Adapting the Way a Child Responds in the Classroom

Introduction

There are numerous ways in which a child can exhibit his/her knowledge. A very important option when working with children with special needs will be to offer options that take into account leaning style, modality strengths i.e. visual learner, age, developmental motor skills, and attention span. Another very important factor in adapting the curriculum is to consider the use of a variety of response modes for the child with a disability. Providing many different options will increase the likelihood of success. As parents these different ways of presenting knowledge are thing that can be discussed with teachers to ensure that your child has a successful experience.

 

Some options for changing response mode include:

animated movie                                              game board

commentary                                                    poster

book                                                              speech

display                                                           mobile

scavenger hunt                                                tape

panel discussion                                              tour

interview                                                         charades

portrait                                                           television show

pantomime                                                     invention

play                                                               radio

model                                                            radio commercial

skit                                                                puppet show

song                                                             slide presentation

report                                                            bulletin board

poem                                                             cookbook

puzzle                                                            telephone talk

map                                                               maze

cartoon                                                           show case

magazine                                                       banner

comic strip                                                      visual art form

diorama                                                         script

brochure                                                        brainteasers

collage                                                          diary

newspaper                                                     time capsule

blueprint                                                       video tape recording

survey                                                          mural

sculpture                                                      timeline

 

In conclusion, there are numerous ways to present, record, and ask children to respond to curriculum material. It is our job as educators and parents to ensure that we have done everything possible to help children succeed and gain a sense of accomplishment in school.  Since there are so many options in adapting the curriculum available to us, it is crucial that we explore and try these options. You never know what works.