Nowadays, the word 'inclusion' gets thrown around a lot, especially when it comes to education and workplaces. However, just because it seems to have become a social media trend doesn't mean it isn't a vital topic of discussion.
Creating an inclusive environment, especially during the formative years of a child, can play a crucial role in how they turn out to be as adults. At the same time, it can make children with different needs feel more confident.
Therefore, it is necessary to create an inclusive classroom if you're running a daycare center. Read on to learn more.
How to Create an Inclusive Classroom?
Running a daycare center or school is more than just teaching the right subjects and curriculums. In fact, you may be responsible for some of the most important things the younger children will learn during their life.
That being said, introducing younger children to inclusivity isn't always as easy as it may seem. So if you're struggling to establish an inclusive classroom, the following tips may help you.
· Acknowledge the Diversity
Before you implement any strategies to establish inclusivity, you have to first acknowledge the diversity. Without addressing the major and minor differences among your students, you will never be able to successfully establish inclusivity in the classroom. Make sure to understand how each student is different from the others, such as racial diversity, ethnic diversity, religious diversity, etc.
One thing to keep in mind is that equity is different from equality. You may feel that you're promoting inclusivity by providing 'equal opportunity' to everyone, but this isn't always a smart plan of action. Instead, you have to establish equity in the classroom. Is the classroom wheelchair accessible? Are there vegan, Halal, and Kosher-friendly food items in the cafeteria? How would students with hearing disabilities be accommodated in the classroom? A truly inclusive classroom would understand these unique differences and accommodate them accordingly.
· Define Clear Behavior Standards
As with every classroom, there should be some defined minimum standards of acceptable behavior in the classroom; for students as well as teachers. These rules should be predetermined after discussing them with the staff. Make sure that you pay special attention to inclusivity in these rules.
The staff should always be aware of these rules and follow them accordingly. However, it may not be as easy as just telling the children these rules and expecting them to follow through. Instead, they must be taught by setting an example. Of course, they must be made aware of the rules, but the teachers and other staff would play a crucial role in ensuring that the rules are implemented at all times.
· Positive Discipline
Establishing a sense of discipline in any classroom is crucial. However, forcing it on students in a harsh manner and scaring them with punishments wouldn't be a useful technique in the long run. The students may start behaving in a disciplined manner, but it would be out of fear rather than understanding.
Instead, research shows that enforcing positive discipline is a more effective strategy. When students feel that their teacher or authority has faith in them, they are likely to perform better. This is even more important for children with disabilities and special needs, as they may feel less confident about things. However, showing that you have faith in them may motivate them to perform better.
· Learning Plan That Includes Participation from Everyone
Before you create a learning plan for the class, make sure that you are well acquainted with all the students in class. This way, you will be able to add exercises and activities that would allow every single student to participate. You can use tutorials, Individual Learning Plans (IPL), and various activities.
This doesn't mean that you have to create a new curriculum at the start of every year. The things you have to teach would remain more or less the same. However, a few tweaks to the plan will enable all the students to feel included.
Conclusion
Establishing an inclusive classroom may require some extra effort on your part, but the benefits of doing so are immense. So take some time to educate yourself about it and create an educational environment accordingly.
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