Creating an Inclusive Classroom

An inclusive classroom is a mainstream classroom setting in which children with and without special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are able to access the learning. These classrooms are places that are warm, welcoming and a safe environment socially, emotionally and academically. The lesson linked to this course details what an inclusive classroom looks and feels like. It also offers practical approaches you can use to create an inclusive learning environment.

The attached pdf created by ‘Reading Rockets‘ illustrates what an inclusive classroom looks like. The same website also gives 10 reasons you should have an inclusive classroom. The reasons are as follows:

1. All children have equal access to education.

2. All children learn alongside their same-age peers.

3. The focus of education is on the child’s abilities, not disabilities.

4. Children become accepting and understanding of one another’s abilities, talents, personalities, and needs.

5. Meaningful relationships and friendships develop as students spend quality time with one another.

6. Students develop confidence in their ability to interact with one another and the world around them.

7. Teachers in inclusive schools are highly trained and skilled at delivering appropriate, student-centered curriculum through differentiated activities according to ability level.

8. In addition to the classroom teacher, students with disabilities are supported by special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialists such as Speech/Language Therapists.

9. Various resources and assistive technologies are available to students in inclusive schools in an effort to reach and teach all learners.

10. Inclusive schools value input and participation from the whole community, not just students, Everyone is welcome!

To begin your learning, the Equality of Human Rights have created the following video to explain how an inclusive education provides ‘…a gateway to a a fairer society’.