An education rich in STEM becomes even more engaging if you add the A to make it STEAM! Engaging in the Arts helps build creativity, confidence, focus, and collaboration skills. For students with special needs, this sometimes requires some classroom modifications to make the learning space inclusive.
This is sometimes referred to as adaptive art, and as discussed in episode 7 of the Schoolyard Podcast, it often creates an environment where all students can benefit from the adaptive elements. The result is an art room where everyone, regardless of their abilities, uses the same tools.
Here are some ideas of how you can achieve an inclusive and adaptive art classroom.
Proper Ergonomics
Make sure all students can access the art materials comfortably. Proper ergonomics are key to a successful art experience. The Kaye Products Adjustable High Kinder Chair pushed up to an art table is a great accommodation for a student who needs extra support. The inclusive design has an adjustable seat and footrest to ensure stability and stability. It can be configured for students anywhere from ages 1 through 7.
2. Consider using a Lightbox for children with multiple disabilities including cognitive and/or visual impairments. These can be configured for desktop use and may help with contrasts during tracing and other activities.
3. Overhead lights can cause excess glare and children on the autism spectrum are sometimes sensitive to fluorescent lights as well. Cozy Shades are quick and easy to apply to light panels and may help to diffuse harshness and glare. (P.S. Changing paper choices from glossy white to matte or more neutral colors may help too!)
4. For more complicated or multi-step art projects, try the backward chaining method. Have the student complete just the final step or two of an activity to allow for task completion and a finished project. Work back sequentially adding another step with each repeated exposure.
5. Praise the art work uniquely to help build intrinsic motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Instead of saying “Great painting” customize the praise by stating “I like the way you used your red and yellow colors for the trees to make it look like fall.” Or, instead of “Nice job” be more specific and say “I can tell you put a lot of effort into your clay project.”
If you have budding artists with special needs, please let us know your best tips for reasonable accommodations.
[…] to pick up some gloves or aprons to help them feel comfortable. Look for materials and supplies designed with learning disabilities in mind, to help your child make the most of arts and crafts […]