Using the idea of UDL (Universal Design for Learning), Sandall and Schwartz (2008) identify eight types of curriculum supports for children with dis/abilities and children learning English. Learn about them in this chart.
Environmental Support
- Suggest a picture schedule (or checklist for older children) to help a child transition.
- Offer to help use painter’s tape to define a child’s space at group or at the table.
- Help the teacher or staff members design picture or word labels for shelves.
- Establish a routine.
Materials Adaptation
- Bring in large-print books from the library or special education resource center.
- Help find someone to help lower tables or easels for a child.
- Bring in blocks or phone books to use for foot rests.
Activity Simplification
- Help break an activity down into smaller steps.
- Suggest that a child join a difficult activity at the end (finish with success).
- Draw pictures or watch a video to help a child understand each step of an art or cooking activity.
Child Preferences
- Ask about a child’s favorite toys, books, or people.
- Bring in books, magazines, games, or toys related to a child’s favorites.
- Suggest starting an activity with something a child likes.
Special Equipment
- Talk about whether a child could sit in a special chair or cushion during group activities
- Bring in tools for the children to try: scissors with a loop handle, finger crayons, paint brushes with padded handles, electronic resources, etc.
- 让孩子坐在健身球或允许the child to take frequent breaks.
Adult Support
- Model staying near the child and encouraging appropriate behavior during activities.
- Join the child’s activity and offer ideas.
- Provide behavior specific praise and encourage the child’s engagement.
- Ask the child questions and provide prompting if necessary.
Peer Support
- Brainstorm with the teacher or staff members to identify children who are well-liked and good models, peer buddies.
- Suggest activities that would be good for pairing children up.
- Encourage children to help one another.
Invisible Support
- Observe the child and note their difficulties in routines.
- Help think of ways to help child be successful (e.g., providing choices to the student).
Reference:
Sandall, S. R., & Schwartz, I. S. (2008). Building Blocks for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing Co.
Identify at least two curriculum supports that are new to you in the space below. Share what you learned with your trainer, coach, or administrator.