In a world full of uniqueness, we all learn, think, and understand differently from each other. Inclusive education creates a sense of belonging and comfort within your community. Educators must strategically educate based on their learners. Some methods include differentiated instruction, understanding your learners, and providing different options for students to learn in their own way. As educators, we vow to welcome each individual with open arms regardless of differences. These differences make us unique and therefore we learn diverse things each and everyday from each other. We are the box of crayons packaged in a cardboard box. The only difference is crayons are placed automatically together forced to be inclusive. Us, on the other hand, have the choice to welcome and create an inclusive classroom for everyone.
I played instruments with a child one-one-one while he tried to calm down his nerves. He was quite upset about an incident regarding him and another student. I played drums with him until he was ready to participate in physical education once again. This experience is inclusive education as it highlights my willingness to let the student come back to the learning environment once he was relax and as well, help him through his situation.
I spent time with a student who had a difficult time focusing in class. While my Coaching Teacher taught a lesson, I spent one-on-one time with the student in creating crafts and doing activities to ensure their needs were met and bringing them back into focus for learning.
I taught a lesson on how to be a good friend. I gave students a puzzle and I said if they commit to being a good friend in the classroom, they can draw and color a portrait of themselves and place it on the wall. This puzzle represents a commitment my students made to the class on being a good friend.
I found this in the breakfast club at Marie Sharpe Elementary while I was doing my practicum. I thought it was so wonderful acknowledging all the different languages you can say good morning that apply to the students of Marie Sharpe. Way to be inclusive!
Below is a video of me as a gifted student encountering issues because educators are not differentiating their lesson for the student to challenge themselves as a learner. As well, the video highlights the stereotypes and behaviors associated with educators being exclusive.