What does inclusion actually mean in the context of schools and education? In a blog titled How to Create an Inclusive Classroom: 12 Tips for Teachers, Oli Ryan, a former primary school teacher provides a comprehensive list of inclusive classroom strategies.

Ryan states that inclusion is “about creating a learning environment that works for ALL pupils” and “supporting and celebrating diversity and inclusion to give all children the potential to achieve.”  The recommended strategies to create an inclusive classroom include:

• Define clear minimum standards for behaviour

• Enforce those standards consistently

• Deal with low level disruption in a sensitive way

• Create opportunities to listen to all children

• Develop a ‘scaffolded approach’ to learning

• Be aware of the specific needs of every child in your class

• Provide support to them in ways that which benefit ALL children in your class

• Create a calm, purposeful learning environment

• Clearly display timetables and key information

• Use pre-assessment to inform your planning

• Let children choose how to show what they have learned

• Don’t compare the progress of one child to another, personal progress is key

Each of the twelve strategies are rooted in sound education practices and include free learning resources. There is also a handy summary of those 12 inclusive classroom strategies on Slideshare.

This blog can be found on planbee.com. PlanBee is a UK provider of primary school lessons and resources.

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