Teaching Diverse Students

The competent teacher understands the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how individuals develop and learn within the context of their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences. The teacher uses these experiences to create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning.

Wonder Book Review: This artifact is a book review based off of the movie Wonder. Wonder is about a boy with a facial deformity from birth. His parents send him to school and it is there where he is faced with all of the emotions and phases of fitting in or in this case standing out like the wonderful person that this little boy is. I took a special education course in the beginning of my teaching program as required by my degree audit.

Performance indicator 1K & 1L states that the competent teacher: facilitates a learning community in which individual differences are respected; and uses information about students’ individual experiences, families, cultures, and communities to create meaningful learning opportunities and enrich instruction for all students. This artifact was a great choice because the questions that were prompted to us by the teacher allowed us to find deeper meaning and thoughtful connections between our personal views and the meaning behind the movie.

As teachers we need to be accepting of all children no matter what physical differences they have than that of another individual. There were a lot of quotes in this movie that I too could relate to which impacted my learning that much more. There are many different students with varying skill levels and personality types when it comes to physical education. Therefore, we need to create a healthy environment for all students to thrive in.

Red Light, Green Light Lesson Plan: This artifact is a lesson plan that includes modifications to any special needs students. This was also created in the special education course I took at the beginning of my teaching program.

Knowledge indicator 1D states that the competent teacher: understands the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory disabilities on learning and communication pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. This artifact allows for every student to participate in some way shape or form regardless of their physical disabilities. Physical activity, inclusion, and access to safe exercises that meet their needs is especially important for students with disabilities.

Creating this artifact was especially eye opening because as teachers we have to be mindful of safety, and the ability to lead an effective workout for all students given the availability of space and equipment. Planning and preparation could take some extra time for students that do not have prior experience with special needs students. Seeking out research on the internet or networking with colleagues in this field would be a great starting point.