How to reduce symptoms/sound/light
 

I work as a high school art teacher and I LOVE my job. I need more ideas to help keep my symptoms under control.


I can't get in to an opthomologist til late July. Can I wear particular tinted sunglasses? I already turn off half the lights. Any other eye suggestions?
Noise. I can't make my classes quiet. I teach some loud classes like metal smithing and pottery. Two of my hours are quieter like painting and drawing but the noisy classes fry my brain every day. Any ideas? I have tried foam ear plugs with little success.

I was just wondering if there was anyone that worked in a noisy chaotic place that had work around ideas?

I also have a very difficult time sorting out multiple sounds. For instance, in my jewelry classroom there are forty students, many talking, sawing, filing, drilling, pounding, soldering...asking me questions...not a single discipline problem but my brain just can't seem to handle it all. Any suggestions? I have already modified the class so that the students only pound and make loudest noises the last fifteen minutes.

Su seb

Hi su seb! Welcome to my world! ;)

I have some strategies for all of those things.
First thing would be to get amber sunglasses or over the counter blue blocker tint glasses.
I use sillicone ear plugs...way better than foam for me. Target carries them.
Musician's earplugs have a filter which allows sound in. You can get them in a music store (20$ or so) or made to order where they do hearing aides (150 - 200). Fantastic until you lose one (me).
Eyepatch for those moments when you are all alone. No flurescent lights.
More later!

Try listening to classical music or Gregorian chant with one headphone in. This gives your brain one sound to focus in on and it is easier to ignore the other sounds.

I like the big huge sunglasses because they don't let light in from the top or bottom and so they don't have to be as dark.

Try to get rid of all the fluorescents in your classroom they flicker imperceptibly and that aggravates your condition.

Good Luck!
In Christ,
Margarite

Teacher's Aid? Volunteer?
 

Hi Su

This doesn't address the sound / light problem, but for the confusion and chaos going on, can you get any para support in your noisy hours?

Could you get a parent volunteer to help with the students who have questions/just help in general with those hours?


Just my 3 cents (an xtra penny for inflation)

pm