The Ten Commandments of Teaching Students With Special Needs
By: Joyce Inouye
"Special need" students, estimated by some at 20 percent, are students who have school learning difficulties and differences for which there is no apparent explanation. These difficulties and differences cannot be attributed to a low IQ or to a physical, emotional or neuro-motor problem. Yet, “special need” students find difficulty learning within the curriculum expectations in school.
Within all school systems, private and public, every classroom has "special need" students. Whether the difficulty is short-term, long-term or lifelong, this difficulty exists. Our challenge as Christian administrators and teachers is to help the "special need" student “find rest for their soul” by growing in their relationship in Jesus Christ as we build upon their area(s) of weaknesses. It is vital that we encourage them in their identity of the "Truth and Promises" God has given to them as their Creator, Mastermaker and Savior. The “Ten Commandments of Teaching Students with Special Needs” are a "tool and weapon" for the battles you are facing.
Commandment I—Thou shall know that this student is placed in your classroom because of God's divine plan.
Placement of students in your classroom is not an administrative decision, one by referral or by intellect. Placement is because of God's design. Your students are in your life for your refinement, just as you are in their lives for their refinement. God is providing opportunities for growth and refinement for both of you. Are you willing to be further refined into what God wants you to become through this student?
Commandment II—You shall have no other resource or strategy before Me.
Gaining awareness of your student's "special needs" is a necessary and powerful tool. Wanting quick answers to solve concerns may seem enticing, yet when "speed" comes versus accuracy. our actions can lead to consumption of time, emotion and finances. We must remember that it is not by might, knowledge, credentials or curriculum, but by His Holy Spirit that we can not only teach this student, but actually reach them in life-influencing ways.
Commandment III—Thou shall not diagnose a student without the use of a multidisciplinary team effort.
It is important to get the confidential opinion of the school administrators and other professionals who know this student and have worked with him or her. Working together as a "Multidisciplinary Team" allows an avenue where strengths and weaknesses can be confirmed. Some students may have outside school help, and discovering this information and asking them to join into the “Multidisciplinary Team” for this student will be extremely helpful. The "Team” effort lessens the possibility of a misdiagnosis and mis-direction because many special needs characteristics fall under an "umbrella" of related symptoms. Having more information regarding the special needs of your students will provide accuracy in how to minister and accommodate for their needs.
Commandment IV—Thou shall not discourage any "excitement" within your student's heart.
Jesus delights in our excitement like a father as he watches his child ride a bike, pick a flower or laugh with joy. Will our students feel the love of Jesus by the way we listen to them, instruct them or encourage them? What about those times when our patience runs thin and we are not as willing or as flexible as they need.? Will our ways make them feel like we "despise" them for bothering us and causing more work? Do we value the exciting times our students share only when it is convenient for us?
Commandment V—Thou shall give thyself grace.
Teaching students with "special needs" can challenge our abilities. It can bring the best out in us, as well as our worst. At times, this becomes an emotional "roller-coaster" that can be discouraging and allow doubt and insecurities to surface. Today, few private Christian schools have "special need" programs for those who learn differently. Today, special need students are entering into your classroom. Yet, your students are in a Christian school because you seek to teach them. God creates a "special need" program within you because you care. Because of your love, this student is in a school that provides hope and identity in Jesus Christ versus one’s accomplishments in the grades. How can you not give yourself grace?
Commandment VI—Honor your administration and those placed in positions above you.
God will place others in authority over you. It is Biblical to honor them and be obedient to their commands. Your submission to the authorities in your life, whether you agree with them or not, will become a mighty example of trust to your students. Honor your authorities, and know faithfully that, then, you are honoring God, who truly is the one in control. Remember to ask God how you can support your administrators or authorities, and pray for their leadership.
Commandment VII—Thou shall know the difference between "challenging" your special needs student versus asking them for something outside of their abilities.
God allows us to experience only that which He knows we can handle. We trust that in all situations, no matter how difficult, God has given us His promise that we will survive. Can our students have this kind of faith in us? Can they trust our discernment of their challenges, so that they will persevere versus give up? Observable signs such as an eagerness to learn, willing participation and happy students versus those who withdraw, are absence and are apathetic are visible signs in which we can discern whether a challenge is appropriate or not. What do you see when you teach your students?
