GRADES 1-8
When putting together an academic program for Special Education students, the first thing one must keep in mind is to follow the IEP (individualized education program) for each student. Although teachers often feel pressure to follow the Course of Study for their particular school district, following the IEP is extremely important. Most learning disabled students need strong Language Arts and Math programs. On the IEPs, goals will usually be listed in these areas. Therefore, the major concern of a teacher setting up a program of this type the first time should be in establishing a strong Language Arts program.
Here are some basic ideas to keep in mind when establishing a Language Arts program for Special Ed students:
READING
The best thing one can do with special ed students in Language Arts is to establish a phonics program. As old as the idea may seem, teaching phonics to our students is valuable to the majority (but take care...it is NOT appropriate for all). I use Hooked on Phonics, but the Renee Herman is also good, especially for younger children.
If you use Hooked on Phonics, be sure that an adult works one on one with students. It's much more effective in the classroom than having the students work independently with the tapes!
SIGHT WORD VOCABULARY
A sight word approach is especially important for those students who do not appear to respond well to the phonics approach. This method may easily be worked into spelling, history, math, science, and of course, literature.
READ GRADE LEVEL BOOKS
One should read grade level books to the students--even if they do not have the decoding skills necessary to read them independently. By reading to them, the students can still enjoy, comprehend, compare and contrast these books! Special Education students have a right to be exposed to literature that those without special needs are reading!
When putting together an academic program for Special Education students, the first thing one must keep in mind is to follow the IEP (individualized education program) for each student. Although teachers often feel pressure to follow the Course of Study for their particular school district, following the IEP is extremely important. Most learning disabled students need strong Language Arts and Math programs. On the IEPs, goals will usually be listed in these areas. Therefore, the major concern of a teacher setting up a program of this type the first time should be in establishing a strong Language Arts program.
Here are some basic ideas to keep in mind when establishing a Language Arts program for Special Ed students:
READING
The best thing one can do with special ed students in Language Arts is to establish a phonics program. As old as the idea may seem, teaching phonics to our students is valuable to the majority (but take care...it is NOT appropriate for all). I use Hooked on Phonics, but the Renee Herman is also good, especially for younger children.
If you use Hooked on Phonics, be sure that an adult works one on one with students. It's much more effective in the classroom than having the students work independently with the tapes!
SIGHT WORD VOCABULARY
A sight word approach is especially important for those students who do not appear to respond well to the phonics approach. This method may easily be worked into spelling, history, math, science, and of course, literature.
READ GRADE LEVEL BOOKS
One should read grade level books to the students--even if they do not have the decoding skills necessary to read them independently. By reading to them, the students can still enjoy, comprehend, compare and contrast these books! Special Education students have a right to be exposed to literature that those without special needs are reading!
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