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Circle time in a classroom at The Vista School looks a little different these days. Elementary-aged students with autism gather around an interactive screen to participate in lessons that teach vital life skills. The lessons, created using the innovative learning platform VizZle®, engage students with catchy songs, interactive exercises, and reinforcement tools designed specifically for their needs.
During circle time, the teacher asks students to engage in various activities. One child selects her picture on the screen, while another puts the days of the week in order. When asked, “How are you feeling?” one student confidently points to a happy face. These interactive lessons help students learn foundational skills in a way that feels more like play than traditional instruction.
“Kids are so in tune with technology,” said a teacher at The Vista School. “They’re used to playing games on devices like iPads, so they don’t realize that what they’re doing is part of a lesson.”
Thanks to a generous grant from Andrew’s Gift, VizZle technology is now widely used across Vista’s Springboard campus for both individual and group learning. The system integrates seamlessly with Vista’s curriculum and complements the use of interactive whiteboards and All-in-One devices, which were funded through additional support from Andrew’s Gift and The Vista School PTO.
VizZle allows educators to access an extensive library of pre-designed lessons or create custom content tailored to individual students’ skill levels. For example, a student learning numbers can engage in matching exercises on the screen. The platform also incorporates reinforcing elements based on each student’s preferences, whether it’s clapping hands or a favorite YouTube video, making participation more enjoyable and effective.
“In the past, we had to provide a lot of external reinforcement to encourage participation,” the teacher explained. “Now, it’s all integrated into the lessons.”
VizZle isn’t just a classroom tool—it also strengthens the connection between home and school. Parents can download the VizZle Player app to access the same customized lessons their children are learning in class. One popular activity is an “All About Me” book, which includes family photos and personal details, such as the student’s home address. These lessons are fun, engaging, and designed to teach essential skills.
“This is the first tool that doesn’t require explanation,” the teacher said. “Parents can simply enjoy working on skills with their child and see how amazing they are.”
Families at The Vista School are seeing the benefits of VizZle firsthand. One parent shared how the app revealed previously unknown receptive abilities in their child, calling the experience “exciting” and highlighting how it fosters both learning and fun.
Another parent praised the alignment between school and home, saying, “VizZle allows us to be a part of something so much bigger than the lesson plans. It gives us another way to engage and connect with our child.”
With VizZle, students at The Vista School are not only gaining critical life skills but also enjoying a learning experience tailored to their needs and interests. The technology’s ability to engage students, support teachers, and involve families demonstrates its transformative impact on education for children with autism.
The Vista School is proud to offer tools like VizZle that empower students, strengthen family connections, and pave the way for meaningful growth and independence.
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