SMART Sense

Research shows that children who approach learning from a multi-sensory approach (using all 5 senses) make more cognitive connections and are able to process information more effectively. Not only are they able to learn in the best way possible, they are also actively engaged in the learning process when a multi-sensory approach is offered. Students have diverse learning needs and styles therefore using multiple sensory activities can benefit all of the children within your classroom. My TPT store was inspired by the students that I teach. I teach in an self-contained middle school/ high school special education classroom at a school for the blind. My students have multiple impairments such as cognitive and developmental delays autism, and blindness. Because my students are blind, uses all 4 other senses is an avenue I use to teach, motivate, and excite my class. I have included resources that involve many different sensory specific modes of learning..The resources included focuses on building classroom community and general lesson holidays/themes. I have also incorporated a variety of songs. Songs not only are fun and motivating but they can teach a lot to your students. Songs are used as lessons, stories, situations, and vocabulary. A song can be used to create lyrics to another song, to lead you into the lesson topic, or to just get your students to listen and pay attention. The best part is you don't have to be a music teacher or even know how to read music to utilize these songs and resources. The songs listed are to the tune of nursery rhymes and other popular songs that students (and teachers) already know! This engages the students while motivating them to participate singing along with familiar tunes The resources provided can be geared toward special education, life skills, or elementary classrooms. Enjoy! These songs and other sensory activities create a classroom community and are wonderful conversation starters. Time to get SMART: Sense More And Really Think!

Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. -Albert Einstein My teaching style encompasses building classroom community, while motivating students to learn in nontraditional ways. Ways that are fun and exciting and may even "trick" them into learning something. I am an advocate for the growth mindset and the "power of yet". I encourage all of my students set their own reachable goals and the confidence that this builds for a student is amazing.

Yet to be added

M.Ed. Special Education: blind and visually impaired TVI VRT

Enjoy the resources and please dont hesitate to contact me for any reason! Email: kjrudkin@gmail.com