Supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the classroom is crucial for creating an inclusive and effective learning environment. Remember, SEND students struggle to cope and sometimes mask. It is important to understand what is going on behind the mask and ensure they are okay. Here’s a top ten list of strategies for teachers to help SEND students:
As a teacher, supporting SEND children is not just an added responsibility but a vital one, as it can significantly impact their ability to cope and thrive in a school setting. The support and understanding they receive in the classroom can make the difference between a positive educational experience and one that hinders their progress. By providing the right accommodations, empathy, and encouragement, teachers play a crucial role in shaping these students' futures, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed both academically and personally.
Here are some tips to effectively help SEND students.
Tip #1 - Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Establish a positive, inclusive classroom culture where all students feel safe, respected, and valued. Use positive reinforcement to build confidence and encourage participation. Be open and honest, encourage the children to be open and honest with you and share their feelings if they want to. That way you can ensure they're feeling safe. Talk openly about disabilities and use PSE lessons to cover inclusivity and understanding with different disabilities.
Tip #2 - Personalised Learning Plans
Develop individualised education plans (IEPs) or use existing ones to tailor instruction to each student's specific needs. Adjust lesson content, delivery methods, and assessment techniques to suit their learning styles.
For example, if a student struggles writing, in math class, instead of getting the student to write their work, allow them to use physical counters or objects and then even use an ipad or computer to input their answers. Writing can be learned as a separate lesson, focusing on the student having the ability to show their skills in their own way is crucial. A student might have superior or decent math skills but if they can't show it due to not having adaptations, they might fall behind. Understanding and adaptations are key.
"I have discovered few learning disabled students in my three decades of teaching. I have, however, discovered many, many victims of teaching inabilities." - Marva Collins
Tip #3 - Short Breaks and Movement Opportunities
Incorporate short breaks into the lesson to help students stay focused. Allow them to move around the classroom when needed, as this can help with concentration and reduce anxiety. Forcing children to sit is counter-productive. Movement helps to regulate the nervous system for some students, specially SEN students. This will help them focus. Fidget toys and sensory equipment will help them focus. Science shows us that SEND students can lack pruning in the brain which would normally remove the neurons and synapses it does not need, so they are medically overwhelmed before they even enter the classroom. Ensure they have opportunities to de-stress and regulate.
Tip #4 - Differentiated Instruction
Differentiate your teaching by providing multiple ways to engage with the material. Use visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology to support diverse learning styles.
Tip #5 - Clear and Simple Instructions
Give clear, concise, and step-by-step instructions. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable parts and check for understanding before moving on. If a student doesn't understand, don't just assume they weren't listening. There are so many reasons they may not of heard or understood you, never take it personally. If the student still isn't understanding the lesson, consider creating some individual learning plans to teach them in another method.
Tip #6 - Use of Visual Timetables and Cues
Provide visual schedules and cues to help students understand the structure of the day and what to expect. This can reduce anxiety and help them transition between activities more smoothly. PECs are recommended by many professionals and can help the child to communicate as well as understand what is going to happen. Makaton is also useful, even if they don't use it back it can be a really good method of communication even one way. You can also use a diary and log what lessons will happen if a student struggles with the uncertainty.
Tip #7 - Private Check-ins
Regularly check in with students privately to ask if they need support. This can make them feel more comfortable expressing concerns or asking for help without feeling singled out.
Tip #8 - Implement Sensory Friendly Strategies
Adjust the classroom environment to accommodate sensory needs. This might include providing noise-canceling headphones, offering fidget tools, or creating a quiet corner where students can go if they feel overwhelmed. Ensure, if you can, that the lightbulbs are modern LED bulbs and not too bright. Older lights can appear to flash for some SEND children, this can scare them or appear distracting. Imagine the whole room flashing while you're trying to work! No wonder they can get overwhelmed.
Tip #9 - Mental Health and Well-being Activities
Incorporate mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other mental health activities into the daily routine. Additionally, integrate sensory techniques and equipment, such as stress balls, weighted blankets, or calming sensory corners, to help students self-regulate and manage overstimulation. These approaches can support all students, especially those with SEND, in managing stress, emotions, and sensory needs, fostering a more balanced and focused learning environment.
Tip #10 - Collaborate with Support Staff and Specialists
Work closely with teaching assistants, special education coordinators, and external specialists to ensure that students receive the necessary support. Regular communication can help tailor interventions and strategies to each student's needs. Most importantly, talk to parents. Find out how they feel and what they think will help. Take their concerns seriously and communcate effectively about the child reguarly. It is advisable to have regularly termly meetings to discuss the child.
Don’t Forget,
By implementing these strategies, you not only provide crucial support to SEND students but also show them that they are valued and understood. A bit of kindness and understanding can make all the difference, empowering these children to overcome challenges and thrive in their educational journey. Your efforts today can help shape a brighter, more successful future for them. Just the fact you've read this article shows your genuine interest in their well-being, and they're lucky to have you!
