Printer-friendly versionby Sharon Jurman
This piece is to accompany Seamless Teaching
• Select two classmate buddies for friendship and social communication.
• Model and script social cues and response repertoires.
• Role-play social situations.
• Tell the child why a verbal response was inappropriate.
• Designate teams for assignments or games; don’t allow the students to choose teams.
Sometimes one or two simple changes can make a world of difference for a child with special needs. Here are complete lists of techniques for a variety of situations.
Techniques and Ideas for Language Difficulties
• Teach and model appropriate opening comments and greetings.
• Pair student “buddies” or use small group instruction to rehearse conversational skills.
• Teach cues and rules for conversational turn taking, how to politely interrupt, and changing the topic.
• Explain metaphors or words with double meanings.
• Use video and audio taped conversations as models.
• Pause between instructions when giving multiples.
• Limit the number of oral questions.
• Use videos to help identify nonverbal expressions and their meanings.
• Assist the child to feel comfortable asking for instructions to be repeated or written down.
• Use social stories: the true “story” of the child’s world and the people in it.
Techniques and Ideas for Concentration Difficulties
• Give frequent positive feedback for on-task behavior.
• Redirect to tasks frequently.
• Use structured, timed activity sessions.
• Break down assignments into smaller parts.
• Reduce the frequency of homework assignments.
• Use nonverbal and gestural cues to the students.
• Seat the child at the front of the class for fewer distractions.
Techniques and Ideas for Organization Difficulties
• Use written and picture activity schedules and calendars.
• Keep a list of assignments.
• Help the child to utilize checklists and “to do” lists.
• Use picture icons on containers, lockers, shelves, etc.
• Put picture schedules and picture cues in lockers.
Techniques and Ideas for Motor Coordination Difficulties
• Refer for occupational or physical therapy if needed.
• Refer for adapted physical education.
• Have the child participate in fitness activities.
• Allow the child to choose if she wants to play a competitive sport.
• Allow for slower writing speed, extra test time, etc.
• Allow the use of computer for written assignments.
Techniques and Ideas for Sensory Difficulties
• Allow child to use music and headphones.
• Limit visual items/decorations on walls.
• Reduce harsh lighting.
• Limit high-pitched noises.
• Prepare child for unexpected noises such as fire alarms.
• Ear plugs can be used for solitary activities.
• Model relaxation activities.
• Limit exposure to loud places in the community.
Techniques and Ideas for Social Skills Difficulties
• Select two classmate buddies for friendship and social communication.
Model and script social cues and response repertoires.
• Role-play social situations.
• Tell the child why a verbal response was inappropriate.
• Designate teams for assignments or games; don’t allow the students to choose teams.
• Refer for Social Skills Groups.
• Encourage cooperative and turn-taking games.
• Teach how to begin, maintain and end a game.
• Provide structured choice of activities for the playground.
• Stress sharing and cooperation skills.
• Encourage the child to be flexible.
• Protect the child from bullying.
• Assign one team member to be the consistent, daily support person for the child.
Sharon Jurman is the senior director of consultation and outreach services at Bancroft, a service provider for individuals with disabilities.
