When we talk about special needs, we’re not referring to a secret club or a mysterious label slapped onto a select few students. Special needs encompass a broad range of differences in physical, emotional, cognitive, and learning abilities. But here’s the kicker: neurodiversity teaches us that every brain is as unique as a fingerprint. There are no cookie-cutter neurodiverse individuals; each one brings a distinct perspective and set of challenges to the classroom.
This is exactly what teachers from Iceland and Czechia encountered during our Special Needs course at JUMP, much to their surprise!
Now, if every time you create an individualized program you feel like you’re juggling flaming swords on a unicycle… you are not alone! While it might sound thrilling (in a circus kind of way), it can also be exhausting and lead to a fiery mess. Individualized programs, though well-intentioned, can overcomplicate teaching and ramp up stress levels faster than you can say “accommodations.” The quest for perfect inclusivity can sometimes become a never-ending search for the Holy Grail, only to discover that you were actually asked to find some other piece of miraculous silverware. In short, tailoring programs can be very confusing and stressful.
But our guest teachers found a worthy ally within Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is about designing lessons that are flexible and accessible to all students from the get-go, making individual accommodations the cherry on top rather than the whole sundae. Think of UDL as a Swiss Army knife for educators: one tool with endless applications. With UDL, you can create a classroom environment where every student, regardless of their unique needs, can thrive and shine like the multifaceted stars they are.
Additionally, outdoor education was mentioned as a great way to deliver engaging lessons to all students, including those with special needs.
It was a heartwarming week characterized by confronting and challenging current methods and personal experiences. The teachers had the chance to express what they felt was really needed in the classroom: understanding how special needs students see and feel the world, helping them live successful lives with their own traits without having to conform to neurotypical behavior and mentality, gaining students’ trust, and helping them trust each other in order to appreciate and value their diversity.
Overall, it wasn’t just a course about teaching methodologies but about how we can change the world for the better, ensuring every individual receives the respect and dignity they deserve. Teaching special needs students is not just about helping them get through school; it’s about helping them find a comfortable and accepting place within society.
Helping a student with special needs can greatly change their life, and you, as their teacher, have the wonderful power to achieve such positive change!
Author: Giuseppe Perrotti – JUMP Trainer
