Peek Into the Classroom: Ms. Shelby's Classroom

In room 3 at Wing Lake Development Center, it's time for circle activities and speech. Ms. Shelby warmly welcomes the students, ranging from age three to six years, who are arranged in a semi-circle. One student is chosen to select tiles from a box, which determines the order of introductions. As each student is acknowledged, a song is sung and their name is spelled out loud. Staff participates in the process with hand rhythms including handclaps and drumming beats on the tables that follow along with the music. During this time, every student is receiving support from a WL staff member seated beside them. Students utilize Augmentative and Alternation Communication devices (AAC) to assist with communication through eye gaze selections and staff records their responses and comments as they engage.

After welcoming all of the students, Ms. Shelby moves on to the weekend report. Families of students in room 3 have the opportunity to complete a google form sharing their weekend activities. Today, one family shared stories and pictures from their outing to the mall. As staff comments on the submission, the student beams with joy, clapping upon seeing images of their weekend.

Next up is the weather! With their devices, students begin to make their predictions calling out words such as, “Hail. Cold. Lightning. Cloudy.” Ms. Shelby acknowledges each student's response then presents the local weather report for confirmation. Upon discovering a high of just 24 degrees, Ms. Shelby walks around with the numbers “2” and “4”, allowing students to visually see and trace them. For a student who is visually impaired, Ms. Shelby provides braille numbers. A soft, plush sun is presented for students to touch, accompanied by a soundtrack featuring the sounds of birds and insects to represent the sunny day. 

At the end of circle time, a craft project is introduced in anticipation of Valentine's Day. “It’s going to be a messy one,” remarks Ms. Shelby. “But, it will be great for feeling different textures.” While the craft materials are set up, each student selects a paper heart. One by one, they dip yarn into glue. Staff members help by squeezing out some of the excess glue before the students arrange the yarn onto their hearts. Students really enjoy the activity and can't wait to get into the glue! The project wraps up with smiles and chatter. Ms. Shelby leads another successful circle time and speech session at Wing Lake.