Learning Through Play in the Inclusive Classroom

Unit 4: We Can Help Them Play (200 wrds)

1) Imagine that you have a large set of shells, rocks, leaves and sticks available in a variety of sizes. You are going to use them in a teacher directed, small group activity for three kindergarten aged children of varying ability levels.

2) Provide 3 different examples, using the shells, rocks, leaves and sticks and any other necessary materials, of how you can adapt and direct the activities to encourage skill development.

3) Each example should be an activity which includes skills from the following domains: language domain, social-emotional domain, physical domain, and cognitive domain.

4) Using these materials, explain how to include different levels of play (from Parten and Piaget's theories that we discussed in Unit 1).

Unit 5: The Evolution of Inclusion (200 wrds)

1) Define inclusion and explain what is considered to be best practices for special education students.

2) Describe why inclusion is an ethical issue.

3) Analyze your role in the rules, codes or classroom expectations in relation to NAEYC’s standards and code of ethics.

4) Describe how you would plan for developmental differences in individual children in your classroom. In doing so, present a decision making methodology for both daily activities and long term development.

5) Provide one example of how a child with special needs would benefit from inclusion.

Unit 6: Encouraging Play for the Child With Special Needs (200 wrds)

A six year old boy attending your kindergarten class is cognitively delayed and functions at about the 4 year old level. He enjoys creating simple art projects in the art area. He has limited language, often plays alone, and has difficulty with simple cognitive functions.

1) Describe how you could develop his skills through play by using both a teacher directed activity and a child directed activity.

2) Identify environmental accommodations can you make to facilitate his play.

3) Remember to keep his skill level and personal interests in mind when describing your activities.