Welcome to #espechat Inclusion-More than Socialization! My name is Tracy Sharlow. I teach APE for St Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Life Skills, Management Needs, and ABA programs in Potsdam NY. This APE/PE collaborative chat is about best practices in Inclusion.
Hello! My name is Liz Metz. I am with my colleague Emily Clowser. We are both Adapted PE Teacher Specialists from Frederick Co. Maryland. We are excited to participate in our first #espechat.
Welcome to #espechat Inclusion-More than Socialization! My name is Tracy Sharlow. I teach APE for St Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Life Skills, Management Needs, and ABA programs in Potsdam NY. This APE/PE collaborative chat is about best practices in Inclusion.
A#1 @FCPSAdaptedPE
Hello! My name is Liz Metz. I am with my colleague Emily Clowser. We are both Adapted PE Teacher Specialists from Frederick Co. Maryland. We are excited to participate in our first #espechat.
Q 2 Explain how any of these barriers affect your program
-Appropriate equipment for accommodation and/or modification
-Class size creates an unsafe/unsuccessful environment -Paraprofessionals are not actively engaged #espechat
A. 2 Great Visual to understand what Inclusion should look like
-Inclusion is not Exclusion
-Inclusion is not Segregation
-Inclusion is not Integration
-Inclusion is a philosophy and is
much more than a placement
#espechat
A2: I have no adaptive equipment other than using different basic equipment such as diff sized balls. Some of the paras we have are amazing at their job, other just collect a paycheck. It makes it hard to plan because there is no telling how much support you will get. #espechat
A2 Ah yes I can relate to both of these points, but a big one for me is- finding ways I can get EVERYONE involved in small-sided games. We have 45-55 ss per period so I usually turn to small teams. Loads of secondary rules (ie. all pass rule) & pep talks about inclusion #ESPEchat
A2: We are lucky in FCPS to have excellent equipment to use for accomodations. However, having large general ed class sizes as well as specialized program class sizes is a definite issue. Example- 14 students with autism in PE class (preK-2nd) at the same time. #espechat
A2. I provide push-in APE support, and don't always know what the lesson will be until I get there, so I have to come up with accommodations and modifications on the fly. #espechat
A2) We are fortunate to have equipment modified for students, however at times we have huge class numbers in a gym, multi-classroom, or hallway where we teach in (not always) #espechat
A2: Having 60 plus Ss in the gym at once during indoor days sometimes made it hard to ensure the safety of all Ss even if they were all on task because movement space is limited-Also, challenging for Ss who need more time, space & adapted equipment. #espechat
Q 2 Explain how any of these barriers affect your program
-Appropriate equipment for accommodation and/or modification
-Class size creates an unsafe/unsuccessful environment -Paraprofessionals are not actively engaged #espechat
Q 3 Please share your go-to accommodation or modifications regarding any of the 4 PE based UDL options (Rules, Equipment, Environment, Teaching Strategies) that you have found to be successful in your program #espechat
A2- Also, last year we provided 3 separate trainings for adult supports in PE supporting over 60 throughout the year. They helped provide us with ideas of what they needed in order to help them be more successful in pe. #espechat
A2: we did a study recently on how persons with VI experience paraeducator support. Sometimes what teachers believe paras should be doing isn't necessarily favored among students. #espechathttps://t.co/Fph0enrhyu
We share lots equipment in county. And @FCPSAdaptedPE has put together kits for us to make sure that we have use of modified equipment available for different units . Our county also has as a lending library we can borrow adapted equipment from @FCPS_ElemHPE . #espechat
In reply to
@TracyNSharlow, @FCPSAdaptedPE, @FCPS_ElemHPE
A2: Really depends on the S’s &modifications needed. I need more sensory based equipment& equipment that allows S’s in chairs /walkers to be successful . Aides are hit or miss some good,some not . When S’s join my bigger groups I have a much harder time supporting. #espechat
A3: I often have an all pass type of rule. Or a second try for Ss that it is more physically challenging to complete tasks. I have different scoring. I have a coach of the day for each of my SH Ss. #espechat
