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"If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn."
– Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas
– Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas
Supporting Students in Family Studies
Supporting Students in Family Studies
As family studies teachers', we have the pleasure of working with students with diverse abilities and skills. Meeting the needs of all learners is an important component in planning and developing lessons that recognize these differences and incorporate changes. The family studies curriculum is multifaceted in subject matter. It provides opportunities for students to develop transferable skills that will support them in making decisions in their future as contributing members of society, Our goal is to provide a learning environment for all students to thrive and demonstrate their learning.
Our department follows the 'planning for all' approach using key approaches designed to support and meet the needs of all students:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Differentiated Instruction
Government of Ontario, 2010
Students with Exceptionalities:
Students with Exceptionalities:
In the Family Studies Department, our teachers consider the needs of students and their strengths when developing lessons. We use a variety of techniques and strategies to create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Each plan is adapted based on the students' individual need. Several areas are considered including:
IEP recommendations
Special Education Resource Teacher- collaboration
Parental input and consideration
Type of accommodations
Modified expectations
Alternative expectations
Government of Ontario, 2013
Instructional Formats:
Instructional Formats:
Whole-group instruction progressing into smaller group interaction
Student choice and preferred learning styles
Hands-on problem solving activities
Content connected to student interest
Community partnerships and guest speakers
Peer/group collaboration
Variety in methods to introduce content
Online platform presenting course content and instructional materials
Inclusive Education, 2020
Classroom Environment:
Classroom Environment:
Preferred seating location
Routine break schedule
Limit noise and disruptions
Visual tools to remind about important concepts
Alternate work spaces
Reinforcement system
Solid classroom management with regular routine structure
Learning For All, 2013
Assessment & Evaluation:
Assessment & Evaluation:
Student choice
Diagnostic assessment to review prior knowledge
Chunking and organizing tasks into smaller components
Checklists to support completion and guide direction
Conversations and discussions as a form of assessment
Government of Ontario, 2020
All of these strategies are incorporated into our family studies courses. Each students needs will determine which strategies will be relevant based on strengths and areas of need. By consulting with the student, parent, and SERT, the best plan can be put in place to meet student exceptionalities.
Technology:
Technology:
Technology is embedded into all courses through online platforms for course access and submission of assessments. Students are encouraged to use technology by way of videos, digital documents, course content, and access to assistive devices online.
Personal computer and headphones
Assistive technology programs to use with personal technology (read and write, speech to text)
Worksheets in printed form and digitally
Videos to clarify activities and assessment expectations
Digital exemplars
Online platforms for all courses
(Government of Ontario, 2020)
Mental Well-Being:
Mental Well-Being:
Here are some strategies our departments uses to promote safe school environments:
Routine structured classroom setting.
Embedding strategies to build coping skills into course content.
Variety of school- based activities for students to participate in outside the classroom.
Access to support systems in the school and programs outside of the school environment- social worker, counselors.
Creating coping plans that inform classroom teachers of a students modifications to support them throughout the day.
Addressing and redirecting inappropriate behavior in a timely manner.
School-wide initiatives, assemblies, province-wide focuses- Mental Health Week, Addictions Awareness Week, Bell Let's Talk Day.
CMHA, 2013
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