This week, we were fortunate enough to have a guest speaker come in and talk to us about inclusion. We discussed the importance of it as well as how we can ensure our classrooms are inclusive. This is a topic I find to be extremely important, as well as a bit scary as an upcoming teacher. I want to make my classroom as accessible and inclusive as possible, but sometimes this can be a real challenge. In our classes we are taught perfect scenarios but that rarely happens in the real world. All we can do is our best, and ensure we have the proper information and resources to help every individual student.

In our breakout rooms we discussed specific questions regarding inclusion. The first question was about how to assess a student’s needs. Our group discussed how communication was crucial, through a combination of the parents, previous teachers, as well as directly with the student. As a teacher, you will rarely have all the answers as each student is unique, but they know themselves and will be able to advocate. We discussed specific scenarios and adaptations we could make, such as a child being averse to touching paper or a student in music class that cannot hold an instrument. Our generation is so lucky to have access to so many amazing technologies that can help with problems such as these. There are so many programs that can help students with various disabilities, so it is just about doing the research and finding the programs that best help your students.

Our final discussions were about building relationships with both the students and the families. As a teacher, it is so important to have a strong relationship with each of your students. They will learn better if they like you and feel connected to you, as well, they will feel more comfortable talking to you. In order to build a relationship I believe a teacher needs to set boundaries and expectations early on, have good communication, take an interest in their student’s lives, as well as be authentic. If you show the children you care they will be able to see that. As for families, I believe communication with them is very important. Whether it be through emails, blogs, newsletters, or any other method, parents should be aware of what is happening at school. My group also discussed community engagement events such as class BBQs or job fairs. Similar to the connection with students, as a teacher, you want to make it known to the parents that you care about their children.

Inclusion is such an important topic to consider. Throughout the program we have been taught to be flexible and have modifications and adaptations in our lessons. My brother has been hard of hearing his whole life so I have seen how big of a difference it can make when teachers make modifications for their students. I know that this is a topic I will continue to learn about for the rest of my life.