Teaching Strategies for Children with Disabilities

Part 1: Good Teaching Is Good Teaching

Welcome to Teaching Strategies for Children with Disabilities, a video series produced by Brigham Young University’s David O. McKay School of Education. As you watch this series, remember that the teaching techniques described in each segment can apply to all students in the classroom, even if that particular technique is utilized for an individual student.

Part 2: Attention Getter

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

Part 3: State Objective

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.

Part 4: Attention Span

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

Part 5: Using Visual Aids

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.

Part 6: Wait Time

When asking students questions, teachers often do not wait long enough for an answer. Waiting for a longer period of time—up to 5 or 10 seconds—allows students to better contemplate questions.

Part 7: Active Participation

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

Part 8: Music and Drama

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.

Part 9: Using a Schedule to Help Reduce Anxiety

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

Part 10: Positive Behavior Strategies

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