January 14, 20179 yr Popular Post My wife Tami has been a special educator for over 30 years. She teaches moderate-severe autism kindergarten-1st grade. Her kids are very high maintenance and active so she has to be creative in keeping her kids focused. They are easily distracted so she has had me make a number of what I call "Barricades" for different areas in her classroom. Some of the barricades are to block kids from watching what other kids are doing as they are easily distracted. Others are for blocking off certain areas like the "Play Area" or to keep them out cabinets that have certain toys or craft supplies. The school district is pretty much useless when it comes to providing items for special education, so it pretty much falls to the teacher to get it or go without. So she keeps me busy making stuff. The "Barricades" that I make for her are simple using PVC pipe for the frame and 1/4" tempered hardboard so they are light weight and the kids can't hurt themselves if/when they bang into them. So here are ones I made this past week or so and installed them today. I use velcro for hinges as they can be screwed into the cabinets and the barricades can't be knocked over by the kids. For the play area, toy cabinet and craft cabinet that has the crayons and coloring books I had to make them lockable as the kids like to leave their work stations when the teacher and aides aren't looking. (Sneaky little buggers). This is the entry into the play area. This is the toy cabinet which is lockable so they can't sneak in and take the toys. This is the cabinet that has the coloring books, crayons and markers. They always check the kid's backpacks before they leave to go home as they love to take the crayons and markers home.
January 14, 20179 yr Couldn't she just duct tape them to the wall? Simpler! But seriously... good idea for light-weight panels. John
January 14, 20179 yr Author Popular Post Just now, HARO50 said: Couldn't she just duct tape them to the wall? Simpler! But seriously... good idea for light-weight panels. John Duct tape is great for kids. Just remember to put the "Non-Sticky" against the skin. Don't ask me how I know this. ;-)
January 14, 20179 yr Those are really functional, creative as well as aesthetically pleasing Allen...Kudos to you for supporting not only your wife, but the kids. Great job...Thanks for sharing.
January 14, 20179 yr 15 minutes ago, Allen Worsham said: Duct tape is great for kids. Just remember to put the "Non-Sticky" against the skin. Don't ask me how I know this. ;-) Hmmm... I guess we'll never hear the story behind THAT bit of info! John
January 14, 20179 yr I like the idea of PVC pipe and Masonite. Are those locks some sort of tie wrap? Velcro can do a whole lot of different things, great stuff. My hats are off to Special ED teachers, they are made of gold, and love their students. Herb
January 14, 20179 yr Author 9 minutes ago, Dadio said: Are those locks some sort of tie wrap? Herb The locks for the play area entry and toy cabinet are typical cabinet child locks. They have adjustable straps on two sides. The center part has 2 push buttons that have to be pushed simultaneously and it will seperate. To lock it you snap the 2 pieces back together. The other cabinet with the coloring supplies I screwed a long piece of peel & stick velcro with one side hook and the other side loop to the PVC and then wrap it around to keep the 2 doors shut. Not high tech but it works.
January 14, 20179 yr Great to see those and understand some of the problems involved. My younger sister is/was an LD teacher in a major city school district and anything not locked up was stolen...period... anything.
January 15, 20179 yr Good stuff! It is nice for you and your wife to step up and provide helpful items to help the kids stay focused. Many kudos to you.
January 15, 20179 yr Popular Post 2 hours ago, Allen Worsham said: They always check the kid's backpacks before they leave to go home It's not just the special needs kids! Tammi certainly must have the patience of Job!
January 15, 20179 yr 25 minutes ago, lew said: It's not just the special needs kids! Tammi certainly must have the patience of Job! Patience and a big heart. Good on ya both.
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