Welcome!

  My name is Mrs. Sommer and I'd like to welcome you to my blog.  I am in no way a professional blogger, but, I thought that keeping a blog would help me remember the activities that I use each year.  I also thought it would be a great way to share my journey and my ideas as a teacher in an inclusive Kindergarten Classroom.

  This is my second year teaching an in and inclusive Kindergarten classroom.  This year I have a cluster of five students on the Autism Spectrum.  Their abilities range from very low to very high which definitely keeps me on my toes.  In addition to the five students on the Spectrum, I have 2 other students on IEPs (Individual Education Plans).  These students receive both Speech Therapy as well as Special Education Tutoring.  Aside from those 7 students, I have 15 other students who are not in need of any services at this time.  You might imagine that planning lessons in my classroom can prove to be a challenge!

  I am very lucky to have such a great set of colleagues who work as the support staff both in and out of my room.  With us everyday is our wonderful paraprofessional who works mainly with the 5 students on the Spectrum, although she does go above and beyond and helps with the other students when she can. I also collaborate with the Special Education tutor who works both in and and out of the classroom.  She has such wonderful ideas and suggestions on differentiation that I am so glad to have her as a colleague!  I also work closely with a Speech Therapist, an Occupational Therapist as well as some ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) Therapists.

  As this is only my second year teaching in an inclusive classroom, I still have lots of things to learn and I am always open to ideas and suggestions!  If you'd like to share them with me, please do!  My e-mail is: Mrs.Sommer12@gmail.com.  If you've stumbled upon my blog, I hope you enjoy it!