This article was originally written for and published in Homeschooler's Friend, a magazine published by Christian Light Publications.
Gentle, Slow-paced Learning: the Tortoise vs. the Hare
In the world of a special needs child, slow and steady is better than fast and sloppy, or worse yet, fast and not understanding. The end goal is that our students understand what we are teaching them, and with special needs children, that means taking the route of the tortoise rather than that of the hare.
I have found that teaching the same concepts over and over again in a slow-paced manner yields greater results with these children. Finding different ways to present the material, realizing that something hands-on produces a better outcome, is more important than just finishing a worksheet. Using math manipulatives, letter blocks, and science experiments along with the written text and workbooks will help students remember concepts better.
It is also perfectly acceptable to slow down and cover one lesson in two different class periods (one earlier in the day and one later in the day) or even take two days if the child truly cannot comprehend or is seriously struggling with a concept. It is more important to slow down and take the time to ensure that the student not only understands but can retain the information. It is also helpful to begin a lesson by asking your student questions about the last few concepts learned to review and test their retention of those concepts before moving on to new material.
Art, music, and recess are vital parts of a special needs child’s curriculum as well. These help any student look forward to school because they are the more enjoyable subjects. Art especially has so many advantages. It uses the more imaginative side of the brain which helps creativity in thinking skills. This not only allows students to enjoy being creative, but helps them to process and think differently about math, language, or science. I have found that students who do fifteen minutes of art every day are more happy and innovative students who look forward to school much more than the average student. Using one of the two following approaches works well as leverage to encourage students to get their work finished.
These more fun subjects can be interspersed in the day’s activities. When they finish math, reward them with fifteen minutes of art. After their English lesson is completed, reward them with fifteen minutes of music. (This can be singing, clapping, counting beats, etc.)
The other option for more high-functioning students is to complete all of the more difficult subjects first while their minds are fresh and more alert, and then conclude the day by rewarding them with the more enjoyable subjects.
Special needs children should be treated much like other students; they just need more time, repetition, and hands-on learning than our normal students. Offering short art and music classes interspersed as rewards is also helpful in encouraging them to finish their regular schoolwork.
Suggested Resources
Music: Sing for Joy (Shenandoah Christian Music Camp)
Praises We Sing (Christian Light Publications)
With Glad Voices (Illustra Graphics Publishing)
Art: artprojectsforkids.org
StudioARTiculations.com
55 Hands-on History Projects*
Art for Everyone*
*available from thePlainProfessors.blogspot.com;
use the Contact Form above to request these resources
