers on here, maybe you have something you love to use that you would like to share. Thanks for any suggestions!!

 

[NC Belle]

Okay, I am not a teacher, however, I do have some ideas and questions.

Questions:

* Are these kids on the higher end of functionality? Are they verbal/non-verbal/mix?
*Are you hoping to work on social skills? Creative skills? Reading/Math skills? Individual/class interaction?

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Years ago, I was working with an autistic woman (non-verbal along with several other disabilities) who had a blast with a camera that I brought along for the day. The pictures were not perfect, but she like trying something new. This lady also loved singing (well...not regular words) and listening to music.


I think you might want to check out the Target end caps to see what electronics are being clearanced out. V-tech line might work for the kindergarten crowd. I noticed on the walmart.com had some camera/mp3 players with limited recording capablities for under $50. There are a lot of possibilites that come from the cameras----and it would be excellent to pair it with cricut or a printer.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Congrats! How fun! I'm a preschool teacher (3's turning 4). I'd be buying all those cool educational "toys" that are always so expensive. Those cute counters that come in different animal shapes, the never ending list of books I wish I had, science things. Insect Lore has some neat stuff we've ordered. Or were you thinking of one large item that you could never have?

I would be careful about the lastest technology things because they become obsolete so fast. I do love my techno gadgets though. Is there anything in the educational catalog you've always wanted? Maybe a few big pieces to set up a special center in your room that would help the students you work with. Like a book/quiet center, a listening center, a science center, etc?

You'll have to let us know what you end up doing. I'd love to hear.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Is there a way the district would chip in towards the purchase of an ActivBoard by Promethean? That'd be an awesome way to spend it. Otherwise, I'd use it for a few Netbooks.

 

[SusanWasHere]

Okay, I am not a teacher, however, I do have some ideas and questions.

Questions:

* Are these kids on the higher end of functionality? Are they verbal/non-verbal/mix?
*Are you hoping to work on social skills? Creative skills? Reading/Math skills? Individual/class interaction?

----------------------------------------
Years ago, I was working with an autistic woman (non-verbal along with several other disabilities) who had a blast with a camera that I brought along for the day. The pictures were not perfect, but she like trying something new. This lady also loved singing (well...not regular words) and listening to music.


I think you might want to check out the Target end caps to see what electronics are being clearanced out. V-tech line might work for the kindergarten crowd. I noticed on the walmart.com had some camera/mp3 players with limited recording capablities for under $50. There are a lot of possibilites that come from the cameras----and it would be excellent to pair it with cricut or a printer.

They are all verbal and more towards the high-functioning end of the spectrum. We do the regular ed curriculum, but since I have them all day - I get to spend more time on everything and give them more individualized attention. I'm going to Target tomorrow - so I'll def check out what they have! The V-tech stuff might be good for them! A camera for the classroom could also be a great idea! I don't like bringing mine in from work bc they won't load my software on the computers (ugh) and having to always forward and email stuff gets old quick. I'll be combing the aisles tomorrow I'm sure LOL!! Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[SusanWasHere]

Congrats! How fun! I'm a preschool teacher (3's turning 4). I'd be buying all those cool educational "toys" that are always so expensive. Those cute counters that come in different animal shapes, the never ending list of books I wish I had, science things. Insect Lore has some neat stuff we've ordered. Or were you thinking of one large item that you could never have?

I would be careful about the lastest technology things because they become obsolete so fast. I do love my techno gadgets though. Is there anything in the educational catalog you've always wanted? Maybe a few big pieces to set up a special center in your room that would help the students you work with. Like a book/quiet center, a listening center, a science center, etc?

You'll have to let us know what you end up doing. I'd love to hear.

Thank you!! I agree on the technology about stuff getting obsolete so quick. That's another reason why I'm not really sure about the Ipad. We have tons of manipulatives that they bought us for math and science already - I love playing with it all myself So I don't really need that. Although you did make me think of some of those literacy sets with the story packets.....

Since I just got moved to a different school, they are buying me a new listening center - just haven't gotten it yet. And funny you brought up the catalog - I took the Lakeshore one home over Labor Day weekend and ordered a TON of stuff bc of being in the new school and not getting to take some stuff over. I have no idea if it was ordered (don't ask, another ugh) so if they end up paying for some of the stuff - it works for me LOL!

I'll def let you know what I get! I am kind of leaning towards those story kits... Thanks again for the great ideas!!!

 

[SusanWasHere]

Is there a way the district would chip in towards the purchase of an ActivBoard by Promethean? That'd be an awesome way to spend it. Otherwise, I'd use it for a few Netbooks.

