Supporting Special Needs Students Learning From Home

As we continue to navigate the ‘new normal’ in education, teachers and parents are working together to develop best learning practices and programs to support their special ed students working from home. The key for success is to establish an appropriate learning environment and objectives for students and their families before launching into a detailed list of to-dos and daily activities. Online reading programs for special education are among the most important elements when setting up a productive learn-from-home environment.

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Here are some other factors for teachers and parents to consider when organizing a learn-from-home experience that includes specialized resources such as instructional materials for autism:

Home Atmosphere: Is a parent or caregiver available all day? Does the student have access to internet and the necessary electronic devices? Is there space available for gross motor or sensory activities? With these details available, teachers can then plan individualized learning based on available resources.

Goals and Objectives: The teacher’s role may change from being an active classroom instructor to more of a ‘coach’, overseeing teaching that happens in the home. This can be a challenging scenario, but it is crucial that everyone remain focused on a single set of goals and objectives. Using online resources like Essential Skills research-based reading programs for special education, teachers can continue to administer lessons, evaluate progress, award achievement, and keep students, parents and support staff focused on meeting those goals and objectives.

Emphasize structure: Most special ed students thrive with structure and routine, which can create particular challenges while transitioning to a learn-from-home scenario. Students benefit from having continual interaction with familiar teaching as well as a daily list of activities that are similar to those in school. When possible, use the same visual cues, a schedule board using images of familiar activities and even a kitchen timer to mimic a classroom bell. Schools already using online reading programs for special education have the advantage of providing students with familiar reading activities and exercises that they can do from their home ‘classroom’.

It is possible to create a home learning environment that will help special ed students learn to their best potential. Online instructional materials for autism and research-based reading programs for special education can be used with great success in the ‘home classroom’. Trust the reading programs for special education that is preferred by more teachers: Essential Skills.

“Essential Skills is a program that our moderate to severe cognitively challenged students have started using and they are all smiles. It is easy for them to navigate and complete the lessons. They wear headphones and the visual and auditory reinforcements are wonderful! I am very impressed with the reports I can generate. I look forward to watching the happy students who are working on this software. Finally, programs for special needs students!” ~ Gayle M. Ryan, special education Teacher, Ray Graham Training Center

Call 1-800-753-3727 to try Essential Skills risk-free for 45 days.