Special Ed Activities for the First Day of School
A well-developed lesson plan is key to a successful year, but be open to change as you assess the needs of your students. Prepare students with special needs for a successful year at school by providing them with information and tools needed to feel comfortable in the classroom. The first day of school should be informative, but fun, so students look forward to your classes.
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Classroom Introductions
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Divide your students into pairs. Ask each student to learn one fun fact and the name of his partner. Give students five minutes to interact with each other and get acquainted. Invite each pair to the front of the classroom to introduce each other. This activity allows students to learn names and get comfortable with their classmates.
Tour of the School
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Show your students where to find important people and places in the school. Meet the principal, nurse, office workers, cafeteria workers and counselor. Take students to the cafeteria, library, bathrooms, drinking fountains and any other areas of the school they will be using regularly. Locate your students' lockers and make sure each student can open his locker. Invite students to ask questions so they are comfortable in their surroundings.
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Placement Tests
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Students with special needs will each have a unique set of learning challenges. Simple placement tests will help you better understand your students' needs. Reward the children for taking placement tests by playing a fun game afterward. If the placement tests take several hours to complete, divide them up over the first three days. Students with special needs should be on a routine schedule within the first week.
Classroom Expectations
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Explain students' responsibilities on the first day of class. For example, students must raise their hands to speak, and ask permission before leaving the classroom. Go over school standards and identify any possible issues. Arrange seating charts and show students where to find items they need throughout the classroom. Do not introduce the expectations as rules. Children with special needs may become defiant or resistant to rules.
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References
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