Home » ExchangeEveryDay » Inclusive Classrooms



ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues


<< Previous Issue | View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> ExchangeEveryDay
Inclusive Classrooms
April 16, 2014
The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he is born.
-W.R. Inge

In Practical Solutions to Practically Every Problem, Steffan Saifer discusses the various challenges that sometimes arise when integrating children with disabilities into preschool classrooms.  However, before dealing with prickly matters, he provides this introduction:

"Many teachers worry about having a child with a disability in their class.  They worry they do not have the proper training or expertise to help the child or to deal with a child's problems.  They worry that the child will take up so much extra time and energy that the rest of the class will suffer.  These are real and valid concerns.  However, most teachers find that when they actually have a child with a disability in their class, the joys far outweigh the problems, real or imagined....

"If you are already using good early childhood practices, you will not have difficulty caring for and teaching a child with a mild or moderate disability.  You will have to stretch some of the things you already do, but your basic approach and routines will not have to change.  For example, many children with developmental delays or mental disabilities have very short attention spans and experience difficulty focusing in group situations.  Undoubtedly you already have a few children who fit this description, but a child with a disability may have an even shorter attention span and experience more difficulty focusing.  Lower your expectations slightly, but keep challenging the child.  Use the same techniques you already use — small groups, short group times, alternative quiet activities during group times for some children, seating the child next to you, involving all children actively — but employ these techniques sooner, more often, and very consistently with a child with a disability."






Find solutions quickly and easily! This updated classic offers hundreds of tested solutions for the tricky problems, questions, and concerns that are part of every early childhood teacher's day. New topics include:

  • Working with English-language learners
  • Helping children deal with traumatic life events
  • Assessment and accountability
  • Working with mixed-age groups
  • Using computers in the classroom

Each chapter also includes an updated resource list, as well as a list of web-based resources. For beginning and experienced teachers alike, this "how-to" book on classroom management is like having your own counselor in the classroom.

View and Purchase

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

What is ExchangeEveryDay?

ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

Announcing the new Outlast Tables and Seating for the outdoors. Made of acetylated wood and stainless steel hardware, these child-sized tables and benches contain no parts that can rot or rust. Order now.
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen - Buy Bulk and Save!
Help children rise to interactive white boards with the all new
Jonti-Craft iRise(tm) steps!


Comments (1)

Displaying 1 Comment
Luisa Shirzai · April 16, 2014
Child Start Inc
Vacaville, California, United States


Thnaks for this article, I will share with my staff. Luisa



Post a Comment

Have an account? to submit your comment.


required

Your e-mail address will not be visible to other website visitors.
required
required
required

Check the box below, to help verify that you are not a bot. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this form.



Disclaimer: Exchange reserves the right to remove any comments at its discretion or reprint posted comments in other Exchange materials.