Commandment VIII—Thou shall recognize how a student learns best, and teach through this way.
Jesus was a multi-sensory God. He uses every modality to teach and reach, to minister and touch. Not only did He use styles of learning, or multiple intelligences, He met others where they were most comfortable and most familiar. Teach using a student's abilities, hobbies, interests, work pace, attention span and temperament. Find out what your student likes, their joys, fears, hopes and dreams, and use them in your lessons. Attention, understanding, esteem, desire and memory will be heightened as you seek to personalize the lessons you teach. In making your lessons personalized positively, your student will not only learn what you are teaching better, but remember what you did the rest of their lives.
Commandment IX—Thou shall teach what is necessary, not just what is convenient.
Are you teaching what is necessary? Are there things that can be omitted, changed or re-done? The world our students live in is technical, interactive and quick in speed. Time management, organizational skills, study skills, speaking abilities, listening abilities, reading comprehension, social skills, sensitivity, discernment, prayer and applying God's Word in one's life all are vital and necessary. Knowledge of the tools of technology such as the computer, calculator, organizational pilot, digital phone and keyboard are empowering. Build upon these skills, and discern why you teach what you do. We want our students to succeed in our classrooms, but, more importantly, we want them to succeed in the life outside of our classrooms.
Commandment X—Thou shall teach your students about Me, so no other God's will be before Me.
God has given you the greatest opportunity to give the greatest lesson in your student’s lives. This lesson is to teach your students about God and build their knowledge of who He is to them, and who they are to Him. In knowing God, they will have God's perspective about themselves and their personal lives.
Joyce Inouye, M.A.Ed., is a specialist in Learning Disabilities and Special Learning Needs. Her Web Site, www.ChildD.org, (Christian Help In Learning Disabilities Differences) holds a plethora of invaluable information for parents, teachers and administrators seeking assistance in the area of learning disabilities and special learning needs.
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Product Roundup
Super-Auggie from RJ Cooper
Super-Auggie is a relatively inexpensive, dynamic display augmentative communication device for non-speaking persons. It is a fully operational Windows XP computer and also functions as a 'talker' for autistic or physically disabled persons. It is lightweight with a 12-inch, full-color screen. RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc. has been providing special solutions like Super-Auggie since 1983 and is a respected name in the Assistive Technology field. They also make many computer software programs and hardware input devices for special needs.
www.rjcooper.com
Bonnie Terry Learning Pack
Typically, when a student is having difficulties in school or dislikes reading, it is because there is a learning problem. There are nine areas of vision perception and nine areas of auditory perception that affect learning. When a student has a problem in just one of these areas, it can make learning difficult. The Bonnie Terry Learning Pack consists of three components, including five books; a learning difficulty, learning disabilities and dyslexia report; and a spelling video. Through the program, teachers can help students become fluent readers, proficient spellers and confident writers.
www.bonnieterrylearning.com
ECLG’s Transitions Video Curricula Series
The ECLG’s Transitions Video Curricula Series feature real-life peers with learning differences in various stages of successful transitions. The series focuses on topics like understanding your learning difference, understanding the differences between your current situation and the one to which you are transitioning and becoming an effective self advocate. Because the messages are delivered by “similar peer models,” a key component of training students in positive self-efficacy beliefs, the series has proven to be effective at inspiring, motivating and encouraging students of all learning styles.
www.eclg.com
My Father's World
My Father's World offers a year-long learning adventure for young children (as well as curriculum for students through the 8th grade). The complete kindergarten curriculum contains all necessary subjects and is ideal for a classroom with students of varied abilities. The first two weeks focus on the creation story from Genesis, followed by 26 hands-on units that focus on the wonders in God’s creation. Reading, math, science, Bible, creative thinking, character development and art are all integrated into the 26 easy-to-teach thematic units. The sun, moon, rocks, vegetables, elephants, butterflies and dinosaurs are just a few of the exciting topics you will explore. Each six-day unit focuses on one alphabet letter and one corresponding science topic. For example, in Lesson 1, "S-s-sun," students learn letter "s" and number 1, study about the sun, construct and use a sundial, observe and chart grapes as they become raisins, paint a sun, listen to a funny book about shadows, and learn that, like the sun, Jesus is the light of the world.
www.mfwbooks.com.
