Diverse Learners

Growing up it has been instilled in me that every person is different. This becomes even more prevalent as a teacher. If every student acted and learned in exact same way our job would be sometimes easier and a lot more simple. All you would have to do is find one way that works and keep going. However, that is not the case. As an inclusion teacher this is even more challenging. Teaching literacy to those children with special needs has always been a challenge for me to identify because the literacy might be different. However even though the exact procedure might differ, we teach our diverse students the same as main stream students.
The first few weeks of school it is important to focus on behavior, expectations, and building relationships. If the students cannot follow rules, know the routine, and respect you as a teacher, they will not learn. The same goes for our diverse learners. If a child with special needs feels like you judge them and believe they are worthless, they will live to that standard. Unfortunately by the time inclusions students get to me (5th grade) someone has already taught them their limitations and that it is okay not to try. To reverse this, they have to trust that you can believe in them even if they don't believe in them. You also have to be patient with them. Don't be quick to read something for them, don't embarras them in front of everyone else, allow them to grow at their own rate. Most importantly learn your students. Don't push too much, understand when they need a break, understand what triggers their shut downs, and find things to relate with them on. These are great strategies for diverse learners but they are good strategies to use for all students. From at- risk, middle of the road, and IEP students everyone wants someone to believe they can succeed and help them get their. These strategies will help you reach your students in all content areas.

What do you think is the most important strategy to reach diverse learners?