Classroom Management In The Inclusive Classroom

Classroom management in the inclusive classroom can be a challenge. Teachers are responsible for creating a safe and positive environment for all students. Each child that walks into a classroom has unique needs, and finding ways to help all children succeed is an important factor in order to create an effective learning environment. In my classroom, I have several strategies to help children develop the behavior skills they need in order to be successful.

The Buddy System

Children want other children to be successful. If I have a child with behavioral issues, I partner them with a child who is a good role model and can provide them with an example of the behaviors that are expected in the classroom. This has had a positive outcome for both of the students. The student with the behavioral needs learns from their buddy, and their buddy learns to be accepting of children with a wide range of needs. One thing I have noticed, is that it is important to rotate partners. 

Visual Aids

Many students are visual learners. To help these children succeed in my classroom, I provide visual aids and reminders to the children who need additional support. For example, if I have a child who needs frequent reminders to stay on task, I hang a pictorial representation of the task in front of them. This is a wonderful tool to help children stay focused on the task at hand. Instead of verbally repeating the task to the child, I can simply point to the card that is hanging in front of the student. 

Flip Book For Transitions

Transitions can be difficult for students in the inclusive classroom. I use a flip book to show the child a picture of the transition we are making. For example, if it is time for lunch, I will hold up the card with children eating. If we are using the restroom, I will hold up a picture of children washing their hands to remind the child to use proper hygiene. This flip book has been a great tool in my classroom. The flip book eliminates the teacher having to repeat the directions several times. It is also a private reminder of what is about to happen, or what the child should be doing in classroom or hallway. 

You can find a copy of this flip book and the visual aids I use in my Teachers Pay Teachers store at the following link: Visual Aids For The Inclusive Classroom.


I hope you can use these strategies in your classroom!

Julie

Educating Everyone 4 Life

A Safe Classroom Environment

Children learn best when they feel safe and secure in the classroom. Creating an environment that is organized and where children are respected are essential components of successful classrooms.

As a veteran teacher, I can testify that children need high expectations, routines, and procedures in order to achieve to the best of their ability.

One of the ways I promote a safe classroom environment is by creating a social contract. I attended the Capturing Kids Hearts training during an in service before school started this year. I loved the social contract and implemented on the second day of school. Here is an example of the social contract my students and I created:

Allow your students the opportunity to make mistakes. Let them see you make a mistake. I always call my students my classroom family. In my classroom family we take turns, share, learn, make mistakes, and help each other along our educational journey.