Elementary education lays a foundation that will support a child to their adulthood. It is important to use effective and evidence-based methods to give students the best chance. This is especially true for children with disabilities, who may need a more flexible approach and additional accommodations to help them achieve their potential.
Individualized instruction
Every student at a special needs elementary program has an individual education plan (IEP), designed through collaboration between the student, teachers, parents, and other relevant individuals and based on an assessment of the child’s distinct needs. This allows for the setting of realistic and personalized goals and ensures that classes can be tailored accordingly. Ongoing monitoring allows the plan to be adjusted in line with changing circumstances.
Part of what allows teachers to give individualized instruction that is adapted to the unique needs of the child is opting for smaller class sizes, plus the opportunity of one-to-one tuition. This means that there is time and space for the teacher to give attention to each student without anyone being overlooked, and it makes it much easier to adjust the teaching approach when necessary.
Differentiated instruction
This ability to adjust the teaching approach is part of what is known as differentiated instruction. Teachers can change the way they deliver their lessons, and how they expect the students to respond, depending upon each student’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Rather than grouping students by age or disability, teachers base their approach on individual needs.
Use of technology
Technology has become an increasingly important part of the modern classroom, but it is particularly important for students with disabilities as it can be a form of assistive device. Children who struggle with communication, particularly those who are non-verbal or unable to read or write, can use it to express themselves and to participate in discussions and assignments. Those who find organization difficult can make use of calendars and alarms. Technology is not just for students either. It makes communication, monitoring, and assessment easier for both teachers and parents. In many programs, every child will have a computer or tablet.
Communication
One thing that technology does is make it easier for teachers and parents to communicate. This allows for greater collaboration and coordination, ensuring that what is taught in the classroom is reinforced at home and that parents feel fully involved in their child’s education. This includes being informed about assignments and events, as well as receiving regular progress reports.
Time to play
Everyone needs time to recover and enjoy themselves when they have been working hard. For children, play is an important part of their learning, offering a chance to express themselves, engage their senses, build friendships, and burn off excess energy. A good school or program will incorporate regular breaks to ensure that children have time to play and will include fun elements within the classroom to prevent work from becoming too tedious. There should also be time for food to help restore energy. All of this will allow children to be more focused and alert during class time.
Conclusion
By providing a child with an effective elementary education, you are giving them the skills they need to be successful later in life. Special education programs enable children with disabilities to identify their strengths and weaknesses and help them plan for the future, but only if the instruction is tailored to their unique needs, and all necessary accommodations are provided.