Differentiated instruction includes the teacher finding appropriate and effective strategies to respond to the diverse learning differences in an existing classroom. Differentiated instruction is deemed highly effective in meeting the needs of a disabled learner. Although all of this sounds good on paper, unfortunately, most disabled students, especially at the early childhood level, are often misunderstood and overlooked. Disabled children (with different disabilities) suffer or suffocate in a space like this. Hence, this chapter synthesizes and presents a variety of strategies appropriate for how to use differentiated instruction as a tool to aid disabled children in early childhood.
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There was a passionate and devoted teacher who was working at a prestigious International School years ago, and they were in the process of becoming an inclusive institution. She profoundly embraced and supported this idea. The following week, she was told that a physically disabled student would be enrolled in her pre -k class. Her jaw immediately dropped and she began to shake incessantly because she had no previous experience in teaching a child who was unable to walk or talk. Despite being stricken with fear, she tried to remain positive and tranquil. The day had finally arrived and she was introduced to the student and her parents. The other peers welcomed her with much love and care but on seeing the disabled student, fear grappled the teacher again. With no substantial knowledge of how to handle or include a disabled child, she tried including her in circle time through singing and dancing but she became very restless and tears began to roll down her face. The despondent teacher tried to calm her down but this was unsuccessful. It was just too much for her. This eye-opening incident led the teacher to investigate how this disabled 4-year-old student and other students with other learning disabilities could feel included. The thought of utilising differentiated instruction weighed heavily on her mind.
What Are Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities refer to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders that significantly impact the ability of an individual to learn new things. As a consequence, the person can have difficulty with duties like paying attention, writing, reading, grasping concepts, doing mathematical calculations or coordinating movements (Gupta, 2022).
Many learning disabilities are developed and detected at a young age mostly in a learning environment. Although learning disabilities can prevent children from flourishing academically, many studies have shown that they are gifted in certain areas and are very intelligent.
Types Of Learning Disabilities Common In Children
There exist many different types of learning disorders among children. Some are:
1. Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common disability that is very prevalent in children. This learning disorder encompasses children speaking and developing vocabulary at a slower pace, expressing difficulty in understanding words, reading and writing. Furthermore, these challenges provoke children to struggle with grammar and reading comprehension (Gupta, 2022).
Some signs of dyslexia include:
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Difficulty in reading and writing.
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Delayed Speech
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Inappropriate responses (for example to questions asked about a book)
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Has challenges with phonological awareness.
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Proclivity to reverse letters.
2. Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is an enfeebling condition that affects a child's ability to construct mathematical relationships in a successful manner and the inability to perform competently in Mathematics (Beachman & Trott 2005). It is said that between 5 and 8 percent of children from 6-14 struggle with obtaining knowledge and understanding the basics of numeracy (Geary, 2004).
These are some signs of dyscalculia:
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Finds it difficult to solve mathematical problems.
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Counting and grouping numbers.
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Understanding math operations.