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How to Create Inclusive Lesson Plans for Students with Special Educational Needs

Creating inclusive lesson plans for student with special educational needs is essential in fostering an environment where all learners can thrive. Inclusive education ensures that every student, regardless of their abilities, has access to meaningful learning experiences.

This article aims to guide educators through the process of developing inclusive lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of children.

Understanding Inclusive Education

Inclusive education refers to teaching practices that accommodate all students, including those with special educational needs. This approach promotes diversity, encourages collaboration, and recognises the unique contributions of every student.

An inclusive classroom benefits not only those with additional needs but enhances the learning experience for all students.

Step 1: Know Your Students

Assess individual needs.

Before creating lesson plans, it’s crucial to understand the specific needs of your students. Conduct assessments that cover:

• Learning Styles : Determine if students prefer visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learning methods.
• Strengths and Challenges : Identify each student’s strengths, and areas where they may struggle.
• IEP Goals : Review Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) to align your lesson objectives with students’ specific goals.

Foster Open Communication

Encourage open dialogue with students, parents, and support staff. Understanding their perspectives will provide valuable insights into effective teaching strategies.

Step 2: Set Clear Objectives

Establish inclusive goals.

Your lesson objectives should be clear and achievable for all students. Use SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to formulate goals that are inclusive. For example, instead of saying, “Students will read a chapter,” specify, “Students will read and summarise the main ideas of a chapter using graphic organisers.”

Step 3: Differentiate Instruction

Use varied teaching methods.

Incorporate a variety of instructional strategies to address different learning styles. Here are some effective methods:

• Visual Aids : Use charts, images, and videos to support visual learners.
• Hands-On Activities : Implement interactive activities that cater to kinaesthetic learners.
• Group Work : Facilitate collaborative learning through group projects, allowing students to share their strengths.

Offer Multiple Ways to Engage

Provide various ways for students to engage with the material. For instance, you could:

• Allow students to choose between writing a report or creating a presentation.
• Use technology, such as educational apps or interactive whiteboards, to enhance engagement.

Step 4: Create Accessible Materials

Simplify resources.

Ensure that all learning materials are accessible to special needs students. This can involve:

• Adapting Texts : Use simplified language or provide summaries for complex readings.
• Alternative Formats : Offer resources in different formats, such as audiobooks or visual presentations, to cater to diverse needs.

Provide Supportive Tools

Incorporate assistive technologies and tools to aid learning. Examples include:

• Speech-to-text software for students with writing difficulties.
• Graphic organisers to help students structure their thoughts.

Step 5: Foster a Supportive Environment

Encourage collaboration.

Create a classroom culture that promotes teamwork and respect. Encourage students to support one another, fostering peer relationships that enhance learning.

Set Up a Safe Space

Establish a safe and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable expressing their needs. Consider implementing:

• Quiet Areas : Designate spaces for students who may need a break.
• Positive Reinforcement : Use encouragement to build confidence and motivate all learners.

Step 6: Evaluate and Reflect

Assess student progress.

Regularly assess student understanding and progress towards objectives. Use various assessment methods, such as:

• Formative Assessments : Conduct quizzes, observations, or informal check-ins throughout the lesson.
• Summative Assessments : Evaluate overall learning at the end of a unit using projects or tests tailored to different abilities.

Creating inclusive lesson plans for special needs students is essential for fostering an environment where all learners can thrive. Inclusive education not only benefits students with special needs but enriches the learning experience for everyone. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on developing inclusive lesson plans, focusing on the technical aspects necessary for successful implementation.

Read More: What is the Importance of Inclusive Education?

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If you are interested in our Inclusive Education qualifications you can book a consultation call  with our expert advisor, Sarah Coyne, email  [email protected]  or call 01 892 0028.

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Lesson Plans For Special Education

Why does it seem like when we are looking for lesson plans for special education , there is a whole lot of reinventing the wheel going on? That’s because THERE IS. As Special Educators, we are constantly looking for lessons that we can differentiate, adapt, or modify, to reach all the various levels and needs of students in our classrooms. It shouldn’t still be this difficult after all this time, to find lesson plans for special education that are usable, practical, & relevant. If you’re looking for activities and lesson plans for special education, (which of course you are, since you’re here) keep reading!! Below, I break down an easier way to lesson plan, give you lesson plan ideas, and list out lots of sites & resources that are great for special education classrooms. Let’s get to it!

