The first year of teaching is a huge learning curve for every new teacher. An inclusion classroom only adds to that learning curve with the addition of learning disabilities, modified work and added behavioral challenges. Learning a few simple tips for teaching in an inclusion classroom will help a new teacher learn to love the extra challenge that students with special needs present.
Tips for an Inclusion Classroom Teacher
The most important thing for an inclusion classroom teacher to remember is that students with special needs require extra patience. It is important to take additional time to teach new concepts, teaching each concept in several ways to allow students greater understanding. Teachers should also allow extra wait time after asking a question to provide students with learning disabilities the ability to process the question and think of the answer.
It is important to realize that skills will need to be taught several times before a student masters them in many situations. Remembering that a student with a specific learning disability has certain limitations will help an inclusion teacher understand that a wrong answer is not a lack of focus or attention.
Understanding Disabilities in an Inclusion Classroom
Understanding the disabilities that are in the inclusion classroom will provide invaluable information for an inclusion teacher. Teachers need to not be afraid to ask the special education teacher to sit down and go over the various disabilities present in the classroom. Special education teachers should consider providing the inclusion teacher a single cheat sheet for each student with an IEP. This sheet should include the following information:
- The name of the student
- The specific disability the student has
- The required modifications
- Information on the student's strengths and weaknesses
- Basic information on the IEP goals
With this information, the inclusion teacher will be able to more effectively plan lessons and teach all the students in the class. Understanding the disability will help the teacher understand why the student struggles in class, while the modifications, strengths and weaknesses will help the teacher know how to help the student succeed. Providing basic information on the IEP goals will provide the inclusion teacher a basic understanding of what information the special education teacher needs to collect for records.
Behavior Management in an Inclusion Classroom
Students who struggle to learn often develop behavior problems as they attempt to hide their weaknesses from their peers and cope with their low self-esteem. It is important for teachers to understand this and work carefully to build self-esteem and provide simple ways for students to get help without making a big deal about it to the class. Some ideas include:
- Mix simple questions into the lessons so that even those who have a learning disability will be able to participate in class discussions.
- Provide more wait time than you initially think is necessary.
- Assign a buddy student.
- Do not ask the student to attempt to do something in front of the class if it is the student's weak area.
Teaching in an inclusion classroom does provide an extra challenge to teachers. New teachers do not have to fear this assignment, though, with these tips on managing the students learning and behavior. With some basic understanding of the disabilities in the class as well as the behavior and learning issues that will come up as a result, any teacher can have a successful year in an inclusion classroom.
Read more information on teaching in an inclusion classroom.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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