Inclusion Classroom: Empowering Paraprofessionals to Support Better

When it comes to students in special education, extra help is often needed. That support often comes from paraprofessionals in education, who are truly invaluable in an inclusion classroom. I’m lucky to work with some of the best paraprofessionals out there. Even they face challenges in making an inclusion classroom run smoothly for our students. Initially, I assumed this would come naturally to them as if it was just something they’d instinctively know. However, I quickly realized that wasn’t the case. I had to brainstorm strategies to help them thrive in an inclusion classroom. Today, I’m sharing those strategies to help you better support your paraprofessionals!

One of the best ways I have supported them is by using my Paraprofessional Training Manual! It has 80+ editable pages that can be used year-round to support the team in your inclusion classroom to understand rules and procedures!

What is the Role of a Paraprofessional in the Inclusion Classroom?

In an inclusion classroom, paraprofessionals in education are truly the unsung heroes. They play such a critical role in making sure that every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. Paraprofessionals in education often work one-on-one with students or in small groups, providing that extra layer of support crucial in an inclusive setting. Whether it’s helping a student stay focused, modifying tasks to meet individual needs, or just being that encouraging presence, paraprofessionals are there to bridge the gap between what’s being taught and how students can learn.

I love having paraprofessionals in an inclusion classroom because they bring such a dynamic energy to the room. They’re like the glue that helps hold everything together, ensuring students who need extra help don’t get lost in the shuffle. It’s not just about academics! They also play a key role in helping students navigate social interactions and build relationships with their peers. In many ways, paraprofessionals are the champions of inclusion, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

How to Support Paraprofessionals in Education

1. Meet with Teachers in Other Subjects or Content Areas

When I started thinking about supporting my students in an inclusion classroom, I took a step back and looked at the classes where they were being included. To support my paraprofessionals in the education setting, I needed to know what was happening in our students’ classes. My first step was to meet with the teachers of those classes to get a sense of what was expected from the general education students. This groundwork helped me create a plan that aligned with my student’s abilities and allowed them to participate with their peers.

For example, in gym class, while the other students were playing basketball, I came up with a range of differentiated activities that still let my students be part of the game. They could dribble the ball, pass it to a paraprofessional, roll the ball, or catch a bounce pass. Even something as simple as touching the basketball when presented with different options could be adapted into a meaningful participation goal.

In art class, when the task was to build a sculpture, I found ways to make it accessible. This could look like rolling the clay, flattening it, making letters or shapes, or just identifying the clay among other art materials. In technology class, tasks like typing a paper could be adapted to typing their name, sight words, or even just identifying technology items using picture cards.

Through all of this, I learned that while there are many ways to adapt and differentiate, our paraprofessionals might not always be able to do it on the fly. Honestly, there are days when I struggle with it myself! That’s why it’s so important to know what’s going on in the class and offer ideas and support to the paraprofessionals on the front lines in the inclusion classroom. It’s all about teamwork and making sure everyone has the tools they need to make inclusion work.

2. Model Expectations for Your Paraprofessionals

One of the most effective strategies to support paraprofessionals is to model your expectations for them. Sometimes, the best way for someone to understand what you need them to do is to see it in action. So, if you can, take a little time to join the class and demonstrate how you want things to run. Whether it’s how to modify a task, manage behaviors, or facilitate peer interactions, showing your paraprofessionals exactly what you expect can make a difference.

When you model these expectations, you give them a visual example of handling different situations and supporting students effectively. Plus, it helps build their confidence in knowing they’re on the right track. I’ve found that even spending just a few minutes doing this can go a long way in creating a more supportive environment in an inclusion classroom. By taking the time to model, you’re setting everyone up for success!

3. Provide a List of General Skills

Another crucial step in supporting paraprofessionals in education, and even the regular education teachers, is to provide a clear list of skills each student can do. This doesn’t have to be anything overly complex. In fact, a simple list can be incredibly powerful. By sharing this information, you’re equipping everyone in the room with the tools they need to make the class more meaningful and functional for the student.

