“Understanding the Special Needs Child.”

IMPACT Volunteer Training

Sunday, Dec. 8, 200210:30-11:15am

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.”

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.”

Exceptionalities

Exceptionalities may involve and of the following abilities:– Sensory

– Physical

– Emotional

– Communicative

– Behavioral

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.

How to Recognize a Student with Special Needs

Difficulties with attention and concentration.

Difficulty with getting along with others.

Easily frustrated. Impulsive inactions.Continual restlessness.Poor self-concept.

Successful MethodsNurture 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.

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.

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.

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.

Comments or Questions?

Websites / Online References

http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_hallahan_exlearners_9

http://4kids.ag.org/4kids/teachsheets/chldrnwspecnds/mnstrgtochldrn.pdf

http://4kids.ag.org/4kids/teachsheets/chldrnwspecnds/qeusspecneeds.pdf

http://www.ldonline.org/