What are Some Important Teaching Strategies?

Teaching strategies, which should be built into the IEP for school-age children, include:

1. Awareness of learning style: Use of simultaneous processing activities;

2. Whole word methods for reading and spelling;

3. Visual cues, including pictures, sign language, logos, and words;

4. Concrete, high interest examples and materials;

5. Modeling and imitation, for both behavioral and communication goals;

6. Integration of self-help goals with language and motor goals (eating, dressing, toileting);

7. Inclusion of functional skills, along with academic;

8. Highly structured, predictable routines, with visual cues for changes in expected events;

9. Opportunities for calming.

Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois

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