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
