The Instant Access Treasure Chest
The Foreign Language Teacher's Guide to Learning Disabilities
General Classroom Strategies for All Students
- The key word is structure therefore structure the learning environment
- Make students aware of the daily learning objectives, the route that the lesson will take, homework, and all announcements. Place this information in the same spot every day
- Do not group the students by ability. Other methods should be used: the last letter of their first name, the first number in their address, etc.
- Keep students aware of the goals for the class (first three weeks, first six weeks, etc.) This will help them to focus their learning
- BE CONSISTENT. This holds true for both discipline and classroom procedures
- Let the students assist in making up the classroom rules. This shifts some of the responsibility to them
- Keep lists of assignments and new material available in the classroom. This helps students who have been absent and helps those who are disorganized
- Start a "Most Improved" award. Give the award on a weekly basis. Use a reward system
- Change seat assignments periodically so that learners with special needs are not left to the side or the back
- Don't be afraid to delegate responsibilities (attendance taking, etc.) to learners with special needs
- Give equal wait time to all students to ensure their participation in class. This is very important in oral activities. Processing information/request takes time for the average students. Imagine how much time it could take the student with special needs
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© Sonja Moore, Virginia Commonwealth University. Updated May 1997.