Q3 Diff equipment & rules. Yesterday, Spikeball w/ 7th gr in a chair. I used the Rookie set, the Rookie ball (both bigger) & allowed him to catch & throw. Encouraged his team & opponents to give him multiple chances. Worked great. #espechat
A 3. UDL Equipment option for Kinder Ss with limited mobility- Feeder Seat on @USGames Zoomer Scooter...She LOVES it!!! We LOVE her!!! Oh the, goals we meet, giggles we share, and fun we have! #espechat
Q3- R-eliminate double dribble, touching ball with hands, out of bounds; E- gear ties, slow rolling balls, larger balls for bouncing, WACK-A-BALLS for striking and catching; E- separate space, smaller space & groups, TS- visuals, consistent routines, communication #espechat
A3) Me personally I try to change my rules or the environment to keep it safe with same goal or how I explain my rules with either verbal, visual, or both #espechat
Changing the number in games # of touches # of tags before you change roles # of people in a line # of bounces the ball can make # of tag sticks # of people playing in short sided games. You get the idea..... #espechat
A3: I like large deck rings for kick instead of balls on a gym floor. They don't roll away. Also, punch balls instead of volleyball, beachball or balloons. They float better. #espechat
A3: lots of great things being shared here. Note not to make explicit the reason for game/activity mods. No need to call out students' needs in front of peers #espechat
A3 nice selection of dance equipment. I would add paper plates. There is something about slapping body parts with paper plate dancing one of my favorites! #espechat
Q 4. Many teachers find keeping Paras engaged is the most difficult part of working with Ss w Special needs. Name some successful strategies that you have used with Paras #espechat
A3- R-eliminate double dribble, touching ball with hands, out of bounds; E- gear ties, slow rolling balls, larger balls for bouncing, WACK-A-BALLS for striking and catching; E- separate space, smaller space & groups, TS- visuals, consistent routines, communication #espechat
A 3 One thing you will all see tonight is how much we all have in common and also how different our support systems can be. Such a wide divide in our districts and states! #espechat
A3 I’ve found that bringing in a couple of choices of equipment & helping ss voice what they need (ie. Base games unit- skinny bat, big bat, wiffle ball, jelly ball + advocating the style of pitch...slow, medium, fast, underhand, overhand) has gone a long way! #espechat
A. 4
1. Treat them RESPECT
2. Make sure they have fun too
3. CELEBRATE success often!!
4. Remind them they know Ss
better than anyone!
5. 3. Clear teacher's expectations
(posted SLOs, lesson plan review
prior to class) #espechat
A4- Get paras involved in data collection - QR codes, SeeSaw, etc. Encourage them to video students for modeling, sharing with parents at IEPs. Provide them a brief plan for the day with expectations. Most importantly respect them, build relationships &communicate. #espechat
Hate to bow out but I need to focus before I fall off this treadmill. Check back later & tomorrow. Great info so far & @TracyNSharlow is crushing it! #espechat
Q4 I have been ver successful with getting paras the lesson plans on Friday before the next week lessons, having simple data charts with very specific objectives that I am 👀 for, training ahead including using videos of what I am FOR. #espechat
A4: I ask them what they are comfortable doing. Some prefer to join a group or game and help the S that way, I have had other prefer to take on a "ref" type role. It also depends on the needs of the Ss. #espechat. Actually getting to know them helps a ton!
A4: Created an "If, Then Chart" for a student struggling to keep hands to self & use equipment appropriately. I put it on a clipboard & gave it to him to give his para. She would complete the chart w/him & write notes on his progress each class #espechat
Q 4. Many teachers find keeping Paras engaged is the most difficult part of working with Ss w Special needs. Name some successful strategies that you have used with Paras #espechat
Q4: I have a tough time directing paras but I need to clearly explain their role in the gym. Creating a roles/responsibility outline for them at the beginning of the year is important. #espechat
A4: Paper with Janet Lee a few years back. A bunch of tips for Paras. If interested DM me and i can send a pdf first thing in the morning
https://t.co/J7gt7XtdRK#espechat
#espechat@FCPSAdaptedPE - I agree with the data collection. SeeSaw has been great for a couple of my students. Engaged work (data collections) in PE for the Para's has been a wonderful distraction for them when we play large group games.
