We have breakfast in the classroom so that we can work on feeding issues, although the children do go to the cafeteria, stand in the line and assemble and carry their own trays as much as possible. We have lunch in the cafeteria with the rest of the school. The aides and I are with the children all the time until they have learned the necessary skills to go places by themselves. This year most of the kids were able to take messages to the office by themselves, although there was sometimes covert following going on to make sure they got there. Some of the kids were able to go to the cafeteria by themselves, get their own meals and bring them back to the classroom.
Independence is the battle cry around here.
We make a lot of choices around here. I encourage speaking out in class and they soon learn they can get special privileges and treats if they ask for them. We also have technological equipment in the classroom for communication. Some kids really like hearing a voice telling people what they want. Communication between staff and parents is an ongoing practice in my classroom.