Access

Access is the ability for students to obtain resources related to people, experiences and materials that will help support their academic career. People, such as tutors, who will support and help students growth academically and behaviorally is an access opportunity. Experiences, such as field trips, clubs and sports teams to help establish and maintain social interactions with other people and the world around them, is another access opportunity. Lastly, materials to support student academic growth such as books, math manipulatives, calculators, computers, hot spots and much more, can help support students academic career and success in the classroom. Access became much more apparent to me during the transition to virtual learning. I had not previously recognized the increased need for students to have laptops, internet access, hotspots and electricity. Prior to planning out the access opportunities for my classroom, I reflected on my personal experiences that I had been given during my elementary years that I thought were impactful and important to bring to my current students.

Along with access opportunities providing students with a means to obtain outside resources related to people, experiences and materials, it can also provide opportunities for increased joy, excitement and engagement. At first I thought my students would be reluctant to participate in events that happened after our school day was over, but to my surprise these opportunities were the highlight of their week and something they looked forward to being a part of. Additionally, during our virtual field trip and career day, I witnessed participation from all groups of students, even ones that don't normally share or speak up. It created a space where students could bond, build relationships with their peers, teachers and parents, and experience how learning can be a lot of fun in a meaningful way. It was rewarding to see the effects these two opportunities had on my students and makes me excited to continue to step out of my comfort zone to plan additional experiences to open doors for my students.