Inclusive classroom

I did much the same thing as you. After watching my own two sons struggle in school with their learning differences, I started teaching secondary school. I wanted to take my experience as a parent and use it in my teaching.

Having watched my sons do hours of homework, I know I don’t want any other mother’s child to be doing the same. I give very, very light homework and sometimes give none at all. I would never give homework on any weekend or any holiday.

I don’t use textbooks as students with reading issues have such a tough time with them. I use one page handouts that we read together in class. I help my disorganized students go through their binders and straighten them out. I try to always be kind in tone when speaking to the children and to show patience with the ones who have the restlessness and impulsivity of ADD/ADHD. I try to plan interesting and interactive classes that invite their attention. I don’t give memorization-based tests as I found memorization came so hard and taught so little to my sons. I always allow students to type their work, I encourage the use of Spellcheck, and if parents want to help with homework, that’s great. Otherwise I will.

I’m sure your experience as a parent will help you make good decisions in your classroom.

Thank you for your information. I think we are both more sensitive to student because of going through this with our own children. I hope I can help my students!

I would suggest you do some research via the internet about Constructivist Theory. This would be the answer for all kids to learn more efficiently, not just the students who are identified. Nearly all students have some type of learning problem.

I did much the same thing as you. After watching my own two sons struggle in school with their learning differences, I started teaching secondary school. I wanted to take my experience as a parent and use it in my teaching.

Having watched my sons do hours of homework, I know I don’t want any other mother’s child to be doing the same. I give very, very light homework and sometimes give none at all. I would never give homework on any weekend or any holiday.

I don’t use textbooks as students with reading issues have such a tough time with them. I use one page handouts that we read together in class. I help my disorganized students go through their binders and straighten them out. I try to always be kind in tone when speaking to the children and to show patience with the ones who have the restlessness and impulsivity of ADD/ADHD. I try to plan interesting and interactive classes that invite their attention. I don’t give memorization-based tests as I found memorization came so hard and taught so little to my sons. I always allow students to type their work, I encourage the use of Spellcheck, and if parents want to help with homework, that’s great. Otherwise I will.

I’m sure your experience as a parent will help you make good decisions in your classroom.

Thank you for your information. I think we are both more sensitive to student because of going through this with our own children. I hope I can help my students!

I would suggest you do some research via the internet about Constructivist Theory. This would be the answer for all kids to learn more efficiently, not just the students who are identified. Nearly all students have some type of learning problem.