Universal+Design+for+Learning

 Universal Design for Learning is incorporated throughout this unit to meet the needs of students and to make learning authentic so that they are able to generalize across all settings. I provide multiple means of representation, expression and engagement throughout the lessons in order to meet the needs of my students and improve their overall quality of life.

This is how I planned to use UDL to meet the needs of my students:

I have provided multiple means of representation throughout the unit through the use of visual information from books, story cards and circle activities, SMARTBoard activities, BoardMaker pictures of routines and items that belong in and out of a house, and through lesson activities such as sequencing cards, matching similar objects, and items that belong inside the various rooms of a house. The information is provided in a variety of formats through visual, auditory, and hands on learning activities. Students can touch or get pictures, text and pictures can be enlarged on the SMARTBoard, and volume can be enhanced through the use of speakers. New vocabulary is introduced through the use of examples and non-examples and in discovering the items that belong in the different rooms of a house, and the text is accompanied with a graphic or symbol so that students better understand. Comprehension is varied through building on student’s prior knowledge and what they are familiar with to further learning new concepts.

I have provided multiple means of expression by incorporating activities where students can be physically active and have various ways to communicate. Students can communicate verbally, using sign language, pointing, touching, and getting with pictures and story cards/circle activities, performing motions or singing songs, art activities, moving and circling items or drawing on SMARTBoard, and cutting, gluing, coloring and individual work through Busy Finger activities. I have also included multiple means of expression through assessments where students will be assessed through questioning, drawing, completion of activities, and through teacher observation.

I provide multiple means of engagement through multiple hands on, visual and auditory activities that are catered to their interests and abilities. Students will be motivated and encouraged so that they will love learning and want to come to Circle and see what we are going to do for the day. High expectations are in place, with room for modifications as necessary and positive reinforcement and encouragement will be used through the unit. Students are excited to learn about the different rooms of a house especially through //The Napping House// which is a favorite in preschool. They are excited to share about what they have at their houses and find similarities and differences among each other. Students love the SMARTBoard as well and being involved in the lesson instead of just sitting and listening, so it provides in itself another level of student engagement and increases motivation.