Believe it or not, we got a grant for all the spec ed classes to get the Star Boards. But then suddenly our department had this unbelievable list of requirements you had to fulfill to get it in your classroom. A lot of us opted to not do it bc it was just so much on top of all the other new stuff they had us doing And they def wouldn't chip in the difference. LOL I wish they would just let me have the $ and then I could use it here and there for stuff I see along the way. As of now - that's not an option. I don't want to use it all at once - but might not have the choice. To be honest - I'm surprised they still gave us the $ after all the drama with our friend in Trenton...

 

[Phoenixblue]

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, education grad students are working with autistic students in the community and have started using Ipod touches as a tool. Since an ipad is out of the budget, maybe 1 or 2 ipod touches?

 

[smphbear]

I am a computer teacher and technology director for my private school. I realize that tech can become obsolete, but I second the thought on 2 Ipod Touches.

I am part of a grant with one of my Kindergarten teachers. She is using an Ipad and 4 Ipod touches with her students. My resource teacher has 4 Ipod Touches. Her Ipad is on order. I am amazed at what the kids are doing with them. You might want to see if they would let you get 2 Ipod Touches and an ITunes gift card for apps. If you need information on apps, I would be glad to give you some information and resources. The learning curve has been pretty easy. I went into her classroom 2 weeks ago, and I took several pictures of the kids. They never even noticed me. There are so many apps that she has found that are cheap or free.

 

[kaligal]

Books.

There is enough electronic crap in the world.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Believe it or not, we got a grant for all the spec ed classes to get the Star Boards. But then suddenly our department had this unbelievable list of requirements you had to fulfill to get it in your classroom. A lot of us opted to not do it bc it was just so much on top of all the other new stuff they had us doing And they def wouldn't chip in the difference. LOL I wish they would just let me have the $ and then I could use it here and there for stuff I see along the way. As of now - that's not an option. I don't want to use it all at once - but might not have the choice. To be honest - I'm surprised they still gave us the $ after all the drama with our friend in Trenton...

Ha. Don't even get me going on Hamburger Boy from Trenton. Did you participate in the MSNBC Town Hall Meeting today? He was one of two governors mentioned.

Books.

There is enough electronic crap in the world.

I'm a reading teacher and certified reading specialist. I understand your point, but there are many easy ways to get our hands on books including the use of Scholastic Book Club. We earn points and free books very easily with student orders. Similarly, local libraries are a great place to get books for a few cents. I'm going there regularly now to add to my collection.

While I agree that there needs to be a heavy concentration on reading skills, we also need to prepare our students for the ever advancing world of technology today. I cringed when a new teacher admitted during a recent meeting that she has very little knowledge of blogs, wikis, online message board forums, and email functions. She has been struggling to keep current with what students in her science classroom need to be able to do as a result. In the reading classroom, technology can play a huge role including the use of Kurzweil, online dictionaries, Glogster multimedia posters, ActivBoards or SMART Boards for interactive instruction, and more. All of these can help struggling readers and ESL students. We just need to balance it all out with wholesome, worthwhile teaching methods.

 

[smphbear]

While I agree that there needs to be a heavy concentration on reading skills, we also need to prepare our students for the ever advancing world of technology today. I cringed when a new teacher admitted during a recent meeting that she has very little knowledge of blogs, wikis, online message board forums, and email functions. She has been struggling to keep current with what students in her science classroom need to be able to do as a result. In the reading classroom, technology can play a huge role including the use of Kurzweil, online dictionaries, Glogster multimedia posters, ActivBoards or SMART Boards for interactive instruction, and more. All of these can help struggling readers and ESL students. We just need to balance it all out with wholesome, worthwhile teaching methods.

Very well said!

 

[SusanWasHere]

I didn't know something was going on with our little friend today? I'm sure I'll hear something about it tomorrow. He just makes me feel... UGH!

I went to Target today and didn't have too much of a chance to check stuff out. My parents decided to meet me there and my dad likes to rush my mom through the store LOL. I'm thinking of hitting Becker's one day this week or next.

I love the idea of the Ipods, but the more I think of it - the more I realize my district will be ridiculous about it. They won't let any of us get onto the wireless network unless it's a district owned device. So there could be issues with that. I know they have iTunes blocked, so I'd probably have to do everything at home. They are so stupid about all the technology stuff. Bunch of control freaks!

So for now I'm leaning towards those story kits. I have a bunch that the kids love - The Mitten, Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, etc. and they ask for them all the time. So maybe a few of those, some books on CD, and some sensory stuff? I'll keep looking and see if anything jumps out at me. I'm going to ask some of my friends that have been previous recipients and see what they got. Or maybe a year's worth of pizza parties? Haha!