Reflection

What makes the inclusion of children with exceptionalities successful?

I think that the use of modifications for assignments, such as visuals, manipulative tools and assistive technology is essential for the student’s success. Also the teacher needs constant training to learn new ways to help the exceptional children in their learning process. Co-teaching with the support staff, planning and modifying assignments for the student will make inclusion successful. The students in the classroom play a special role in the success of the exceptional children by assisting and guiding.

What are some barriers to successful inclusion?

One of the barriers that we can find for a successful inclusion is the teacher’s fear of losing control over the classroom and not knowing how to handle the situation with a student who learns in a different way. In my school, the EC teachers sometimes can’t give the support in the classroom because of the different schedules and have to pull out the student to another setting.

Who should be included in the general classroom?

In my experience, the students who are with learning disabilities such as autism, ADHD, mental retardation can be included in the general classroom. I think these students have the opportunity to learn and feel part of the class.

How can you determine if inclusion is appropriate for a child?

To decide if the inclusion is appropriate for a child, we have to review the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Individualize Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals to see if the inclusion setting will be appropriate for the student.

Inclusion

I believe that inclusion is beneficial for the student because they can learn from their peers. At my school, children with autism and learning disability are in the inclusion setting. Other students guide and assist them. Sometimes the teachers who give services like EC and OT pull them out of the classroom. On other occasions we see the EC teachers working with the students in the classroom. The EC teachers also assist the classroom teacher with modifications for the students that need them. I think that inclusion is great if you as a teacher have the support, training and knowledge to meet the student’s needs.

Assistive Technology

I'm not using assistive technology right now, but I believe that it is essential for education and for meeting the children's needs. When I was growing up in my country, we didn't have any tools that helped children with specials needs in their process of learning. They were expected to do the same task and work that a regular student did. I would definitely like to learn more about assistive technology and use it in my classroom.

Task Analysis

The task analysis that I chose was created to help Oscar become more independent.  Oscar is always reminded of what he has to do next. I used the morning schedule when Oscar is expected to do his daily activities. The task analysis was done in English and Spanish so that the mother can practice with him at home.

Communication Strategies

In the class that I observed, communication strategies are used every day to help students communicate their needs and wants. They are also used to improve the social skills of the students, helping them to put in words what they feel or want. Oscar has improved a lot. In the beginning he was pointing and making noises. Now he said “My turn”, “Mio (that is mine)” and “Please.” The communication strategies are helping Oscar increase his vocabulary. The teacher says the word in English and Spanish and this has helped him. The speech therapist helps Oscar pronounce the words correctly by putting her hand near her mouth and saying the word slowly so that Oscar’s attention is focused on the word and he is able to repeat it.

Motor and Self Help Skills

Oscar is becoming more independent in his motor and self help skills. Oscar is able to serve himself fruit, cereal servings, bread, and other types of foods. He is also able to clean up after he eats, brush his teeth and wash hands. He is able to take off and put on his own shoes. Oscar needs assistance with toileting; he still uses diapers and it is hard for him to tell the teacher when he needs to use the bathroom when he is involved in an activity. I think Oscar’s gross and fine motor skills are developing according to what is expected for his age.

Social Story

I chose to write a social story for Oscar that shows different ways that he can approach other children and adults and express his needs and wants.  This story will have different settings and it has to do with the daily schedule. Oscar parallel plays with other children at the head start program. He is very quiet and points to what he wants. In the story I will include words that can express his needs like “I want, I like, I need”; also to express interest in playing with others “Can I play, can I have this toy?” I hope this book will help improve his communication skills.