The Difference Between a Sunday School Teacher and a Secular Teacher

I Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

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But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them- yet not I, but the grace of God was with me.

What Kids With Special Needs Wish You Knew

If we knew what was really important to kids with special needs, how would that change our strategy? Join this eye-opening session that will help you gain a better understanding about serving God's unique kids.

I am a person with special qualities that demands special attention

Jesus Christ gave special attention to the lowliest and the neediest

Introduction to Inclusive Education

As Jesus requested all the children be brought to Him, and not be hindered, so is Inclusive Education. For Sunday school children to have a sense of belonging and not face discrimination, it is beneficial to keep the Special Needs children with the regular children in the same learning and social environment. 

it is important for the church to recognize their needs and give support to them. Managing a Sunday school class is one of the important areas in teaching children, including those with special needs

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Types of Special Needs

Types of Special Needs in Children

There are many categories when it come to Special Needs.

Below are few:

• Autism
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Down Syndrome
• Speech, language, and communication Delay
• Learning Difficulties
• Physical Disabilities 

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As Sunday School �Teachers, we must learn to do the following to help children with Special Needs

Techniques & Management Skills for Sunday School Classes

• Help all children learn and participate together in classes.
• Discourage prejudice that leads to social exclusion
• Build self-confidence, promote a sense of belonging and support children with various challenges.
• Give children the right to fair learning opportunity and a fair chance to excel spiritually, academically, regardless of a disability.
• Promote growth, respect and understanding among diverse children as they play, socialize and learn together.
• It is important that the children’s department identify the needs of parents, support them, encourage and pray with them as they guide the child with special needs.

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Providing Inclusive Education

• Inclusive education makes it possible for neuro diverse learners to be involved in a Sunday school classroom setting alongside their peers, (age-appropriate) for part or full time of their Sunday school days, regardless of their challenges.
• It also creates a learning environment that is suitable for people with varying abilities through interventions, adaptations, programs, activities and resources.
• Trained Sunday school teachers meet the children’s needs in an accepting, respectful, responsive, supportive and flexible way. The children and their parents have a say in their learning goals and play a part in decisions that are about them.

Recommendations for Special Needs Children

• Understand the age of the group

• Preparation

• Focus on routine

• Set clear expectations

• Use motivational tools

• Be like the student

• Think about the different special needs

• Be prepared for misbehavior

• Communicate difficulty/challenges with your leaders

• Ways to use the helper/volunteers

What can help a child with Special Needs

The following can help children with special needs at home and at church

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• Set clear expectations

• Use visual cues/show and tell

• Use transition

• Do a review

• Give frequent breaks

• Use hands-on activities

• Positive feedback/praise rewards

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Thank you