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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers

Teaching Tips for Teachers Who Work With the Mentally Challenged
By:Luke Boston

Teaching mentally challenged children is a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. In order to help special needs children get the best out of their education, you will need to engage and inspire them. This can be achieved using a variety of teaching techniques that can be studied and implemented, ensuring children with learning difficulties remain focused and happy in the classroom environment.

Treat Children Individually
When teaching a group of mentally challenged children, it is important to adapt your style in relation to their individual diagnosis. Children with Down's Syndrome will benefit from constant stimulation, whereas a child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder will be easily overwhelmed by, and resistant to, physical contact. A child with developmental delay will require age-relevant tasks and activities to be explained in a simple, straightforward manner.

Be Patient,Teach Patience
Children with learning disabilities, such as developmental delay, will require extra time and guidance to learn things that may come easily to a high-functioning child with attention deficit disorder (ADD). You will need to explain and emphasize the importance of tolerance within the group. Teaching a group of children with multiple disorders the differences between their diagnoses and personalities will encourage tolerance, empathy and patience.

Communication and Stimulation
Good communication skills are vital when teaching any group of mentally challenged children. Some children with severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder will find maintaining eye contact extremely difficult and often work better with written instructions, as long as they are clear and straightforward. Children with profound learning disabilities can react well to sensory stimulation, for example, soft lights, sound therapy and textures.

Tailor Activities to Students' Needs
Play to a child's specific needs and abilities by adapting tasks to include the entire class. When teaching students about planting and gardening, high-functioning children can help with more complex tasks like digging holes and preparing the soil. It is important not to exclude children with severe disabilities from activities. You can involve them by helping them to scatter seeds, water plants or simply feel the different textures of soil, plants and water.





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