Insights from a Teacher Innovation Fund Project
Introduction
At Buchanan Elementary, the Teacher Innovation Fund mini-grant for kindergarten and first-grade classes has sparked exciting developments. The focus? Providing dramatic play items specifically designed for scholars with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These students, many of whom are non-verbal, rely on concrete items and activities to foster communication. Whether it’s handing over an apple when prompted or using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to identify colors (e.g., the device says “yellow” for the question “what color is the banana?”), communication skills play a crucial role. Importantly, these skills align with both the common core state standards and the accommodated essential elements.
The Power of Play
Surprisingly, scholars demonstrate academic skills more effectively when they engage in what appears to be “play.” The mini-grant allowed us to focus not only on academic development but also on social-emotional skills. We emphasized sharing, advocating for needs, turn-taking, and, most importantly, imaginative play.
Imaginative Play in Action
In our self-contained classroom, students don’t learn in a typical way. These resources cater to their unique needs, promoting lifelong skills. Through imaginative play, students explore academic concepts more deeply, reinforcing understanding and communication. Additionally, this approach enhances social and emotional learning (SEL) skills.
Real-World Impact
Brittney DesLauries, a GRPS teacher, attests to the impact of these resources. Students enthusiastically use the tools in creative ways, fostering direction-following and vocabulary skills. iPads, often used for communication, have introduced countless new words through play. Moreover, students have improved their interaction skills, engaging in reciprocal conversations like asking each other, “Do you want a haircut?” during imaginative play sessions.
Conclusion
The Teacher Innovation Fund project at Buchanan Elementary demonstrates that imaginative play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing learning and promoting essential skills. By embracing play-based approaches, educators can create meaningful and lasting impacts on their students’ development. Become one of the meaningful resources enhancing our scholars’ education by leaving a lasting impression here.