Q 5.
It is often said that great ideas in APE come from thinking outside of the box. Please share any cool concepts or ideas that you have created to help your Ss be successful in inclusion #espechat
A. 5
THINK about where the student is
developmentally- likes/interests
CREATE success by knowing all
aspects of your Ss
COLLABORATE w/other
staff/parents
ADVOCATE for Ss and Profession
FUN- Make it FUN!!
#espechat
A4 I have never had a student aide participate in a movement activity with them for whatever reason (ie. they don’t need my help). So I normally turn to the APE teacher that is on campus everyday during 3rd period for any advice help I need. She’s awesome, in fact 1/2 #ESPEchat
A4. Hope your admin hires great people. The Paras at my school are great and always ready to work. Relationship building is the key. And no one know the Ss better than the Paras. #espechat
A5- Great concept- we r presenting a Bust Open your Box session in NJ this month regarding how to implement goal/objective work in units and activities not in common practice- such as kicking while bowling, striking during frisbee golf, dribbling w/ hands during soccer. #espechat
Q5: I created a greenscreen video with a student. Similar to a social storybook. He was the star. We practiced classroom rules and procedures. He watched it before coming to class. Worked like a charm #espechat
I think for me some of the best interactions when we can make sure we give Ss a voice. Whether we are are using step by steps that students can touch to call for a game ball, a way to make a choice on who they are going to pass to, or equipment voice and choice! #espechat
A5 I’ll share something that just happened last week. I was having a hard time getting a particular field to include one of my ss so the next time we were in Quidditch activity the team deemed him a beater, which means he not only had the opportunity to pass, shoot 1/2 #ESPEchat
A4: It is important to keep paras involved and up-to-date with lessons plans and tasks. It is also important to communicate, respect, and build relationships with them. #espechat
A5 #espechat - Thank goodness for Duck tape, pool noodles, and gym Mats. Duck tape holds everything together. Like cutting pool noodles long edge in 1/2 and taping to a lunch table to create a game of bumper ball for my students in wheelchairs. brings game up to eye level.
A5- created Inclusive Kits that provide scaffolding activities through stations that align w/ curriculum & naturally provide differentiation to eliminate additional planning & prep for T. Includes visuals, assessments, group games & specific equipment. Share w/ Ts. #espechat
Sorry I am late to the #espechat! I have been using my student’s para as a resource when considering what equipment to purchase for PE. She has worked so closely with her and her PT, and I feel she provides me with great insight into her needs.
Q 6 Now let’s celebrate!-please share a fun-touching-celebratory story about inclusion and the school-wide benefits you have seen in your school! #espechat
A5 catch & throw he also had the power to swipe other ss football flags from their waist band. Not only did he slowly start getting the quaffle with the all pass rule but all I kept hearing from that field was “he’s so good, he swiped almost our whole team’s flags!” 2/2 #ESPEchat
A 6. My 9 yr old S in 4th G w sig face scars. PE S said to him-"HEY! What happened to your face?"My S Response-"Car Accident!" Me- HOLD breath!! S Response "COOL, Wanna run?" Instant friends for life!! Never underestimate power of kids + truth!#espechat
A5. I am going to say building in choice again, but for all students. That way, no one is singled out for using a different piece of equipment or doing a movement a different way. #espechat
A6: I had a 4th grader who has severe VI and also has mobility issues join my class for the first time all year. I added tetherball into our circuits, and he actually played his first game w another Ss. #espechat
A6: We had a student with Autism who was afraid to come into the gym, but we knew he loved Minions! We made a Minion out of floor tape and changed his exercise cards at his color zones to Minions working out and then he loved PE! #espechat
A6) I've used music to help some of my students. I found out some music they liked or their favorite movie and played the music during class. #espechat
A3 In inclusion/ mainstream PE setting , I try to always have a variety of equipment, visual markers , options possibly of location , 4 square area my go to for floor hockey passing & more #espechat
A6 #espechat - I had a ss with spina bifida using a w/c terrified to play large games - play eclipse ball for the first time and - during a formal observation - talk about the stars aligning. . . AWESOME.
