Churches and Bible teachers need to be prepared for students with special needs in their classes. The two page document, Including Students with Special Challenges, can be a starting point. At the same time, keep in mind that all students have special needs, some are merely different or more challenging than others.
The Needs All Students Have
All students, regardless of the physical, mental, or emotional challenges they face, need the following:
- to have a personal relationship with Jesus and grow in it
- to feel loved and like they belong
- to be valued and treated with dignity
Approach to Teaching Students with Special Challenges
Sure, some students might require extra attention or a slightly different approach due challenges they face in learning. Teachers who work on the following with all students will be more prone to include students with special challenges in the classroom in significant ways.
get to know all students (i.e., their abilities, interests, needs, etc.)
be patient and understanding
affirm and unconditionally accept students
encourage participation by all students
If we do the above, it’s simply a matter of making accommodations for how each student is able to participate based on what we have learned about their specific abilities, interests, and needs. Follow the example of the Apostle Paul who said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22)
More: Including Students with Special Needs Teacher Training Resources