ADAPTING ENGLISH TEACHING MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS

Teaching English might be quite challenging when dealing with learning difficulties. However, learning English or, at least becoming familiar with the language is key in a global world. We listen to music, watch films, search for information on the Internet, or travel around the world.

As teachers, we must keep in mind the support our students need, not only the ones with learning difficulties but also the group class to:

Provide help to all students.
Provide catch up options to the newcomers.
Adapt the syllabus to students with specific needs.

The key to adapt students’ materials is to know your students and do the arrangements depending on their needs, interests, and motivations. However, here are some ideas about how I adapt SPEAKING, LISTENING, READINGS, AND WRITINGS.

ADAPTING SPEAKING

I adapt speakings by:

Giving options orally so that the student can choose and speak
Providing sentence examples
Providing substitution tables with the structure to practice

ADAPTING LISTENING

I adapt listenings by:

Simplifying the questions
Giving options to choose from
Repeating the listening slowly

ADAPTING READINGS

I adapt readings by:

Shortening the texts
Choosing simpler words
Simplifying the questions
Using questions with options

ADAPTING WRITING AND GRAMMAR

I adapt writing by:

Giving options
Providing writing examples
Giving word options

When adapting teaching materials, we always have to keep in mind that we have to provide support to all our students.

Núria Parareda

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