As a classroom teacher and a CRT will almost always be teaching children with additional needs. This can be a challenge as a CRT, because you may not have access to the same information as the regular classroom teacher, and you won’t always know the strategies that work best for each individual child. Let’s take a look at five top tips you can use to help everyone get the most out of their day:
1 Routines
Lots of kids do best when there is a clear, structured routine that they know. Routines help everyone in the class understand what is coming up next and helps them be prepared for each activity. Some students prefer a visual schedule which helps them see and remember each of the activities that happen during a day. Schedules which are laminated with Velcro on the back are great because they are so easy to adjust, and you can take off each activity once it is finished.
2 Transitions
Some children find transitions from one activity or place to another tricky. You can smooth a transition by giving a few verbal reminders before it is time to change. Try to keep transitions simple and calm and allow a few moments of quiet time before beginning the next task. Visual prompts or sequencing cues such as ‘first, then’ can help make transition times successful.
3 Sensory load
Let’s face it, classrooms can be noisy, busy places! Sometimes the sensory load of scraping chairs, rustling paper, opening doors, clapping hands and chatting students can create a sensory environment that becomes overwhelming. Monitor the noise and movement level and check in with students to see how they are feeling, then make adjustments so the classroom works for everyone. Some children prefer noise cancelling headphones or a quiet space and time in the room to help reduce sensory load. You can help too, by avoiding noisy transitions and information overload.
4 Education Support
Some classes might have an Education Support Worker who helps individual students or small groups. They can be a great help when you are working as a CRT as they will already know the students and have an understanding of their needs. Remember that they are there to support learning with your guidance, so be sure to communicate clearly with them about the goals, timing, outcomes and plans for each activity during the day.
5 High expectations
A day at school is an opportunity to learn and succeed for all students, and this is as true for students with additional needs as it is for any other student. Have high expectations that are reasonable and appropriate for each individual student. Read the CRT information folder and the adjustments and support strategies that are relevant for students who have additional needs, then do your best to help them achieve their own learning goals for the day.
References -
Anne Vize is an education writer and the author of ‘The A to Z of Special Needs,’ ‘Inclusive Outdoor Play’ and ‘Including all Children – Strategies that Work’ published by Essential Resources. She works as a CRT with children who have additional learning needs in Melbourne.
