Hello! Does anyone have any recommendations for resources/activities to do with special needs students? Specifically, elementary school (but any level is okay).
Context: My boyfriend has been tasked with a one-on-one English lesson every week with a special needs student in elementary school. The student doesn’t speak much in Japanese, so it is extremely difficult to get him to speak any English. He’s an older student but right now it seems like he’s more of a 3rd grade level when it comes to English (right now, they’re working on colors, shapes, and the alphabet). He also really likes trains!
2 comments
Maybe have a look at the British Council websites and see what SEN resources they have. JALT also has a SEN SIG.
Depends on the special need(s) in question. In America, we give our special needs students IEPs, Individualized Education Plans, because we know that each student will not only have different needs but also different responses to various stimuli.
Most sped students like songs, especially ones with dances, but some find them overwhelming.
Most also enjoy simple games and puzzles, but not all. If your boyfriend can find a way to play some simple games with the student, I’d consider that a win.
The other question that you would probably need to know the answer to is, what is the goal? Is it for the student to come to an English speaking country and be as independent as possible in that context?
Is it to fulfill an academic requirement? Is it for fun?
If it’s for fun, the internet has a lot of great resources available. If you can afford it, teachers pay teachers is pretty great. Plus, you’re helping teachers, many of whom live pretty close to the poverty line.