Ministering to Special Needs Children

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Ministering to Special Needs Children
Prepared by Teachable Heart Ministries
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Definitions

• The term Special Needs is being replaced by the
  term Exceptional Learners.
• Exceptional Learners are, those who require
  special education and related services if they
  are to realize their full human potential.
• Special education means, specially designed
  instruction that meets the individual needs of an
  exceptional student.
• Including modifying, accommodating, or remedial
  action needed to be taken in teaching methods

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The Statistics

• One out of every ten students in schools are
  considered exceptional.
• These students are also in our church.
• We need to change how we do ministry and
  accommodate these children and their families.
• Children being medicated for learning
  disabilities is on the rise. Knowledge about
  medication and side effects in the classroom is
  crucial.
• You can not effective minister to a child if you
  dont recognize their individual needs.

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Recognizing Special Needs Children

• Difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Difficulty with getting along with others.
• Easily frustrated.
• Impulsive inactions.
• Continual restlessness.
• Poor self-concept.
• Include and involve the following abilities or
  areas
• Sensory
• Physical
• Emotional
• Communicative
• Behavioral

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Successful Methods of Accommodating

• Nurture strong leader-child relationships.
• Develop a well-planned lesson.
• Establish a positive, warm, inviting mood.
• Establish rules.
• Develop consistent routines for class time.
• Choose meaningful activities.
• Short, with limited instruction.
• Keep the leader free to move about with the
  children.
• Allow all children to be successful.
• Build a strong sense of belonging.
• Provide alternative activities to accommodate a
  variety of abilities.
• Pray for and minister children outside of the
  church.

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Creating an Atmosphere for Learning

• Maintain a calm environment, free from excess
  noise or activity.
• Seat them near the leader. A gently touch on the
  should will often refocus and settle them.
• Avoid snacks that are high in sugar, artificial
  colors and flavors, caffeine.
• Do only one activity at a time.
• Demonstrate patience and gentleness consistently.
• Give clear directions and have the children
  repeat them.