Clip from the talk Songs Sung and Unsung from Elder Holland.

Songs Sung and Unsung (Holland)

Welcome to Teaching Strategies for Children with Disabilities, a video series produced by Brigham Young University’s David O. McKay School of Education. 

Good Teaching is Good Teaching

Before beginning a lesson, it’s important that your students focus and understand what will be covered. To accomplish this, use an attention-getter.

Attention Getter

At the beginning of a lesson, it’s important to clearly state the lesson’s objective—and to do it at the students’ level of understanding.

State Objective

Be sensitive to students’ attention spans and create lessons that are tailored to their needs—doing so will help them better learn the lesson.

Attention Span

Often, lecturing is the default teaching technique; however, a technique that is more visual and kinesthetic in nature is often better, especially with students who have special needs.

Using Visual Aids

When asking students questions, teachers often do not wait long enough for an answer. Waiting for a longer period of time—up to five or ten seconds—allows students to better contemplate questions.

Wait Time

When active participation techniques are employed in the classroom, all children have the opportunity to engage with the lesson.

Active Participation

Employing music and drama in the classroom can be highly effective, especially for students with special needs. When children learn songs and engage in role playing, their learning becomes active.

Music and Drama

Having a clear classroom schedule for students can help reduce their anxiety.

Using a Schedule to Help Reduce Anxiety

Teachers can be quick to point out bad behavior—but it’s also important to point out good behavior, as well.

Positive Behavior Strategies

Many of us struggle to accept and include people who have disabilities. Even at church. Watch this video and learn what you can do to make a difference in the life of someone with a disability.

Two Purposes: Accepting and Including People with Disabilities

Elder Olson talks about his experiences serving as a young Church-service missionary.

Able to Serve

Though Brynn from Connecticut has only one hand, her motto is to always “lend a helping hand” at home, at school, at church, and at play.

Brynn

A 13-year-old boy in Arizona fulfilled his Duty to God by pushing himself to the limit so that his friend, who has cerebral palsy, could participate with him in a triathlon.

Dayton's Legs

Allergic to many foods, Ellen Joy from North Carolina helps other children stay safefrom allergies and encourages them to stand up for their own health.

Ellen Joy

Watch how this couple demonstrates pure love and service in their marriage—even though they have to endure debilitating physical adversity.

Enduring Love

See how faith and love can remain strong through the challenges and the changing seasons of our lives.

In Sickness and Health

Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of selfless service. In this original short film, we meet people discovering the power of living that simple principle.

Lift

Learn about Hannah's relationship with her brother Hyrum who has autism, and how she exemplifies Christlike love. Everyone deserves to be loved and valued, no matter how different they are from you.

My Brother Hyrum

Elder Ito doesn’t allow his disability to stop him from serving as a young Church-service missionary following the loss of a loved one.

Serving with a Great Purpose

After a debilitating bicycle accident, Emmannuel Nochi discovered he still could still serve a mission as a young Church-service missionary.

The Lord Provides a Way

Katie, who was paralyzed in an auto accident, shares how she exercises her faith to embrace her new life.

Trial of Adversity

Two families share how they have seen the works of God made manifest in their lives as ward members reach out in love and understanding.

Works of God

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