Many students have had this experience: Being picked last for a dodge ball game, not being allowed to hang with the cool crowd, and having to miss the school trip because they could not afford the fee. In their young lives students face many moments of exclusion. As a teacher it is our job to mitigate those situations as much as we can in the school environment, and especially to ensure that our classrooms are designed to accommodate all students.
The first step towards maintaining an inclusive classroom is the fostering of community and a judgement free zone. Every student is unique and has therefore a unique set of talents and circumstances. Only in a safe space are they able to flourish and develop.
Second, comes accessibility. A big part of inclusion is making sure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. I strive to create an environment in which each learner’s needs are met and where they can grow their skills.
The picture is an example of a project I had my first class do. In Workplace Math 10 you will find a lot of students who struggle with test anxiety. While I was teaching the measurement unit I thought that it would be a lot more engaging to have them demonstrate their measuring abilities along with their knowledge of scale using a blueprint design of their dream house. I had a very wide spectrum of student abilities yet all of them were able to participate in this project. It was accessible to all of them.
As teachers we have a responsibility to help every student succeed. We are entrusted with them for 6 hours a day and they deserve to be included… Every single one.