Small Group Rotations with Moderate/Severe Special Education Students

Summary

Key Points

• Mrs. Nation, an SDC kindergarten teacher, explains how she structures daily instruction for moderate to severe, mostly non‑verbal students. 0:40
• The day begins with a large‑group circle time covering calendar, ABCs, numbers, and shapes, then splits into small‑group rotations of about three students each. 0:58
• Small groups focus on specific areas such as English Language Arts, math manipulatives, and a sensory room for brief calming breaks. 1:44
• A “first‑then” reward system is used, pairing a student’s motivator (e.g., marshmallows, iPad time) with completing a task like writing their name. 2:22
• Sessions last roughly 15 minutes, allowing the teacher to address individual needs such as color identification or staying seated. 2:51
• Overall, the routine emphasizes repetition, patience, and individualized support to help non‑verbal learners succeed. 3:03
• The teacher uses a chime on her phone to signal transitions, helping students anticipate the next activity. 3:53
• Flexible grouping lets less‑experienced teachers supervise the sensory room while more structured groups handle academic tasks. 4:29
• Managing the classroom requires multitasking, staying calm, and minimizing distractions by dividing the room and maintaining a steady volume. 5:24
• Frequent sensory breaks are essential for students with autism and other neurological disabilities to stay engaged and calm. 6:08