Introduction to Teaching Students with Special Education Needs
Teaching students with special education needs (SEN) presents unique challenges that require tailored educational strategies and assistive equipment. In the context of my family's experience, I worked closely with teachers and utilized various assistive technologies to support my son’s learning, especially in reading and mathematics. This article discusses practical strategies and assistive equipment that can be used in special education settings.
Enhancing Reading Skills
Reading is a fundamental skill, and students with SEN often benefit from targeted intervention. In our case, we employed several strategies:
Daily Reading Practices
Daily reading practices were central in our household. We read to our son and with him multiple times a day, including bedtime stories, alphabet books, and richly illustrated picture books. Additionally, we used Dr. Seuss and Sandra Boynton titles, as they are visually and linguistically engaging for young learners. To introduce new concepts, we rotated the books to prevent associations between letters, sounds, and specific stories.
Assistive Equipment for Letter and Sound Learning
Assistive equipment such as VHS tapes from the public library played a key role in teaching our son the alphabet. These tapes featured separate videos for lowercase and uppercase letters, incorporating finger tracing to connect letter names and sounds.
Systematic Phonics Instruction
We supplemented our daily reading with phonics primers, such as the SRA Phonics Readers, which laid the foundation for reading. We then moved on to easy reader books, including the 'Step Into Reading' series, and eventually progressed to Landmark Books. Dad's one-on-one reading sessions further reinforced these skills.
Mathematics and Arithmetic Teaching
For mathematics, we utilized various visual and interactive methods to engage our son. We began with number picture books, counting real objects, and using play money to teach concepts like place value and money skills. We also utilized play clocks, pie diagrams, and other models to introduce fractions.
Concrete Understanding
To foster a deeper understanding of arithmetic operations, we used tools like an abacus. Once our son had a solid grasp of the concepts, we introduced calculators for math problems, ensuring he understood the underlying operations.
Addressing Sensory Needs
Ensuring a calm and supportive environment is crucial for students with special education needs. Sensory needs were carefully managed, and we introduced various sensory activities that resonated with our son. These included:
Using Sensory Tools
For instance, we found that deep-pitched voices and certain music, like the Thomas the Tank Engine theme, troubled our son. Through prolonged exposure, he adapted to these triggers. We also utilized heavy or weighted blankets, which seemed to calm him during times of stress or activity.
Additionally, engaging in sensory activities such as playing with water and sand, or riding a rocking horse or swinging, provided therapeutic benefits. His junior high classroom even had a swing installed, further catering to his sensory needs.
The Role of Speech Pathologists
The speech pathologist at the public school played a significant role in our son’s development. She utilized computer software based on his favorite characters, such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Curious George, to enhance learning experiences. Social stories and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) were also used to develop appropriate behavior and communication skills.
Conclusion
The journey of teaching students with special education needs involves a combination of structured strategies and assistive technologies. By incorporating daily reading practices, utilizing visual aids and play-based activities, and providing a supportive sensory environment, educators can significantly enhance learning outcomes. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of each student is paramount in creating an inclusive and effective learning environment.