Integrating Exceptional Students into Regular Classrooms
& Instructional Planning Philosophy
I personally feel these two courses blend together. When you have exceptional students in your classroom or students who need additional support it is important to plan and differentiate your lesson according to their individual needs. I believe in getting to know your students strengths and weaknesses. I strive to be comfortable with all of my students needs and be educated in any assistive technology that could be available to my students. I hope to plan lessons that differentiate my instruction that excel student's performance.
I hope to include all students in my future planning. I want to always keep in mind the individual interests and needs while planning. I think having an idea of how well a student knows a topic can help you decide your differentiation. I think I administering pre-tests are a great way to see the readiness of the students. I hope to differentiate in as many was possible depending on the content and my students. I think planning is a huge part of teaching and sets the tone for the way a day will be delivered.
Also, assistive technology is a huge part of integrating exceptional students in to regular classrooms. I think mainstreaming is a great way for students to all work together and build strong social skills. I hope to have a classroom that fits the needs of every child. I would first make sure my classroom is accessible for all students. This includes having accessible walkways for any wheelchairs, walkers, or assistive devices. I want all children to feel comfortable in the classroom and think of it as their own. I also want to keep my classroom clean to reduce any allergens and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. I think keeping the classroom clean models good hygiene and may positively the affect the child. This leads into being aware of any medications that your students may be taking. Keeping open communication with parents if any side effects are present throughout the classroom is important! I want to keep the safety of my students first and do all I can to improve their education.
I also want to be educated on all assistive technology so I can better assist my students. I want to have extensive training in how to operate any technology and adjust it if necessary!Different types of assistive technology include:
Text-to-Speech – technology that reads to the students who may struggle with reading.
Scanner/Magnifier – This allows students to scan text from books, articles, worksheets, etc and upload them to the computer.
Magnifier - allow students to enlarge text or pictures to make it easier for students to see.
Microswitches/joysticks – These devices allow students to talk or make choices by using body movement.
Pencil grips or Writing Tools – Rubber grips or think pens/pencils help students with low muscle tone write quickly and comfortably.
Digital Recorders – These devices allow students to record and play back notes, answers to questions, thoughts, and other information.
Portable Keyboards – These keyboards may have smaller or enlarged keys and/or have a different configuration than standard keyboards.
And many others.
I think putting students first is always the my main goal. I hope to become familiar with all of my students goals and work towards making these goals possible.
Also, assistive technology is a huge part of integrating exceptional students in to regular classrooms. I think mainstreaming is a great way for students to all work together and build strong social skills. I hope to have a classroom that fits the needs of every child. I would first make sure my classroom is accessible for all students. This includes having accessible walkways for any wheelchairs, walkers, or assistive devices. I want all children to feel comfortable in the classroom and think of it as their own. I also want to keep my classroom clean to reduce any allergens and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. I think keeping the classroom clean models good hygiene and may positively the affect the child. This leads into being aware of any medications that your students may be taking. Keeping open communication with parents if any side effects are present throughout the classroom is important! I want to keep the safety of my students first and do all I can to improve their education.
I also want to be educated on all assistive technology so I can better assist my students. I want to have extensive training in how to operate any technology and adjust it if necessary!Different types of assistive technology include:
Text-to-Speech – technology that reads to the students who may struggle with reading.
Scanner/Magnifier – This allows students to scan text from books, articles, worksheets, etc and upload them to the computer.
Magnifier - allow students to enlarge text or pictures to make it easier for students to see.
Microswitches/joysticks – These devices allow students to talk or make choices by using body movement.
Pencil grips or Writing Tools – Rubber grips or think pens/pencils help students with low muscle tone write quickly and comfortably.
Digital Recorders – These devices allow students to record and play back notes, answers to questions, thoughts, and other information.
Portable Keyboards – These keyboards may have smaller or enlarged keys and/or have a different configuration than standard keyboards.
And many others.
I think putting students first is always the my main goal. I hope to become familiar with all of my students goals and work towards making these goals possible.
Synthesis Blog
- What are the key underpinnings of differentiated instruction that you embrace in your own teaching practices?
In the future, I hope to be able to differentiate in my classroom for all/most lesson. I know that this task is very time consuming so starting small and introducing this strategy is my first step to accomplishing my goal. Incorporating differentiation requires getting to know each of your students individually. I plan administering interest surveys to all of my students. I want to find out what my student’s’ hobbies and interests are to create relatable lessons. I can differentiate my lesson based on interests. Depending on what my students are engaged by can spark their engagement in a particular lesson. I also want to administer learning style inventories to find out the best way to deliver my lessons depending on my student’s needs. I think providing differentiation based on visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners will be my first step but I would also like to include options for students who are musically or linguistic.
When differentiating process, I plan on giving my students choice on most activities. I like the resources provided such as the differentiated cubes, tic-tac-toe boards, and assignment menus. I think the choice gives students a sense of ownership in their work and allows them to be creators of individual activities.
- What struggles to do you continue to have with the notion of differentiated instruction?
- What questions do you still have or have arisen because of our work this semester?
How difficult is it to successfully receive assistive technology on IEPs?
What is the best form of differentiation? Also, what is easiest for quick lessons?
Is it okay to tell the parents you are differentiating for their child?
- While answering these questions share some benefits and challenges from your own personal experience you have had using the philosophy and methods covered in this course. Be specific.