Teaching Acceptance
Behaviour
Many of the exceptionalities listed in these resources come with a variety of potentially disruptive behaviours. In a classroom environment, sometimes removing the student before the behaviour becomes disruptive isn’t possible. Therefore it is important that other students can understand and respect the possibility of behaviours during the day. Children tend to be more accepting of differences, however there are ways to foster this respect for differences in the classroom. Teaching about this may look different for every classroom. For example, for younger students, using picture books to create awareness that not all children are the same, may be a good age-appropriate option. For older students, having open discourse about exceptionalities and the value they hold may provide a forum from which students can learn and ask questions they may otherwise not have. As well, dependent on the student with the exceptionality, allowing them to speak to their peers about themselves may provide a personal connection between all classmates.
The Role of the Parent/Guardian
Parents/Guardians can often play a crucial role in supporting students with exceptionality. It is always important to maintain regular communication with parents and guardians for all students. However, for students with exceptionalities, sometimes parents can function as resources. For most of these children, they spend most their time with their parents. There parents have years of experience in managing behaviours with their children. Allowing parents to provide ideas to help you manage the child’s behaviour, and vice versa, is not only a learning experience, but will also allow the possibility to have more fluidity between the students experience at home and at school.
Peer Relationships
For many of these exceptionalities, there can be deficits in social skills. Peer relationships are key in the development of all children, and this can be fostered in the classroom. There are numerous ways that one can foster these peer relationships within the classroom, and this can vary depending on the class environment. For example, team building exercises may encourage communication between students especially those who may need to improve on their social skills. Also allowing for meaningful group and partner work during the class day can encourage discussion between all classmates, including those with exceptionalities.
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a useful coping strategy for a number of the listed exceptionalities. However, mindfulness can also be valuable for other students. By teaching about mindfulness and mindfulness strategies, all students can benefit. Allowing time with in the school day to take mindfulness breaks where all students are engaged and participating will not only foster the classroom community and acceptance, but also allow for a healthier classroom environment.
A Structured Classroom
Structured Classroom
Having a structured classroom can be a proactive way to help stop potential behaviours. Structured classrooms can look very different but many utilize the several of the same elements. These can be both physical and verbal elements. There are hundreds of ideas on teaching websites. Some useful things to include in a student-friendly classroom include:
Inclusive Classroom
Although there are benefits to special education classrooms, there are also many important benefits to inclusive classrooms. Inclusion allows for an natural setting for students to learn and utilize social skills. Students with exceptionalities may engage with other classmates and learn from their social behaviours and make friends. Students who do not have exceptionalities can learn how to be friends with students who do, and how best to support their needs both in the classroom and on the playground. All students have the opportunity to learn from each other.
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