Every child has their own way of learning and as teachers, we play a powerful role in helping them feel safe, seen, and successful. Here are 5 strategies that I use to promote inclusive learning for my Special Ed Classroom.
1. In my Classroom we:
- Offer choices in how students learn (visuals, hands-on, listening, movement).
- Use visual schedules and clear routines to help reduce anxiety.
- Allow extra time for transitions or assignments.
- Create quiet spaces or “calm corners” for breaks.
2. We Celebrate Strengths by:
- Focusing on what each student can do, not just where they struggle.
- Share positive feedback often — even for small steps.
- Highlight special interests to motivate learning (e.g., dinosaurs, trains, superheroes).
- Encourage peer recognition of everyone’s strengths.
3. We Use Clear, Supportive Communication
- Speak in simple language.
- Give one instruction at a time, when needed.
- Use visual aids (pictures, icons, charts) to support understanding.
- Offer choices when possible (“Do you want to write with a pencil or a marker?”).
5. Friendship & Kindness
- Build a classroom culture where differences are normal and celebrated.
- Teach and model kindness, sharing and friendship . Use buddy systems to promote friendships and cooperative learning.
- Read inclusive books and discuss different ways of thinking.
