How can I as a General Classroom teacher adapt my lessons so all students can particiapte; especially if they require more time and opportunities to learn :?:
Re: Making the learning environment equal for all students
I’m actually not a teacher, YET!!! This is my senior year in College and we have to write a paper about a question we have about learning disabilities. My original question was “Won’t having Students with learning disabilities slow down the average students?” but he made me change it to the one you replied to. Thanks so much for you wisdom and if you have any more to share I’m more then willing to listen for tips! Thanks so much!
Melissa :D
Excellent question!!!
Have you looked into Universal Curriculum Design principles? Do a Google search and definitely check out www.cast.org for specific suggestions for removing the obstacles to learning that some students face. At a minimum, provide multiple representations and multiple formats and allow students to tap into their strengths. Analyze your methods.
Here’s a simple strategy for younger students with fine motor or visuospatial issues who might have a task where they are required to draw scenes from a book and then write about the scene. What I have suggested is that they scan color pictures from the book, cut them and paste them onto the work sheet and then print or keyboard what they want to write. They can also get pictures from a magazine or from the internet. (Kids are very aware when their drawing/writing skills do not compare to their peers. This suggestion is often seen as a “cool” alternative, less humiliating!)
BTW, what grade are you teaching?