Teachers are usually required to adjust their learning instructions to cater to special needs students. Usually, all students benefit from adhering to proper teaching strategies. However, if a student is having challenges with learning, you may need to adapt those strategies just a bit.
Before Each Lesson
Before the lesson begins, you should pre-teach concepts and vocabulary. You can teach mental activities involved with listening while also providing a study worksheet. Conclude by giving a lecture outline.
Proper Lesson
When the lesson begins, use visuals available by using overhead projectors or flashcards. Instruct the students to take notes using markers. Also, teach them to use acronyms to assist with lists. Proceed to give explanations in detailed steps and provide directions.
Ensure the students repeat all directions, and when giving the class directions, leave a pause between each of the steps so that students can implement the process. Try to shorten the required listening time and give the student different tasks.
If the student has a challenge expressing themselves, you can try to accept an alternative medium of sharing information. It is ideal to ask questions that have short, direct answers while also providing a prompt. Give rules for the class discussion, such as hand raising and issue points for preparation and oral contributions. Teach the students the need to ask questions while in class, and teach language and body expressions.
Always wait for the response of the student and avoid choosing the first student that raises their hand. Ensure that the questions you ask are done at the informational level while giving facts.
If the student has challenges reading written texts, you should look for a written text at a lower level and remove the problematic material while rewriting the student’s text. Upon taping the student’s text, leave enough room for a parent to read the text out loud to the student.
Cut down the required reading time and search for the same content using a different medium, such as filmstrip. Provide the student an alternate medium to contribute to the group, such as dramatizing and giving the student some more time to read. One unique way to boost the student’s chances of catching up is to motivate them and give them visual perspectives. Cut down on the materials that the student will need to consume.
Students Facing Challenges With Writing Legibly
There are strategies you can apply if the student is facing challenges with writing clearly. You can use a format that doesn’t need much writing, such as matching and multiple-choice. Cut down the assignments that need copying, and use learning aids, as well.
Concluding Thoughts
If a student still has difficulty expressing themself, make sure you allow them to express themselves in the way that is best for them. The student will grow in this regard at his own pace with the necessary support.
