Some people are naturally blessed with the ability to effectively teach people, including children. Teachers are regarded as second parents—responsible for taking care of and educating children at school and helping them cope with learning. That being said, becoming a teacher is a vocation and a calling. Thus, being an educator for children with special needs is very challenging.
Teachers deal with different types of children every day. An educator needs to have access to the right teaching tools and behavioral management techniques to better aid them with their responsibility.
Applied Behavioral Analysis Training can help empower educators to become effective in handling their students with special needs.
Today, we will be providing you with 5 ways to further aid you in supporting children with special needs.
Always Have a Backup Plan
While planning is inherent in teaching, having a backup plan will always help. When educating children with special needs, there should always be a plan B and a Plan C.
When things don’t turn out the way you planned, it’s good to have another one prepared. In unexpected cases, make sure that there is a space for you to calm down and collect yourself.
When handling students with special needs, it is important to be level-headed and patient. Applied Behavioral Analysis training can help you develop teaching plans by applying different behavioral management strategies that you can learn through the training process.
Maintain an Organized Classroom
Children with special needs are easily distracted. It is important to keep their focus by maintaining an organized space for them to learn. A disorganized classroom can hold them back from concentrating.
Organized classrooms provide a conducive setting for children with special needs to learn. Creating an environment where they can focus will help them not just in learning but also with their social interactions as well.
Maintaining an organized classroom will also mean helping them become organized as well. Use labels and checklists to aid them in properly arranging their things on their desks. A well-maintained and organized classroom creates a well-rounded learning atmosphere.
Utilize Different Methods To Teaching
One of the things that Applied Behavioral Analysis training can teach educators is recognizing each child’s unique learning preferences. Some children will be attentive to certain types of teaching while some will not. This is why an integrated type of teaching is effective.
To stimulate children and engage them in learning, make each lesson as multi-sensory as possible. Open opportunities for them to interact with their surroundings and their peers as well. Create tactile activities for children to participate in.
Auditory cues may also be used in instilling instruction to children. For instance, good behavior can be explained through a song, several teachers use this method in teaching children with special needs. Several students respond to auditory cues, it may be as simple as whistling or humming a tune- which can signify an instruction given by a teacher.
Create Simple, Smaller and Manageable Tasks
Applied Behavioral Analysis training can teach educators the importance of breaking down otherwise complex tasks, into a brief, and easy to comprehend instructions. At times, children with special needs find it difficult to process long, complex or several instructions. Using a much simpler and direct instruction will always be effective.
Bear in mind that some children with special needs may require more explanation to understand instruction. Using images and auditory cues may help them in processing the instruction effectively. Make sure that the student has complete comprehension before moving on and giving further instructions.
Provide Your Special Students a Chance for Success
Students with special needs are motivated by encouragement and positive reinforcement. As a teacher, you should be able to provide an environment for your students to learn, grow and succeed.
Often, special students feel demotivated when they feel they have not achieved something, ensure that they are appreciated and acknowledge even their smallest achievements.
Whether you’re new or a veteran to teaching students with special needs in the UAE, a proper Applied Behavioral Analysis training will go along way to improving your teaching methods.
Pulse Center is a trusted therapy and educational life center dedicated to teachers, parents and their children with special needs. Consult with our experts at Pulse Center now and get the necessary training for you.