Research shows this fosters lifelong well-being. Learning centers provide opportunities for individualized instruction with small groups. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Not seeing our videos? Active listening skills will help you learn who your students are as unique, special people. With a focus on STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and positive children’s mental health practices, our goal is to foster resilient, healthy minds. Something we wish for all of our children. Since there are two teachers, Ms. Paz … Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Ensure books, objects and other items children need are accessible to students in wheelchairs and children of varying heights. Using a co-teaching model is a great way to create an inclusive environment in the general education classroom. They address negative behaviours promptly and often have visuals to support the specifics of their inclusive and positive classroom (rules of behaviour, how to work in groups, character education information, etc. Practice inclusive classroom behaviors. Individualization also considers the ergonomics and quality of the furniture and equipment. But inclusion must be done correctly. Inclusive education is reliant on student access to curriculum. It is essential to have clearly communicated expectations and goals, that are accessible to all students. Foster those connections. Below, read about 7 ways education leaders can work to create inclusive academic settings that support young students of all races and economic classes. This in turn can lead to high levels of anxiety, which greater complicates their relationships. The two strongest elements of individualization are ownership and flexibility. By bringing students of all ages and backgrounds together, diversity can be celebrated throughout the entire school, community and world. When we provide the tools and resources to properly express their emotions without judgement, a student is likely to avoid harsh scrutiny from their peers. Classroom Environment Regardless of academic ability, every student can benefit from an environment that minimizes distractions and promotes learning. A child in every developmental stage can express emotions that are complicated and difficult to understand. Collaborative teaching specifically benefits special education students and creates an inclusive classroom where all students can thrive. They also provide a guide to instructional best practices for the inclusive classroom. Your classroom environment should be tailored to better suit diverse students’ needs. Parents play a huge role in that development. Special education students feel more included, especially since they will not be pulled out for separate instruction. Have a Positive Attitude: As the teacher, your positive attitude about inclusion sets the tone for the rest of the class. Submit the form below, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions. Working together we can create amazing opportunities for all our children. Most of us know that creating a more inclusive learning environment is a good thing. If you have a co-teacher, “it’s important everyone understand that the teachers are equals. While the study says bright colors work well, using them may lead to distraction and sensory overload for some students. This can help you find consistent ways to help a child at all times in the school environment. Be aware of windows and doors when setting up the classrooms. To get individualized services, teachers would pull out students. However, creating an inclusion classroom is not as hard as it seems. The University of Salford study categorizes the 10 factors studied into three design principles: naturalness, individualization and stimulation. By having more than one positive adult role model, you can effectively provide the child with a stable learning environment. There is bound to be at least one other classmate who has some similar interests. Creating an inclusive classroom environment helps students be more active and successful in the classroom. All students can benefit from inclusive classrooms. As they grow, they can carry these important qualities throughout their personal and professional lives. Below are the essential areas that will serve as the foundation for building a highly effective inclusion classroom. 1. Some of the benefits of a co-taught classroom include the following: It gives teachers the opportunity to build leadership skills. All students benefit from an inclusive classroom because it creates a safe environment that lets them learn without feeling embarrassed, scared or intimidated. In a recent […] Many are unsure of how to accommodate students with learning disabilities or how to implement special education into their early childhood curriculums. How to Effectively Promote an Inclusive Learning Environment in the Classroom, to greater satisfaction, well-being and happiness in life, work even harder to connect with these children. Most educators would agree that inclusion is a common goal in every classroom and school. Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links for which we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Here, they do not get the benefit of interacting with students with and without disabilities. Students individualize the classroom by personalizing lockers and displays. Becoming an advocate for each child in your classroom will provide ample opportunities for growth, inclusion and even to become an example as a fantastic educator in your district. Decorating an inclusive classroom involves finding balance in the use of colors and objects. ScienceDirect: The Impact of Classroom Design on Pupils’ Learning: Final Results of a Holistic, Multi-Level Analysis, National Center for Education Statistics: Fast Facts — Inclusion of Students With Disabilities, University of Southern California: #InclusiveSpaces: Classroom Design for Every Learner, MCIE: Inclusive Education Research & Practice, The Alliance for Inclusive Education: Integration Is Not Inclusion. Copyright © 2021 STEAM Powered Family | PRIVACY POLICY. Let’s look at the basics of promoting inclusion in our schools through the building of an inclusive classroom. Inclusive classroom is not the same thing as mainstreaming or integration. Joining gives you access to a library of free materials, in addition to regular emails featuring articles and products. ). The classroom management strategies that will be offered in this article are basic to any inclusive classroom. Limit clutter and make use of white space. Eredics has developed and discovered many valuable resources for parents, teachers, and schools that focus on the inclusion of special needs children in the classroom. Be Adaptable. All with the click of a mouse. Part 1 These students may find it very difficult to establish and maintain positive relationships with their classmates. An inclusive classroom supports differentiated instruction that allows teachers to tailor lessons to students’ preferred learning styles. Since she found out about the move to an inclusive education approach at her school, Mrs. Brown has been working closely with the special education teacher, Mr. Lopez, and reading a great deal about the benefits and the challenges. 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