The Special Education Curriculum

1. The Special Education Curriculum

2. There are two approaches to curriculum design: • Integrated or Activity – Centered Curriculum Approach • Child – Centered Curriculum Approach

3. Integrative or Activity – Centered Curriculum Approach • The scope and sequence of this approach is found in the child himself. • The learner’s needs and interest supply the basis for planning the activity or experience – centered curriculum. • Activity is the medium of learning.

4. Child – Centered Curriculum Approach • Designed for the child as the center of the educational process. • Children take command of their own learning. • Teachers are there to provide and support and facilitate the child’s learning. • Experience becomes the medium of learning.

5. Curricula for children with special needs

6. Learning disabilities Dyslexia

7. DYSLEXIA – difficulty with reading • Engage them in activities of writing, reading and calculating. • Students with dyslexia have much easier time focusing on a topic that is interesting to them.

8. Dyscalculia

9. Dyscalculia – Difficulty with math • For dyscalculic children, keep a sharp eye for opportunities and skills that are appropriate with mathematical understanding and interest. • Use graphs, blocks of different sizes and clearly outline boxes with numbers.

10. Dysgraphia

11. Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing • Children with dysgraphia must be taught with cursive writing. • When letters are connected it eliminates the issue of spacing in the words and makes it easier to stay on the baseline. • Used paper with wide lines, correct children’s way of gripping the pencils and provide guides in cursive writing.

12. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Provide a chart that specifies what he needs to do and estimate the time to finally reach his goal. • Teach him to be on time.

13. Create a class poster on how a student looks when paying attention. • Provide activities (ideal for his/her intelligence) to maintain focus.

14. Students with autism tend to be visual learners. • Visual cues will greatly help them understand language, concepts, directions and schedules which are strategically posted inside the classroom. • Identify the interest of each child with autism and utilize these as your instructional materials.