3.3 Developing an inclusive classroom

Developing an inclusive classroom is the first stage in supporting learners who require additional support to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

Teachers who had an input into the development of CIRCLE talked about a number of key areas when considering the concept of an inclusive classroom; these are shown in the interactive diagram in Figure 16 below.

Hover over each segment of the diagram and the numbers 1–4 display the key areas for each heading in the space below.

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Figure 16 Developing an inclusive classroom overview
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The diagram demonstrates the concept of Developing an inclusive classroom. The first key box is Preparation and planning and the description given is: the first step to setting up an Inclusive classroom is being organised and prepared for each year/term/week/day/lesson. Preparation and planning include consideration of all the other features of an inclusive classroom. For further information refer to page 1 in the download ‘Developing an Inclusive Classroom’. The second box is Social environment and the description is: The social environment is concerned with the attitudes, expectations and actions of those within the class and how these can affect learners either positively or negatively. For further information refer to page 9 in the download ‘Developing an Inclusive Classroom’. The third box is Physical environment and the description given says: The physical environment refers to the physical layout of the classroom (or alternate teaching space) and the resources used within it. For further information refer to page 11 in the download ‘Developing an Inclusive Classroom’. The fourth and final box is Structures and routines and the description give is: Structures and routines are events that happen in the same way with regularity. The start, middle and end of the routine becomes predictable through repetition. Daily routines help learners to know and anticipate what comes next and social routines help them enjoy and interact with others. Learners benefit from a degree of order and consistency in their lives – for some learners this is mainly achieved in school. It may be useful to consider structures and routines in terms of how the day/week is structured; how lessons are delivered; and how rules and roles are implemented. Some learners need visual support to help them recognise predictable routines and additional visual supports to help them understand changes to these routines. For further information refer to page 15 in the download ‘Developing an Inclusive Classroom’.

Figure 16 Developing an inclusive classroom overview
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It is recognised that many of the principles used in an inclusive classroom could be used in any learning environment. Watch this film clip in which a Primary 7 class teacher describes how she set her Primary 7 classroom to suit the needs of the different leaners in her class and the impact of this (film duration 1:45 minutes). A downloadable transcript is available.

The resource ‘Inclusive Classrooms Development Guide’ will support you to explore this area further and answer the activities in this section. A short summary of the areas covered in the guide is outlined here:

Preparation and planning

The first step to setting up an Inclusive classroom is being organised and prepared for each year/term/week/day/lesson. Preparation and planning includes consideration of all the features of an inclusive classroom.

For further information refer to Page 1 and 2 in the download ‘Inclusive Classrooms Development Guide’.

Physical environment

The physical environment refers to the physical layout of the classroom (or alternate teaching space) and the resources used within it.

For further information refer to Page 7 in the download ‘Inclusive Classrooms Development Guide’.

Social environment

The social environment is concerned with the attitudes, expectations and actions of those within the class and how these can affect learners either positively or negatively.

For further information refer to Page 9 in the download ‘Inclusive Classrooms Development Guide’.

Structures and routines

Structures and routines are events that happen in the same way with regularity. The start, middle and end of the routine becomes predictable through repetition.

For further information refer to Page 12 in the download ‘Inclusive Classrooms Development Guide’.

Activity 7: Developing an inclusive classroom

To end this section on developing an inclusive classroom please complete this activity.

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3.2 What is an inclusive classroom?

3.4 The CIRCLE Inclusive Classroom Scale Primary