Educators are usually required to adjust their teaching strategies to cater to special needs learners. Usually, all learners benefit from adhering to proper teaching strategies. However, if a learner has challenges with learning, you may need to adapt those strategies just a bit.

Before Each Lesson

Before the lesson starts, you should pre-teach concepts and vocabulary. You can teach mental activities involved with listening while also providing a study worksheet. Conclude by giving a lecture outline.

Proper Lesson

When the lesson starts, use visuals available by overhead projectors or flashcards. Instruct the learners to take notes using markers. Also, teach them to use acronyms to assist with lists. Proceed to give explanations in detailed steps and provide directions.

Ensure the learners repeat all directions, and when giving the class directions, leave a pause between each of the steps so that learners can implement the process. Try to shorten the required listening time and give the learner different tasks.

If the learner has a challenge expressing themself, you can try to accept an alternative medium of sharing info. It is ideal to ask questions with short, direct answers while also providing a prompt. Give rules for the class discussion, such as hand raising and issue points for preparation and oral contributions. Teach the learners the need to ask questions while in class and teach language and body expressions.

Always wait for the learner’s response and avoid choosing the first learner that raises their hand. Ensure that the questions you ask are done at an informational level while giving facts. 

If the learner has challenges reading written texts, you should look for a written text at a lower level and remove the inappropriate material while rewriting the learner’s text. Upon taping the learner’s text, leave enough room for a parent to read the text out loud to the learner. 

Cut down the required reading time and search for the same content using a different medium, such as filmstrip. Provide the learner an alternate medium to contribute to the group, such as dramatizing and giving the learner some more time to read. One unique way to boost the learner’s chances of catching up is to motivate them and give them visual perspectives. Cut down on the materials that the learner will need to consume.

Learners Facing Challenges Writing Legibly

There are strategies you can apply if the learner is facing challenges with writing. You can use a format that doesn’t need much writing, such as matching and multiple-choice. Cut down the assignments that need copying, and use learning aids, as well.

Concluding Thoughts

If a learner still has difficulty expressing themself, make sure you allow them to express themselves in the best way for them. The learner will grow in this regard at his own pace with the necessary support.