When it comes to lesson planning for special education , it’s a great idea to have a general plan for each class period. Every class period should follow some kind of routine. This makes planning a lot easier, no matter what topic you’re teaching that day.

A rough breakdown could look something like this:

Warm up activity

• Depending on what class you teach, this could be a few simple math problems, a puzzle, a matching activity, or a simple vocational task the student can complete This gets the student in the mindset for learning and also gives you a few minutes to get yourself prepared.

Instruction

• I love using power points for my whole class instruction. Most students are more interested and will engage/participate more when I use power points or project stories, activities, etc., on the smart board.  Each day I find something to project (story, instructional power point). For our lower functioning learners, or learners with shorter attention spans, their attention is held by the screen and pictures (not too cluttery!). It works even better if you can find something interactive.

Group Activity/ Guided Learning

• Doing a group activity to help review the materials taught is helpful. You can do a hands on activity, a game, or even something simple like answering comprehension questions together as a class.

Independent Work

• Give your students an activity to work on that they can complete as independently as possible. Again if you can’t think of something, you could give students the same comprehension questions you just went over as a class to see how they do on their own.
• This can also be things like writing prompts, picture prompts, matching activities, sequencing, sorting, word search, crossword puzzle, file folder activity etc.

Wrap up/Closing

• Review as a class what was covered today.
• Have students do an ‘exit ticket’ of 1, 2, or 3 things they learned today, something they want to learn more about, what did they like or dislike about today etc.
• Most of our students are always looking forward to the end of class/activities so they can have break time. Sometimes it’s also hard to plan exactly to the end of the period, so a little buffer time for students to calm down and give their brains a break is well deserved.
• Students could get on the computer, their phones (if being appropriate), puzzles, play games, etc.

This is a general template for a teaching period. You can change as you see fit to meet the needs of your students. Sometimes your students may need more breaks, try to fit these into your scheduling if possible, so you can maximize instruction time.

Looking for a more detailed description of how to write lesson plans for special education? Are you looking for a template for special education lesson plans? Here’s a rundown of how to plan/write lesson plans for special education regardless of the topic.

When it comes to specific lesson planning, you can follow this template and guide. This will give you more detail on how to plan for specific units or lessons. Depending on the level of students you teach, this may be helpful, so check it out!

Sometimes we don’t even know where to start when are given a new class to teach. Looking at a list of lesson plans for special education can trigger our minds to where we want the direction of our class to go. We just need a starting point. Next, choose a unit to focus on. After you have a unit, you can break it down into smaller lessons and set lesson objectives. Then you can plan specific instruction, small group or independent activities, and more.

Are you looking for supplemental activities/sites that you can use as part of extending your lesson plans for special education ?

Here are some great websites (some free and some paid) that have great resources to use in your classrooms today.

Reading A-Z

Raz-Kids.com

Tarheelreader.org

Storylineonline.com

Specialedlessonplans.com

Superteacherworksheets.com

Scholastic.com

K5learning.com

Edhelper.com

AttainmentCompany.com

Math-drills.com

Mathplayground.com

Life Skills:

News2you.n2y.com

SpecialEdLessonPlans.com

Science/History:

BrainPop.com

Science A-Z

How Stuff Works

Nat Geo Kids

Time for Kids

Speechbuddy.com

Thespeechbubbleslp.com

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Your One-Stop Shop for Special Education Lesson Plans and Resources

TeachTastic Publishing provides a wide range of resources and materials that are specifically designed to support special education teachers in creating effective lesson plans and teaching students with diverse learning needs.

With a variety of materials available for students with different levels of prior learning and learning disabilities, TeachTastic Publishing provides a comprehensive suite of resources that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

Free Lesson Plan Templates

Whether a teacher is looking for free lesson plans, examples of effective accommodations and modifications in a lesson plan, or strategies for integrating technology into the classroom, TeachTastic Publishing has everything that a special education teacher needs to help their students succeed.

Learn How Our Special Education Lesson Plans Can Help Your Students in all Content Areas

And if you ever get stuck just give us a help request - we are always here ready help out with anything you might need along the way. so what are you waiting for get started on making this school year amazing right now by bookmarking or sharing our smart iep goals and objectives bank today.

Special education lesson plans that are scaffolded and differentiated for students with diverse learning needs.

