Resources for Teaching Special Education Students at Home
With nationwide school closures and many summer camps and activities canceled for summer, parents have taken on the role of teacher, principal, cafeteria cook, tutor and entertainer while trying to work from productively.
However, there is population of Americans who may need extra help this new normal – parents and caretakers of students with special abilities.
I know this to be true because my sister, Kia, has Down syndrome. She thrives best when there is a routine in place, and we all know that COVID-19 and routine are few and far between.
In an effort to share best practices and help another family, I have compiled a list of helpful hints, courtesy of Down Syndrome Indiana and Paula Kluth for remote learning. While some of these tips are geared toward individuals with special abilities, all of the tips can be adapted to any learning level.
1. Create a designated work area. At school, students have assigned seats or areas where they complete their work. Set this same expectation and allow the focus to be on schoolwork when they enter this designated work area. This area can be anywhere in your house but be sure that there are limited distractions. We have found our kitchen table to be the best place.
2. Prepare materials the night before. After your child goes to bed, set out tomorrow’s work. Be sure to have all your supplies you need such as pencils, notebooks and printed materials. When preparing your materials, try to add subject variety. Maybe you want to start with math and then science followed by reading. This is also a great opportunity to use a “First Then” board with your reinforcers – “First we do math, then we do science.”
3. Adapt to your student. Be realistic with your expectations. It is OK to take breaks. It is OK to have iPad time. It is OK to restructure your day. But remember, you still want to stress the importance of structure and create a new routine in this new normal.
4. Allow technology to be your assistant. Let’s be honest, you can’t work from home and teach your student. Allow technology to be your friend! Want to keep track of how much time is left in the math block? Use a visual timer. Want to help your student with reading? Use a Site Word app.
5. Give yourself grace. This new normal is just that – new. If you feel stressed and it is understandable if you are, your student will pick up on that. In order to be good at something, you must continue to work at it and surround yourself with resources and support. If you would like to talk to others in the special abilities’ community to get tips, tricks and ideas, search Down Syndrome Indiana on Facebook and join in on the virtual support groups.
As the self-proclaimed quote queen, I’ll leave you with this applicable yet empowering quote from Margaret Shafer, a third -grade teacher in Morton, Illinois:
“I do believe that a lot of wonderful learning can take place for special education students at home. However, special education is a complex web of strategies and activities dependent upon student needs, and at home, students are not likely to get the academic learning they would receive in the classroom. Still, we have no choice but to try.
Until next time jumpstarters,
Kirsten