A6 #espechat wow a lot of celebrations over 37 years. A highlight is bringing in a trailer full of wheelchairs to a jr high or high school class and having Ss play wheelchair basketball. They see how gifted athletes are! A lot of ahah moments
Q 7. Sharing time: Please list any amazing resources for information on Inclusion and better understanding our students with special needs. Feel free to revisit this chat to add resources.
#espechat
A 7. I have found the biggest reason that students struggle in General PE is based on Standard 4-Personal and Social Responsibility
Links for Assessment/Rating Scales for data collection #ESPEchathttps://t.co/ASztoBaHRmhttps://t.co/BmAyOzKUDV
A6. I work at one school in particular where the students are so supportive and encouraging to all. Myself and another teacher helped a student climb a rope for the first time and the whole class was rooting and cheering for them. #espechat
Hi Jaryd - yes, I do. I have 3 students that must perform my required task and then can have 1-2 minutes in the calm corner. That is what motivates them. I have different equip. in the corner - like sound canc. headphones, weighted lap pad, fidgets. How about you.? #espechat
In reply to
@JPrincePhysed, @responsivePE, @PhysEdDepot
@FCPSAdaptedPE is my favorite resource. Emily and Liz are so passionate and work so hard to make it easier for our county's students to be successful. Thanks ladies. #espechat
A7: Adapted PE Teacher Specialist FB Group, Twitter, Maryland APE Consortium, Communicating with teachers/APE Specialists in local counties & surrounding states #espechat
I've gotten a few students to actually work because I played a specific song, soundtrack, etc. As soon as I realize that, I've got them! I use it to my advantage each and every time! #espechat
A7. #espechat - I believe in researching the disability that my students' have in order to "refresh" my memory. This leads to internet searches and book reviews on teaching resources in order to meet the student's unique needs.
Here is a super easy Rating Scale based on K-2 SHAPE America Standard 4 GLOs - just use the same format but change up the GLOs for different grades. #espechathttps://t.co/TUggDyslHv
A7) When I'm stuck on an #APE issue/Inclusion issue, I tend to reach out to some Amazing teachers to help. @TracyNSharlow@ChaseCindi are a few of those people! #espechat
In reply to
@TracyNSharlow, @TracyNSharlow, @ChaseCindi
A6 Seeing the opposing team stop to help out a member of the other team and help him get a shot off in a game of “Switch.” Watching another ss play shadow tag with a ss as they wait for the dismissal bell just because! Our ss at Fitness club after school giving 1/2 #ESPEchat
A 7. Data Collection Quarterly Report
Data should drive your decision on appropriate LRE-Least Restrictive Environment Placement! Data does not lie! Great to use for CSE meetings and Progress Reports. #espechathttps://t.co/dXJ75qOqYg
A7: Always hoping to get high quality APE teachers involved in and reading research (not JOPERD or Strategies). Teachers informing research and then research informing teaching is a way we can improve APE.
#espechat
Thank you for a wonderful evening and keep on advocating for ALL Children! You are AWESOME!
Let's end the evening with sharing any of your favorite statements and or quotes
#espechat
A7. #espechat - Hi Tracy - I agree but the decision is not always up to the teacher or student service team. I happen to work in a district that pushes full inclusion heavily regardless of LRE. Teachers work within systems that don't always make the best decisions for every Ss.
A7 My resources are normally APE teachers I’m in contact with, if you have one at your site that you see regularly, strike up a conversation. Well worth your time as they oftentimes where a different lens that you might not always see through! #ESPEchat
A6 the most effective resource to be an affective teacher, and be able to understand special students has been choosing Education as a minor because I have learn a lot. #espechat
