This is the second part of a series diving into the answer to that question using the Division of Early Childhood Position Statement as a reference: What Is Special Instruction
Special Instruction includes four functions, according to the DEC position paper. The Role of Special Instruction in Early Intervention includes:
- The designing of learning environments and activities that promote the child’s acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental areas, including cognitive processes and social interactions,
- Curriculum planning, including the planned interaction of personnel, materials, and time and space, that leads to achieving outcomes in the child’s individualized family service plan,
- Providing families with information, skills, and support related to enhancing the skill development of the child; and
- Working with the child to enhance the child’s development
This post will focus on how special instruction includes, “curriculum planning including the planned interactions of personnel, materials, and time and space, that leads to achieving the outcomes in each child’s Individualized Family Service Plan.”
Special Instruction Curriculum Planning in a Classroom; supporting the teacher
The average child care provider in my state does not have a college degree; if they do, it is probably not even related to children. They may not want to be teachers, but it is the only job they can find. Who knows what brought them to childcare? The average teacher I work with may not know how to teach a child who doesn’t automatically learn things, just like the other children in the class.
When working with a child in a classroom setting, I usually spend the first session observing and talking to the teacher. I have used the SATIRE interview by Robin McWilliam to stimulate conversation.
Typical tasks of curriculum planning as a special instructor include…
Curriculum Planning
- embedding IFSP goals in lesson plans and learning activities.
- embedding IFSP goals in daily routines.
- modifying learning activities to meet the child’s needs.
- creating additional activities that can be fun for all children, but especially the child I’m working with.
- Special Instruction Curriculum Planning in Home Setting
Curriculum Planning in Home-Based Early Intervention Service?
There may not be a formal curriculum or lesson plan in a home-based Early Intervention service, but I do plan my activities ahead of time. I use conversations with family to guide my activity planning, and I use my relationship with the family to guide how much information they need and want about that activity planning. Some parents want to know EVERYTHING, but some parents need to be fed information one bit at a time.
I look forward to providing more information about how I do this as this blog grows and grows in the future.How do you use curriculum planning as a special instructor? Leave a comment below!
Transform Everyday Moments into Cumulative Storytelling
As an early childhood educator, I have always loved the sweet rhythm and pace of Audrey Wood’s The Napping House. This story is based on a true Saturday morning at our home. While it started with everyone cozy and dreaming, a single wagging tail set off a chain reaction that brought our “sleeping house” to…
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Songs with a Purpose: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear For Following Simple Directions
When I need a high-motivation, movement-based activity for teaching the ability to follow simple one step verbal instructions, I turn to an old classic: “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around!” When I start singing the song, the children know exactly what to do. It’s a joyful, musical cue that instantly gets them moving.
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Songs with Purpose: “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” for Sensory Regulation
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Early Intervention Play Inspired By Books
By connecting play into book sharing, we can make reading a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for even the most reluctant toddlers.
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Early Intervention Activities with Pete The Cat I Love My White Shoes
If you’re a teacher or early interventionist wanting to help children develop their language skills: Use play-based activities that go along with the books you read. Whatever book it is! Read the books over and over again.
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Early Intervention And Piano: An Unlikely Duo. Developmental Skills That Are Supported in Preschool Piano Lessons
Through this Early Intervention to Piano Teacher transition, I have realized that the fundamental learning process of humans learning new skills is the same: language, walking, holding crayons, or playing piano.
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The Magic of “Apple, Apple, A, A, A Song”
As a parent, I played this album “Sounds Like Fun” in CD format for my own children to fall asleep. Now, as a music therapy student, I’ve rediscovered the song’s simple melody and repetitive chords making it an excellent tool for my own journey in learning how to play the guitar.
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Song Of The Month: The Ants Go Marching
Using the simple song “The Ants Go Marching” is a great way to both be individualized and consistent in your own lesson planning. You can address a wide variety of goals as well as keep your planning simple.
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Song Of The Month: The Wheels On The Bus
There are so many more fun and challenging things you can do with this song. Each child has their own set of challenges and preferences. With some creativity, one song can be adapted to meet each of these needs.
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Song Of The Month: All The Little Fish
I plan activities (loosely) ahead of time for Early Intervention sessions. An easy way for me to both 1) not get bored and 2) keep track of progress is to repeat one particular action song that we stick to for a month. This month it is the Little Fish Song, “All the Little Fish Are…
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Song Of The Month: Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed
The song “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow is a favorite due to its interactive nature. It encourages play and incorporates developmental skills like counting and pretending. Practical props like phones and doctor’s kit enhance the experience. The song offers a variety of playful activities for children and promotes interactive learning.
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Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Core Workout For Toddlers
Working with children, I love using action songs, especially the simple ones most mamas and daddies already know. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is one I use frequently for things like rocking and swinging activities. To me, it lends itself to rocking movement.
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All Things Early Intervention 