Inclusive Education
Inclusive Education|Lifelong Pathways
Inclusive education: My sons’ school recently held its year 4-6 swimming carnival. There were so many examples of inclusive education here, and I would like to share them with you.
Inclusive education extends beyond the classroom; it’s about how well the student feels a sense of belonging within their school community. Sports events are often epitomised by the student with additional needs sitting on the sidelines, watching. I wonder how many of you have thought if they want to participate? Whether it is their anxiety that is the barrier to their participation or a physical disability that means keeping up with their peers is very challenging, it doesn’t matter. A school that values inclusion in education will make accommodations to enable every student to join in and participate.
At the swimming carnival I witnessed some very special moments; moments of inclusive education that will stay with me for a very long time.
One of the students so clearly wanted to get in the water to do one of the novelty races, but her anxiety was over-riding this. A teacher then stepped in, asking one of the student’s friends to assist her, and with gentle encouragement and support, they did the race together. The two girls held hands the entire time. I realised how emotional I was becoming and I immediately went to find her Mum who was clearly overwhelmed. It was lovely to share it both with her and with the mother of the daughter who so willingly helped.
Another boy with additional needs wanted to join in the novelty races too, and the way he overcame his anxiety was to have a teacher alongside him. He then became a helper to set up the equipment for some of the other events as they needed someone in the pool to distribute the objects.
Both students wanted to earn a ribbon by doing a race like the majority of the other students. A gorgeous Mum approached the teachers and informed them of the students wishes. The teachers thought about how this could be set up for success. The girl started the race part way down the pool, and a teacher walked alongside her with a pool noodle should she require it. The other boy swam the length of the pool alongside another teacher who provided moral support by being next to him in the pool.
All of the students and teachers were cheering, clapping and chanting the students’ names. It was amazing to see how the teachers approached each situation differently and provided appropriate assistance and support to allow these students to be fully included. It is especially important with events that only happen annually; as so many children are observers and then have to wait an entire year for their chance to join in. I love examples of inclusive education where teachers think outside the square.