Hey there, teacher friends!
I can confidently know what I’m doing each and every day in my classroom. I am prepared and ready to tackle anything with a skip in my step.
How you may ask? Through maximising over time my own independence. You see I used to look at everyone else in my teaching circle of friends.
I know… silly really. But I knew I could do everything and more my students needed, and yet through my own personal touch and independently could rely on myself in making decisions! In allowing my classroom the best it can possibly be!
As teachers, how can we help our students maximise their own independence? Let’s dive in…
Maximising Students Independence in Special Education
As educators, one of our primary goals is to help our students become more independent learners.
For students with special needs, this can be an especially challenging task.
However, with the right strategies and support, we can help our students develop the skills and confidence they need to become more independent. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Setting clear goals and expectations can help students understand what is expected of them and provide a sense of structure and direction.
Work with each student to identify their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement. Create achievable goals and work together to create a plan to achieve them.
Celebrate successes along the way to build confidence and motivation.
Encourage Self-Advocacy
Encouraging students to advocate for themselves is an important step towards independence.
Teach students to ask for help when needed, express their opinions and ideas, and take responsibility for their own learning.
This can help them develop problem-solving skills, improve communication skills, and become more confident and independent learners.
Foster Independence in Daily Activities
Daily activities such as getting dressed, preparing meals, and completing chores can provide opportunities for students to practise independence skills.
Consider providing students with step-by-step instructions or visual aids to help them complete these activities independently.
Gradually increase the complexity of the activities as students become more proficient.
Have a look at our maths bundles for addition. These are differentiated for most learners and allow students to have real life access to store prices – through visual learning methods.
Click here to view menu maths products
Use Technology to Support Independence
Assistive technology can help students with disabilities become more independent.
There are many tools available such as text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, and apps designed to help with time management, organisation, and study skills.
Work with each student to identify the tools that will be most helpful for them and provide training and support to ensure they can use them effectively.
Looking for More Resources?
If you want to learn more about how to support students in developing vocational skills and maximising their independence, check out my Vocational resources available on my online store.
Here is the link
Or perhaps save some teacher cash and get some great priced bundles – which includes resources such as vocational metalanguage, job exploration activities, and workplace readiness training materials.
click here for the link
Thanks for hanging out with us! We hope you found this post helpful to both you and your special students.
So, what are your favourite teacher resources that promote independence in the classroom?
Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for some amazing teaching resources to support your special education students, check out our website for some great ideas!
Let’s help our students grow and maximise their own independence!
Thank You! ❤️
Thanks for hanging out with us! We hope you found this post helpful to both you and your special students.
___________________________________________________
⭐️Join our free resource library (aka The Studio) to get exclusive FREE content for your classroom! ✏️
Here, in the Studio you’ll get awesome, helpful teaching resources for your class, from Daily Morning Warm Up activities, easy printing classroom tasks, games and more!!!
It’s all free, and exclusive to email subscribers. Download to your heart’s content!
___________________________________________________
Shoot me an email or Instagram message if you have a suggestion for something you would like to see in the library Studio.
We’re thrilled to have you!
