This school year, many classes are once again learning remotely in an online environment. Here are some ideas on how to make the virtual classroom inclusive, so we can fully meet the needs of all children and involve everyone in learning activities.
No matter how difficult it may seem, teachers really can create an inclusive learning environment even without students being physically present in the classroom. By using research-based strategies and activities, teachers can build an online inclusive environment that welcomes students with a wide range of abilities and interests. There are teaching techniques that make inclusion easier, ensuring that students are not only present in daily lessons but are also active participants.
The most important thing is for students to have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual abilities.
Below, the author lists 10 easy ways teachers can make their virtual classroom inclusive for all students, regardless of ability:
• All About Me!
This traditional activity at the start of the year shouldn’t be abandoned just because classes are online. Use this activity (through surveys, questionnaires, or as a project) to learn what students like or dislike, how they prefer to learn, favorite subjects, etc. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to plan future lessons and activities.
• Create a Framework for Online Activities
Even though activities are online, it’s important for students to know what to expect. All students should understand what is required of them. For example, teach them how to appropriately respond to instructions online-using emojis, hand signals, or answering in the chat box depending on the lesson.
• Establish Rules for Participation
Make sure the procedures in your virtual classroom are clearly defined. Routines provide predictability and security and help students develop executive skills. For example, create procedures for joining and leaving class, submitting assignments, breaks, and bathroom use during lessons. You can prepare a checklist of procedures in advance.
• Create a Class Motto
Developing a class motto is a great way to foster a positive classroom community. This helps build good relationships, self-esteem, and sets a common goal. Discuss (for example, using brainstorming) a motto with your class that you and your students can refer to throughout the school day and year.
• Morning Meeting
This activity can be just as effective online as in a physical classroom. Take a little time at the start of the day to greet students, outline the schedule, make important announcements, and ask how students are feeling.
• Who Am I?
Now more than ever, students need to connect with each other. Social distancing and isolation have greatly limited their interaction. Make sure to set aside time for students to communicate and build relationships. Games like “Guess Who” are a good way to break the ice, allowing students to share information about themselves, or you can give clues for others to guess which student is being described.
• Personal Goals Board
Because of virtual learning, many school traditions and events may be changed. For many students, these activities are milestones during the school year. To compensate, ask students to set their own success criteria, whether academic, physical, or personal. For example, a student might aim to finish a project or learn a new skill by spring break.
• Freeze Game
Not all students can sit and pay attention to a screen for long. Remember to include movement breaks to keep students active and engaged. A simple game like “Freeze” gives everyone a chance to move. Ask students to stop what they’re doing and move in some way (dance, jump, sway, etc.). As soon as you say “Freeze,” they must immediately stop, no matter what position they’re in. Be sure to explain the activity before doing it for the first time and repeat it several times so students understand how it works.
• Let’s Have Lunch
Building relationships with students online is just as important as in person. Students need to feel safe, warm, and welcome. In return, teachers have a chance to learn about students’ interests, talents, and challenges. Divide the class into groups and invite them to an online lunch to get to know them better.
• It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
As students adjust to new ways of learning, teachers can create a safe online space where students can practice and, if needed, make mistakes. In this activity, students turn “mistakes” into masterpieces (for example, a paint blotch on a blank sheet). Using a drawing created by the teacher, students can work together or independently to turn their or the teacher’s “mistake” into a picture. Afterwards, students can share their artwork and discuss how often the mistakes we make can become something beautiful and useful.
Source: https://www.theinclusiveclass.com/2020/08/10-easy-ways-to-create-inclusive.html
