Forum

…about the child with special needs and/or a learning
disability, I suggest using a "tried and true" strategy in a variety
of ways, to encourage understanding and effectiveness.  For example, let's
say your students (especially the one[s] with special needs, etc.) enjoy the
strategy "I like my neighbor who…"  Use the strategy and
"front load" it with questions/statements that YOU have prepared –
that will encourage tolerance, respect, understanding, etc.  ("I like
my neighbor who has difficulty with subtracting in math class.."
 "I like my neighbor who has done something nice on the playground
today…").  After each question/statement and the consequent changing
of seats, ask the person left in the middle to elaborate/answer the statement.

Don't let the energizer go on too long, and the next time
you do "I like my neighbor", ask students (ahead of time) to write
their own statements/questions to use.

As always,
reflect on the positive behaviors you observed, and ask some questions that are
pertinent to learning and sociability.