My fellow teacher had neatly sorted and labeled the worksheets based on the accommodations-general, large print, highlights, etc.

“I can’t afford to waste time. I carry my highlighters, worksheets, textbooks, whatever materials I use for the following week to every staff meeting. I multi task-take notes of the meeting on one side and high light instructions on the work sheets, color code writing spaces for students with attention problems, cut and paste visual cues for the two who need it…how on earth will I finish my work if I don’t use my time wisely?” she asked.

Pre sized text books and notebooks can make it difficult to adapt the materials used in class. But there is always room for change. Creativity and imagination goes a long way in adapting the materials for the needs of all your students.

Can students use binders instead of notebooks? They can use wide spaced lined paper with room for large handwriting.

Can you print out an enlarged copy of the chapter? The pages will be less stimulating visually.

If there is too much information on the page, do you teach the student to use a blank paper to cover portions not being read/worked on?



If the instructions/questions are elaborate, do you highlight key information?

Do you provide audiotapes of the lesson? The student can come prepared for class. If you don’t have the time, can a peer tutor record the lesson?

Do you provide copies of any slides/papers used?

How do you communicate your expectations? Is it only through verbal directives or do you have samples/models of the end product?

Is it all auditory (lectures) or do you use multiple modalities? Music, props and specimen (fossils, photographs, costumes…), can change the pace of the class and increase attention without behavioral intervention.

Do you use index cards for the student to note down the main points of the lesson (or the sequence of steps to a project)?

Do you pre teach vocabulary and concepts giving the student enough background to ensure class participation?

Ms.S