PRE-SCHOOL AT PIZZO ELEMENTARY Narrated by MARY MARRS

I am Mary Marrs…and here is the story of how my classroom was transformed.

What is different about your classroom this year? Larger room with pre-k furniture Defined space for play and work New materials

Before entering our room, you will see a colorful, theme-based invitation to our class.

Come on in and visit the Marrs Stars!

How did you set up the classroom? Well defined areas where children knew their boundaries Safe and comfortable spaces Consider noise levels for activities Secure furniture to avoid accidents

What curriculum do you use? DLM curriculum by SRA with literacy, math, science and social studies components Language For Learning Program by SRA DLM requires some modifications to fit the needs of individual students

PART 2 THE BENEFITS OF ALL THE CHANGES

What benefits have you seen with the various changes to your classroom?

What benefits have been seen by the teachers? Children are happy Children are successful Children interact more Wonderful new materials Teacher pride Enjoyment of students Teacher collaboration Teacher growth

What benefits have the families experienced? Family dinner Visit the classroom and see activities Mingle with new friends See a typical day through a slide show Experience pride in their child participating Interacting and connecting with other families

Special thanks to Mary Marrs and the administration of the Pizzo Elementary School

Presentation by Dr. Karen Berkman Center for Autism and Related Disabilities