How to Integrate Special Needs Students into the Classroom

The best tip for integrating students into the classroom is to be as prepared as you can. You need to know as much as you can about the students before hand. Know what their needs are, and make sure you look over their IEP's. Once they are in your classroom, make them a part of the class. To do this you must treat them like all the other students. Have this student participate just like any other student and make sure that they're involved in everything that goes on in the classroom. Treating them differently, or drawing attention to special accommodations needed is only going to make the children feel left out and isolated. They are learners just like every other student, and need the same acceptance.

To help them out, it's a good idea to give them a buddy or two to assist them with any needs, answer simple questions, and just be a pal. Their buddies can also help keep them on task and hold them accountable for doing their work. Chances are that someone is going to volunteer to be a buddy, but if no one does pick a responsible student you think can handle the job. Remember to set expectations and goals for them so that they grow as students. They are capable of learning and understanding, and shouldn't be babied or pampered. They may need some accommodations and a little more time, but they are capable of doing their work. It's also very important to make the students feel welcome and wanted. They aren't a nuisance or a waste of time, they are students who can learn and grow with the right help.

A great way to integrate special needs students is to do some research on the disability and/or special needs that the student has. The more knowledge you have about the students special needs, the easier it will be to accommodate those needs and feel at home. You also want your students to know about the disability or special needs so that they're sympathetic and understanding of their new classmate. This also decreases the chance of the new student getting bullied or picked on by the new student. It'll be easier to integrate the student in the classroom if he or she feels like you care and there's no better way of showing than learning everything you can about his or her specific condition.