If you have ever struggled with how to appropriately adapt art lessons for students who are mainstreamed into class, you’re not alone. Often times it's not HOW you are going to adapt a lesson it's how am I going to find the time? Sometimes it can be difficult to manage appropriately adapting an art lesson for a few neurodivergent students, while keeping the rest of the class on task with the project at hand. Obviously, during your planning period, I am sure you have planned appropriate ways to modify and change the lesson to meet the needs of any students with varying disabilities, but sometimes those adaptations don’t always go as planned. Or maybe, you accidentally ran out of time and forgot to rework your lesson for your mainstreamed kiddos. We’ve all been there right? Well, a few years ago I decided to create a “Grab and Go” bin to help save my sanity. This bin is reserved for any students who need adaptations in the lesson. This way, I don’t have waste precious time diving into the depths of my storage room for the materials necessary. All of my most frequently used adapted art supplies are now kept in one location. This is great for not only me, but also for any paraprofessionals who may accompany the students or for even the student to be able to help themselves. I keep this adapted art bin in a clearly labeled cubby at the front of my room so whoever needs a modification knows exactly where to go!
So what exactly is in my "Grab & Go" Adapted art bin? Let me show you, and also share how I use these supplies when adapting my lessons.
What’s in my “Grab & Go” Adapted Art Bin:
I have broken up the supplies in my bin into a few different categories to better explain what the supplies are used for.
Sensory Supplies:
Have you ever had a student who is really struggling sitting through the directions you are giving to the rest of the class? Go ahead and have the para or student grab some kinetic sand or cloud dough to use while they are waiting patiently. This way their hands will be quietly engaged until the the demo is over. Here are the sensory supplies I have in my bin:
Adapted Tools for Painting:
These tools are other alternatives to try besides a paint brush. The grip may be easier, and they are a fun way to add texture and stamping.
- Loofahs
- Textured tools
- Palm dough rollers
- Clothespin holding a mini sponge
- Sponge stamps
- Q- Tips
Adapted Coloring Options:
If your students are not into crayons or markers, try these options out!
Painting Surfaces other than Paper:
There is something SO satisfying about painting on a smooth surface. I like to keep a few of these options in my bin for students to paint or print on.
- Transparency sheets
- Plexiglass
- Aluminum Foil
- Bubble Wrap
Miscellaneous materials:
- Adapted Glue Bottle (empty bingo dauber filled with white glue)
- Small cars/ trucks/ animals for play in sensory bins
- Plastic weaving loom & pipe cleaners
- Adapted Scissors
- Smocks
Hopefully these supplies will help you feel a bit more prepared as you go into the new school year. There are certainly more supplies we could add to this list so be sure to choose the materials that work best for you and your students! You've got this!
Happy Teaching!