Lesson plans cover math, reading, and writing and are designed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of prior knowledge or learning disability.

Curriculum for kindergarten through 6th grade includes all major learning objectives.

Nothing makes a special education lesson better than having built-in direct instruction that students understand, along with tips for many learning disabilities.

Providing educators with easy-to-follow directions, thoughtful teaching tip ideas, free resources, and classroom activities to use to help their students with special needs.

Our Comprehensive Curriculum Covers All Major Learning Objectives for Special Education Students in Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade

At TeachTastic Publishing, we provide a comprehensive special education curriculum tailored to meet the needs of students with diverse learning needs. Our curriculum is available for kindergarten through 6th-grade students and covers all major learning objectives. We offer math, reading, and writing lessons that are scaffolded and differentiated for all learning disabilities, ensuring every student has access to quality education and equal opportunities for success.

Our Lesson Plans

Scaffolding and differentiation strategies for teaching math to special education students.

Improve Reading Comprehension and Fluency with Our Special Education Lesson Plans and Resources

TeachTastic Publishing's reading lesson plans help students with diverse learning needs improve their decoding, comprehension, and fluency skills. We offer differentiated and scaffolded lesson plans for all learning disabilities, making reading accessible to every student. Our reading lesson plans include strategies such as leveled readers, graphic organizers, guided reading, story mapping, and phonemic awareness activities, ensuring that students learn and make progress.

Enhance Writing Skills with Our Specially Designed Lesson Plans for Special Education Students

Writing Lesson Plans TeachTastic Publishing's writing lesson plans are designed to help students with diverse learning needs develop their writing skills. We offer differentiated and scaffolded lesson plans for all learning disabilities, making writing accessible to every student. Our writing lesson plans include strategies such as assistive technology integration, graphic organizers, sentence combining activities, error analysis, and self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), ensuring students improve their writing skills and self-esteem.

Learn How to Differentiate InstructionforSpecial Education Students with Diverse Learning Needs

Differentiation Strategies At TeachTastic Publishing, we understand the importance of differentiation in meeting the needs of students with diverse learning needs. Our lesson plans include differentiation strategies that provide multiple ways for students to engage with the content and demonstrate their understanding. Our differentiation strategies include strategies for math, reading, and writing lessons and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Math Lesson Plans TeachTastic Publishing’s math lesson plans are designed to help students with diverse learning needs understand mathematical concepts.  

We offer differentiated and scaffolded lesson plans for all learning disabilities, making math accessible to every student. Our math lesson plans include strategies such as modified worksheets, task analysis, graphic organizers, peer tutoring, and mnemonics, ensuring that students understand the material and make progress.

Even More Lesson Plans

Incorporate Direct Instruction Strategies into Your Lesson Plans for Maximum Student Learning & Success

Direct Instruction TeachTastic Publishing’s lesson plans include built-in direct instruction to help students understand and retain the material. Our direct instruction strategies are designed to be engaging and effective for students with diverse learning needs. Our direct instruction strategies include strategies for math, reading, and writing lessons and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.  

Empower Parents to Support Their Special Education Students' Learning with Our Free Parent Resources and Worksheets

Parent Resources TeachTastic Publishing provides resources for parents of special education students to support their child's learning at home. Our resources include worksheets and activities tailored to meet each student's individual needs, ensuring that parents can support their child's learning and growth.

Create Effective Lesson Plans with Our Time-Saving Resources and Curriculum

At TeachTastic Publishing, we understand the importance of regular lesson planning and instruction for students with diverse learning needs. Our lesson plans are designed to be used on a regular basis, ensuring that students receive consistent instruction and support. Our curriculum is designed to be taught over the course of a school year, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to learn and grow.

Find Support and Resources for Special Education Teachers to Create Effective and Inclusive Lesson Plans

Special Education Teachers Our special education lesson plans are designed for special education teachers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to create effective and inclusive lesson plans. Our lesson plans are easy to use and can be adapted to meet the individual needs of each student, making lesson planning less time-consuming and more effective.

Track and Monitor Your Special Education Students' Progress with Our Comprehensive Assessment Tools

Student Progress At TeachTastic Publishing, we believe that tracking student progress is essential to meeting their individual needs. Our lesson plans include assessments tailored to the individual needs of each student, such as alternative assessments or modified grading scales. Our assessments are designed to evaluate student progress toward meeting the objectives of each lesson, ensuring that every student makes progress and achieves their goals.

