{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The KidsMinistry.Blog Podcast","title":"Creating Inclusive Lessons for Kids with Special Needs","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":315,"description":"Had kid with autism join our class last month. Completely changed how I teach. In good way actually.Realized most my lessons only worked for kids who could sit still listen follow verbal instructions. That's like maybe half the kids on good day.Standing up front talking while kids sat in circle. Some kids can't do that. Just can't.Had boy with ADHD lasted maybe two minutes sitting before had to move. Kept getting in trouble for interrupting. For fidgeting. For not paying attention.Wasn't his fault. Was mine for expecting all kids learn same way.Girl with sensory issues couldn't handle loud music during worship. Would cover ears rock back and forth. Other kids stared. She felt different.Was excluding kids without meaning to. Just didn't know better.Mom pulled me aside after class. Said her son loved coming but struggled keeping up. Asked if could make some adjustments.Felt terrible. Hadn't even noticed he was struggling because never complained. Just quietly didn't participate in half the activities.Started researching. Talking to parents. Asking special ed teachers for advice.Realized inclusive teaching isn't about special accommodations for some kids. It's about teaching ways that work for all kids.Put up simple picture schedule showing what doing each week. Opening game. Story time. Craft. Snack. Closing.Kid with autism relaxed immediately. Knew what expect. Knew what coming next.But also helped other kids. Everyone likes knowing what's happening.Takes two minutes make schedule. Changes whole atmosphere.Used to just tell Bible story while kids sat listened. Now do story multiple ways same lesson.Tell it. Act it out. Show pictures. Let kids draw while listening. Have props they can touch.Kid with auditory processing issues couldn't follow story just from hearing. But give him pictures and props? Totally got it.Turns out lots of kids learn better with multiple approaches. Not just special needs kids.Every ten minutes or so we move. Stretch. Dance. Do actions....","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/xu8CrUD0jOYW3q-sNtnfx2IPiu3EBLp3zZLXQnYwa-8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80M2I1/Y2MzODE4MmIwYmRi/NTNkZmEyZmFiYTQ4/M2JjYi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}