Creating a Classroom Where Every Child Thrives: Insights from a Special Education Teacher

As a new substitute teacher (with the mindset of a former special education teacher), I have been loving viewing so many different classrooms. But I recently had a day where I was just blown away from the teacher's classroom environment they have created and I feel like gatekeeping if I don't share what I observed.

Because of these steps, I saw the teacher naturally promoting independence and choice making and critical thinking. I was blown away and would be so thankful to have my own kids with this educator as a mentor for them.

Step 1: Create the chill ambiance in the room.

I walked into a classroom that had lamps on, instead of the fluorescent lights usually found in school classrooms. There was a classroom pet, there was classical music playing, and work on their desks.

The screen/board had clear morning expectations and students knew what their classroom jobs were and started going through their routine.

This specific classroom had morning math, a reflective journal, and a bonus activity if you finished everything and wanted more to do. There was minimal conversation and when you finished your first activity, you got to feed the classroom pet some sliced carrots.

Step 2: Genuine Peer Relationships

I was subbing this day so the teachers could go an observe other classrooms, so I got to meet the teacher and see them interact with the class. The students very clearly adored her. When she reminded them she was leaving and the beloved student teacher would be incharge they hugged her goodbye and quick "I love you's" were exchanged.

Can you imagine a student who might not hear those words often at home for whatever reason, to then get that love and consistency at school?

Seriously, my eyes were watering while I watch the strong trusted relationship between the teacher and her students. She also took the time to check in with some of them. Asking if they were cold without a jacket, asking how their day was yesterday after they had a challenging behavior, and taking the time to answer all of their questions.

These minor changes to focus on in your classroom will create a stronger learning environment.

Step 3: Clear expectations 

The expectations of the morning work were on the board. The expectations of how to treat each other were up on the walls. The expectations of how to be a good learner were all around the classroom.

If a student started to stray from these expectations, peers were able to remind them. I literally saw multiple students check in with each other to remind them what they were doing and asking for help. Now, I did come in to sub in March. Remember, this didn't happen overnight. This is something the classroom, the teacher, and the students have been working on ALL YEAR.

The expectations were also a mix between high and obtainable. The expectations accommodated students with different needs. And if I didn't say so before, this classroom had students with IEPs and 504 plans. This was a true inclusive setting.

The adults in the room were also great at explaining why the rules are there. Instead of saying "stop making all that noise" they would say "let's remember to not talk while our friends are talking, that Is not respectful." They rarely had to even say the student's name. Very respectful and then they moved on.

Step 4: Creating multi-sensory learning environment

This teacher had so many great tools to support all of her different learners. Songs to transition from desk work to circle, visual timers for everyone to see, an FM system to be able to talk quietly but ampliphy it around the room, and so many visuals for learning!

I observed a fraction lesson and it was great to see the flexibility that students could walk up to the board and use the visuals, ask a peer for help if they aren't understanding the problem, and having the teacher there walking them through the thought process.

The teacher also gave a variety of ways on how the students could participate. There was no pressure on answering correctly and there wasn't this constant praise. It was a continuous discussion of, "why do you think that?" or "how did you come up with that?" and then respond with "interesting." So many students wanted to try to answer and participate because it was such a growth mindset way of teaching.

Almost every classroom I have subbed in, also encourages non-verbal communication, which I absolutely LOVE. To ask for simple requests, they might sign bathroom or water, not a distraction and accepting different ways of communicating.

Step 5: Control what you can, let go of what you can't.

The teacher never seemed to be rushing. She explained where she was going to go and answer their questions and gave herself ample time to help with the transition. Even the student teacher showed so much patience when asking the students to do something and then waiting quietly.

Quick reminder: I love that 10 second rule. Give a request/demand and count to 10 in your head.

The seating chart. This teacher had students sitting in appropriate locations based off of their needs. Some students were at desks with 4 students and some with 1 and a couple sat by themselves. She even had a desk right by her desk but there really was no issue with the different seating arrangements. Plus she had multiple types of seats to give these students the option to choose a sensory seat if needed.

Step 6: Model the behavior you want

This has always been an area I have struggled communicating with when I speak with adults who get so frustrated with children's behaviors. Everyone gets dysregulated, everyone can feel mad/sad/upset/whatever, and everyone needs support at some point.

As the adult, we can show how we manage these feelings and emotions. The expectations we have for our students should also be expectations we have for ourselves.

This teacher was also great with letting kids be kids that are exploring and testing boundaries and still love them. Which is what great parenting and teaching is. Reminding your students or kids that through those feelings you will ALWAYS love them.

A great way the student teacher followed through with this was when someone said something after sharing what they wrote in their grateful journey and the teacher responded back with a better way to say it. She changed the language slightly and made it more clear. The child automatically repeated it and they moved on. What a natural way of learning!!

Which happened to be a school wide way of educating students. While we were leaving for recess, I observed another classroom where a child left without permission and the adult said “you can’t do that, I felt scared.” There was more to the conversation but the clear rule was made and the reason why was described. This makes it way more collaborative and communal and will lead to more success!!

Step 7: Teaching students to advocate and empathy

All of these steps together led to students who gained confidence with advocating for themselves and being able to empathize for others. They were able to support each other and work as a team for everyone to succeed. Giving the students opportunities to make choices for themselves is such a great way to gain independence as well.

I even got to witness a service provider coming in to support a student in the classroom but when the student asked to go outside, she obliged. To support the child's request is strengthening your relationship as you are recognizing that they know how they want to learn and you are trusting that.

When you have strong students, it can also lead to appropriate peer support. Adam Grant said It best, "one of the best ways to learn, is to teach." Let's keep learning how to lean on each other and how to grow together!

Final thoughts

I have also changed my mind about homework. I used to be a huge advocate for no more homework at home but I have changed. As a parent, watching kids learn math and reading, I was thinking-how can the parents help if they don't know what or how their kids are learning?? So yes, there shouldn't be HOURS of homework after school but something so caregivers can also support the child's learning I think is VERY important.

What do you think?

Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help.

Kayla Co