Setting Up the Classroom
- Felity
- Jan 15, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 2, 2022
"Everyone should have an opportunity to learn in a positive environment, to enjoy the learning process, and feel comfortable and content within it."
- Barry Saide
Why is Setting Up a Classroom Important?
A classroom plays an important role in the learning and development of our children as it is a place where children spend most of their time at. The structure and atmosphere of the classroom affect both learning and teaching. When setting up the classroom, teachers have to always keep in mind that the classroom layout and atmosphere take into consideration, the needs and interests of all the children in the class.
How To Set Up an Inclusive Classroom to Accommodate Children with Visual Impairment?
Setting up a classroom to accommodate children with visual impairments may be challenging, especially when the adaptations have to also take general children needs into consideration. However, to ensure that an inclusive classroom environment will be provided, it is essential that some changes have to be made.
What can you do?
The classroom has to be clear of any cluster of materials such as dustbins, papers and chairs in any part of the classroom
Walkways are open and cleared to ensure the safety of all children when they are transitioning from one area to another.
Avoid excessive furniture and equipment around the classroom
Refrain from having materials stacked high up on shelves so that it will not block the view of the classroom
Hang up signs that are in bigger font sizes above the different learning corners to help the visually impaired children identify the learning areas
Avoid hanging up too many decorations to prevent overwhelming stimulation for the children
Paste labels of bigger font sizes to help the children to locate materials more easily.
In large group settings
Seat the children with visual impairment nearest to you so that they can seek help at any time
Place them near the whiteboard to ensure minimal obstruction when they try to read from the board
Ensure that the lighting at their seats is not too glaring or directed at the face
Assign fixed seats for them to make it easier for them to locate their seats daily
Ensure that their seats are easily accessible so that they would not have difficulties getting to them
Classroom layout for children with visual impairment.
Such adaptations can help to ensure that children with visual impairment receive equal opportunities as other children when it comes to learning.
What Are Some Adaptations That Can be Made in Learning Corners?
For Learning Corners, it is recommended that the children with visual impairment have an altered set of materials of their own.
For example:
Activities with bigger font writings
Braile Symbols (Image 1)
AudioBooks in Language Learning Corner
Some Assistive Technologies (AT) can also be included in learning corners to help the children have an easier time reading, seeing pictures and instructions. There can also be assigned seats for them in learning corners so that they can easily locate their place.
Some AT include:
Magnifying Glasses
Magnifiers (Image 2)
Reading Pen (Image 3)
Image 1: Braile Alphabet Symbols
Image 2: Magnifiers
Image 3: Reading Pen
References
Amazon. Reader Pen [Image]. https://www.amazon.sg/ExamReader-C-Pen-speech-device-alternative/dp/B015OL7XKY.
Duncan, S., & Magee, L. Classroom Layout [Image]. https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/covid-classrooms.
PreKinders. Centre Signs [Image]. https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/473229873335832414/.
Royal National Institution of Blind People. Magnifier [Image]. https://www.rnib.org.uk/books.
Wikki Sticks. Braile Alphabet Chart [Image]. https://www.wikkistix.com/tactile-learning-creating-braille-alphabet-kids/.
Wilings, C. (2016). Classroom Design Tips. Teaching Visually Impaired. https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/classroom-design-tips.html.
Wilings, C. (2020). Adjust Lighting & Reduce Glare. Teaching Visually Impaired. https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/adjust-lighting.html.
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