1. Teaching Students with Special Needs
By:
Cammie Adams
Arkansas State University

2. Diversity in the Classroom
It is inevitable that we will all have the opportunity to work with students with special needs in our classrooms.
Teachers must know when and how to:
- make accomodations- devices, materials, or support that enables student to be more efficient
- make modifications-changes in course content or instructional outcomes

3. Students with Learning Disabiilities
These students may struggle with:
Oral expression
Listening comprehension
Written expression
Basic reading skills
Reading Comprehension
Math skills
Spelling

4. Common Indicators Poor auditory memory- short and long term
Low tolerance/ High frustration level
Some difficulty working with others
Difficulty in following/ remembering complicated directions

5. Effective Strategies Learning disabled students are capable of
learning. They need differentiated instruction!
Provide oral instruction for reading disabilities
Make activities concise and short when possible
Encourage cooperative learning activities
Give lots of specific praise (not “Good job” every time)

6. Students with Higher Abilities
Often referred to as “gifted,” these students are a unique challenge for teachers. Often first ones done with work Get bored May often get into trouble from boredom!

7. Common Indicators Independent learner Well-developed imagination
Uncommon responses
Retain great deal of information
Comprehends complex context

8. Effective Strategies
Provide opportunities for extensive reading about subjects of interest
Allow them to design and follow through on self-initiated projects
Encourage them to take on leadership roles (often socially immature)
Allow them to engage in active problem solving- let them arrive at their own conclusions
All of this takes planning!

9. Physical Impairments
These students require the use of a wheelchair or other aid to get around
May range from mild to severe
May be no different intellectually than the more mobile students

10. Effective Strategies
Be sure there is adequate access to all parts of the classroom
Encourage students to participate in all activities possible
Establish “helpers”
Talk with them about their frustrations
Continually look for alternative methods of display, manipulation, and presentation

11. Many Types of Special Needs
Emotional Problems
ADHD
Hearing / Visual Impairments
Often specialists, clinicians, and other experts are available in the school as part of an educational team. Together we can provide a purposeful education plan for each special needs student.

12. Teach Compassion Remember that everyone wants to “belong”
Increase personal connections with content
Express belief in all students’ abilities
Accept failure when it happens. Be flexible!
Model compassion to your students.
They will follow your example. .

13. References
education/new-teacher/48460.html?page=1
compassionate-classrooms-joshua-block
Google Images