The Joy of Inclusion

As some of you may know, April is Autism Awareness Month. We have spoken before about our class being an inclusive classroom. That means that blended into our room, we have students that receive extra services to help boost their academic success. I feel like it is my job to explain what an amazing experience being in an inclusive classroom is for EVERYONE involved. Here are some questions that are often asked about inclusion!

1-    What is an inclusion classroom?
An inclusion class means that up to 1/3 of the class may have identified needs beyond a typical student. This could mean the child has physical impairments, is delayed, is autistic, or any number of other disabilities. Their needs have been identified and they will receive the support they need to be as successful as their peers.

2-    How does this effect the day-to-day within the classroom?

It doesn’t! These identified students may receive extra support or services from specialists (occupational therapy, speech therapy, varying exceptionalities teachers, etc.), but otherwise, our day runs the same as any other classroom! Everyone is completing the same assignments and learning the same information. We have tears sometimes, but hey...that's every kindergarten class! Comes with the territory. We follow a strict schedule and change it daily on our board so we know what to expect. Routine is important for all kids, but is necessary for the success of some children with special needs. Other than that, you would walk into our room and see that it is like any other class. 

And here’s my favorite question…

3-    Will being in an inclusion classroom effect my child’s education?

YES. More than you can imagine, but in a completely different way than you think. Your child will learn SO much more from this setting than you can begin to understand. Your child will experience a setting where they are not only taught, but expected, to display empathy. They learn from day one that everyone is different. Everyone’s brain works differently. When we hear our favorite song blaring through a speaker, we may want to dance and smile. When a child with autism experiences that, they may be over-stimulated and cry. There is not a right or wrong response to any certain experience. I teach all of the students from the very first day that if someone, ANYONE, is upset by something they are experiencing; it is valid and true. We don’t question their feelings. Rather, we help them cope and adapt to fit the needs of everyone. Rather than walk away, look away, or make a scene, we become a friend and support system. There has been so many times this year that one of my students, typical or ESE, has been upset by something I can’t identify. The students have become more aware and have learned to empathize in this situation. Instead of ignoring it, they have learned to solve the problem or assist when appropriate. They have learned to be aware, empathetic, vulnerable, honest, and just downright good humans.

My favorite way to explain this concept at the beginning of the year is by using Disney’s “Inside Out” movie. In the movie, they have the brain’s control panel. The different characters (all of the emotions) can change the main character’s mood by taking over the control panel. I tell the kids that sometimes, one of our emotions takes over our control panel. Someone may all of a sudden feel anger, sadness, or fear in a situation that doesn’t make sense to everyone. One of their emotions has taken control, and our only solution is to help joy take back over. Once this has been normalized and accepted, and they are taught how to respond, they never lose ANYTHING. Kids feed off of the trusted adults in their lives. If everything is explained to them reasonably, they accept it without question. They learn how to function in a world where everyone is different, and everyone feels differently. They will experience this every day their entire lives.

Empathy. It is extremely difficult to teach, but the most valuable lesson they will ever learn. And our kids have learned it! :) I couldn’t ask for more from them. It makes me UNBELIEVABLY happy to watch.