"Inclusion is a philosophy that urges schools, neighborhoods and communities to welcome and value everyone, regardless of differences. Central to the philosophy of inclusion are the beliefs that everyone belongs, diversity is valued, and we can all learn from each other" (Renzaglia, Karvonen, Dragsgow & Stoxen, 2003).
In Paula Kluth's book "You're going to love this kid": Teaching students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom she outlines 10 steps that can help teachers plan lessons and engineer a safe and comfortable classroom for students with autism and other unique learning characteristics. These steps include:
1). Learn about the Learner from the Learner
- observe the student
- ask families for feedback
- ask the student to take a survey or participate in an interview
2). Support Transitions
- give 5 and 1 minute reminders to the class before any transition
- provide the entire class with a transition activity- ask peers to help in supporting transition time (move from place to place with a partner)
- give the student a transition aid (toy, object, picture)
3.) Give Fidget Supports
- slinky toys, koosh balls, straws, stir sticks, rubber bands, strings of beads
- allow the student to draw or doodle on a notebook or folder
4.) Help with Organizing
- create to-do lists
- provide checklists around the classroom
- ask all of the students to do a 2 minute organization session at the end of each class
5.) Assign Class Jobs
- provide structure and opportunities for instruction and skill practice
- examples: count the number of raised hands for lunch count, organize the class library
6.) Provide Breaks
7.) Focus on Interests
8.) Rethink Writing
- allow a student to use a computer, typewriter, or word processor for some lessons
- peers can serve as scribes to a student who struggles with movement differences
9.) Give Choices
- take notes using words or pictures
- solve any 5 of the 10 word problems
- use a pencil, pen or the computer
- raise your hand or stand if you agree
- work alone or with a small group
10). Include
- "If it is true that we learn by doing, then the best way to learn about supporting students with autism in inclusive schools is to include them."
For more inclusion ideas and tips check out Paula Kluth's books and website.