For example, let’s say you have a student named Ashley. Her skill set might look something like this:

Ashley’s Skill Set:

• Matching
• Counting up to 10
• Sorting
• Answering Questions

Or take Jacob, whose skills might include:

Jacob’s Skill Set:

• Identifying Objects
• Answering Yes/No Questions
• Labeling Items
• Addition and Subtraction
• Writing Simple Sentences

These lists might seem basic, but they offer so much insight into what each student is capable of. By providing these details, you’re helping paraprofessionals and teachers tailor their support and make the learning experience more accessible and engaging for the students. It’s all about ensuring everyone in the inclusion classroom is set up for success. A simple skills list can go a long way in achieving that.

I’m excited to share a little something extra with you! Grab a free skills chart that you can fill in to list the skills your students can do. It’s a simple but powerful tool to help you and your paraprofessionals make the inclusion classroom even more effective. Whether for quick reference or detailed planning, this chart is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure that your students get the support they need.

4. Hold a Team Meeting Frequently

One of the best ways to ensure that everything runs smoothly is by holding regular team meetings with your paraprofessionals. If possible, try to meet each morning, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to touch base and go over the day’s plans. These quick check-ins can make a big difference in ensuring everyone is on the same page and prepared to support the students effectively.

If daily meetings aren’t feasible, aim for at least a few weekly meetings. This gives you a chance to discuss any challenges, share successes, and brainstorm new strategies together. These team meetings foster a sense of collaboration. It also provides a space for the paraprofessionals to ask questions, share their insights, and feel more confident in their roles within the inclusion classroom.

By making time for these meetings, you’re building a stronger support system for your students. You’re also ensuring everyone involved works together to create the best possible learning environment. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to build camaraderie and make sure your team feels valued and heard.

A Must-Have Resource for All Paraprofessionals in Education

One of the best tools I’ve created for supporting my paraprofessionals in our inclusion classroom is the Paraprofessional Binder and Training Manual. This resource is a game-changer for keeping everything organized. It helps to ensure your paraprofessionals have all the information they need at their fingertips. It’s designed with special education in mind, but honestly, it’s perfect for any classroom where paraprofessionals are helping out.

What I love most about this binder is how it helps create a consistent approach to classroom support. Inside, you’ll find everything from welcome letters introducing paraprofessionals to the classroom to detailed outlines of their roles and responsibilities. There are editable daily schedule templates, so everyone knows where they need to be and when. Along with the schedules, student information sheets track individual needs, goals, and progress. It’s like having all your classroom management tools in one neat package.

The binder also includes instructional guides to help paraprofessionals feel more prepared to provide instruction. There is also a quick-reference IEP summary section. Because collaboration is key, there are sections for notes and reflections. Paraprofessionals can jot down their observations and questions.

To make the most of this binder, I recommend keeping it in a central location in your classroom so it’s easy to access. Encourage the paraprofessionals you work with to actively use it. I also recommend scheduling regular check-ins to go over updates or any concerns they might have. Most importantly, keep the binder updated with current information. It’s important to regularly review and revise it as needed.

Additional Resources to Explore

Make sure to continue exploring how to support paraprofessionals in education with the resources below!

• 8 Essential Tips for Training Paraprofessionals
• Paraprofessional Staff in Instructional Areas
• Staff meetings for my paraprofessionals

Lead a Successful Inclusion Classroom With Supported Paraprofessionals

The key to leading a successful classroom truly lies in your support of paraprofessionals. By modeling expectations, sharing clear student skill sets, holding regular team meetings, and utilizing resources, you’re setting the stage for a cohesive and well-supported environment. When paraprofessionals feel confident and equipped, it directly impacts the students’ success. So, take the time to invest in these strategies. Watch how your inclusion classroom transforms into a space where every student thrives!

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