Access Free Resources and Worksheets to Support Your Special Education Lesson Plans and Instruction

Special Education Resources TeachTastic Publishing provides many free resources and classroom activities to supplement our lesson plans and support student learning. Our free resources include worksheets and classroom activities tailored to meet the needs of students with diverse learning needs. Our classroom activities are engaging and effective for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring they progress and enjoy their education.

Engage Your Special Education Students with Hands-On Classroom Activities for Every Learning Style

Classroom Activities TeachTastic Publishing's lesson plans include many classroom activities that are designed to reinforce learning and engage students. Our classroom activities are effective for students with diverse learning needs and are tailored to meet the objectives of each lesson plan. Our classroom activities include hands-on, group, and independent activities, ensuring that every student can learn and grow.

Special Education and Needs Resources

Get Help Teaching Special Needs Students

Special education resources by topic.

Accommodations and Environment Curriculum Support IEP Resources Behavior Management Special Education Inclusion

Understanding that special education resources are applicable to both general education and special education teachers alike, TeacherVision provides resources that can be used as part of an IEP both in the general education classroom and in specialist resources rooms. Our resources have been curated from leading special education partners and publishers, and are easily categorized for the most common uses by both generalists and specialists.

What Is Special Education?

Special education can generally be defined as the integration of instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, developmental, and curricular support services and strategies designed to help students with disabilities learn. Special education resources and services are usually delivered across a variety of school settings, depending on the needs of the child and the availability of school staff and environment.

Some special education students may spend part of their time in an integrated classroom, receiving instruction from generalists and interacting with classmates, with scheduled interventions from specialists (speech, language, behavioral, physical therapy, etc.). Others may spend the bulk of their time in dedicated special services environments, with specialized physical, developmental, and learning supports.

Most students designated for special education services will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). IEP special education services take into account the varying needs among special education students, and tailor learning and specialized services for each individual student. In most cases, an IEP special education plan involves the development and implementation of specific accommodations designed to meet the needs of each individual student, both in the general education classroom and in specialist resource rooms.

Accommodations and Environment

These special education classroom resources have been specially selected to help general and special education teachers with instructional and environmental accommodations and supports, such as assessment accommodation, special education classroom setup, accommodations for disabilities, and more.

Curriculum Support

These resources provide generalists and special education teachers with strategies and tools for developing and implementing special education curriculum supports. Included are special education lesson plans, special education activities, and other materials for academic instruction and support.

Behavior Management

Use these special education behavior management resources to plan and implement behavior management strategies in integrated and special education classrooms.

IEP Resources

This collection of IEP special education resources gives general education teachers, special education teachers, and parents all the IEP forms, accommodations, strategies, and advice necessary for planning and implementing an Individualized Education Plan in both the general ed classroom and specialist resource rooms.

Special Education Inclusion

Various techniques, tips, and suggestions for promoting special education inclusion in integrated general education classrooms are included in these resources, such as, using stories about children with disabilities to teach others, and proactive tips and effective techniques in your classroom.

Recommended Special Education and Needs Resources Resources

TEACHING RESOURCE

Teaching Students with Special Needs

Positive Descriptions of Student Behavior

What Is Comprehensible Input for ELL Students?

Using Multiple Intelligences in Testing & Assessment

Collaboration Between General and Special Education Teachers

Effective Accommodations for Students with IEPs

Scope of the Mathematics Curriculum

Teaching Mathematics to Gifted Students in a Mixed-Ability Classroom

Communicating with Culturally Diverse Parents of Exceptional Children

The IEP Cycle: The General Educator's Role

Frequently Asked Questions on Inclusion

Modifying Instruction: Teaching Students with ADD

Adapting Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science for the Inclusive Classroom

How to Manage Disruptive Behavior in Inclusive Classrooms

Structuring Lessons for Diverse Learners -- Planning Pyramid

Introduction to Portfolios

Proactive Measures for Behavior Management

Keys to Successful Inclusion

Accommodations Checklist

Six Principles of Effective Curriculum Design for Inclusive Classrooms

Repeated Reading

Collaboration in Today's Math Classroom

Planning Pyramid for Multi-Level Mathematics Instruction

Direct Skill Instruction for Students with Autism