Apr
22
Written by:
Dan Maas
4/22/2009
LPS makes a serious committment to provide quality educational services to all students and all really does mean all. Recently, I visited a PACE and SCIL program site in the district (I will leave out the location and names for privacy reasons) where students with severe disabilities were working with their teacher, Donna Millar, to create photo-stories for their reading. Mrs. Millar and her team have an endless supply of patience and love for their students who return their affection with hard work and joy. Mike Porter had worked with the class to develop the photo-stories with the student narrations which they celebrated with kids from other classes in the school. Every single one of the PACE and SCIL students made a video. From the student confined to a wheelchair who advanced his slides by moving his cheek against a sensor to the student who was so full of energy it was hard to keep still during any activity, each one created a work of art to share their reading skills.
The students from other classrooms visited and enjoyed the stories from the PACE and SCIL class. The activity lasted for about 20 minutes and because names and pictures were included in the final videos, I won't post their final product here. Instead, I've grabbed a few short clips to give you a flavor of the work. You can access the Windows Movie file HERE.
The use of technology in this setting gave kids who have serious challenges with fine motor skills the opportunity to create something they can be proud of. The teacher has limitless patience and her team of supporting staff are well trained and highly effective... at least from my perspective. It was a joy to share their reading progress! Congratulations Donna Millar, Barb Hosack, Lauren Ebersole, Alise Eaton, Susanna Florum, Stephanie Leimeister, Diane McKean and all the PACE and SCIL kids!
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Overcoming big challenges with digital story-telling
I am SO sharing this. Thanks to ALL!
By Renee Howell on
4/25/2009
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