Understanding The Special Needs Child

Slide 1: “Understanding the Special Needs Child.” IMPACT Volunteer Training Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002 10:30-11:15am

Slide 2: Definitions  The term “Special Needs” is being replaced by the term “Exceptional Learners.”  Exceptional Learners are, “those who require special education and related services if they are to realize their full human potential.”

Slide 3: Definitions (cont.)  Special education means, “specially designed instruction that meets the unusual needs of an exceptional student.”  Exceptional Learners are, “those who require special education and related services if they are to realize their full human potential.”

Slide 4: Exceptionalities  Exceptionalitiesmay involve and of the following abilities: – Sensory – Physical – Emotional – Communicative – Behavioral

Slide 5: The Fact...  One out of ever ten students in U.S. schools is considered exceptional.  These students are also in our church. We need to do whatever we can to accommodate these children and their families.

Slide 6: How to Recognize a Student with Special Needs  Difficultieswith attention and concentration.  Difficulty with getting along with others.  Easily frustrated.  Impulsive inactions.  Continual restlessness.  Poor self-concept.

Slide 7: Successful Methods  Nurture strong leader-child relationships.  Spend time to develop a well- planned lesson.  Establish a positive, warm, inviting mood.  Establish rules.  Develop consistent routines for class time.  Promote “time-on-task.

Slide 8: Successful Methods (cont.)  Choose meaningful activities. – Short, with limited instruction. – Keep the leader free to move about with the children. – Allow all children to be successful. – Build a strong sense of belonging. – Provide alternative activities to accommodate a variety of abilities.  Pray for and minister children outside of the church.

Slide 9: Creating an Atmosphere for Learning for LD & BD Children  Maintain a “calm” environment, free from excess noise or activity.  Place them in “traffic” areas of the room.  Seat them near the leader. A gently touch on the should will often refocus and settle them.

Slide 10: Creating an Atmosphere for Learning for LD & BD Children Avoid snacks that are high in sugar,  artificial colors and flavors, & caffeine.  Surround them with calm and controlled children.  Do only one activity at a time.  Demonstrate patience and gentleness consistently.  Give clear directions and have the children repeat them.

Slide 11: Comments or Questions?

Slide 12: Websites / Online References http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_hallahan  _exlearners_9  http://4kids.ag.org/4kids/teachsheets/ch ldrnwspecnds/mnstrgtochldrn.pdf  http://4kids.ag.org/4kids/teachsheets/ch ldrnwspecnds/qeusspecneeds.pdf  http://www.ldonline.org/