The Inclusive Classroom: A new approach to differentiation

(Paperback)

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Effective inclusion in the classroom shouldnt be a burden; it should be the most rewarding aspect of a teachers role. 'An excellent guide to changing approaches to inclusion and creating a culture where all children can flourish.' SEN Magazine In this innovative guide to supporting the most vulnerable students, experts Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston help primary and secondary teachers understand the barriers to childrens learning. Emphasising the importance of meeting needs rather than focusing on diagnosis, they provide proven differentiation methods that maximise learning for the whole class, while reducing stress and saving time for the teacher. Guiding teachers through all the different phases of a single lesson, from starters to plenaries, the unique format of The Inclusive Classroom will help bring inclusion to the forefront of any lesson plan. Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes for students vulnerable to underachievement, including those traditionally labelled SEN, EAL, pupil premium, looked after and young carers. Also provided are back-up ideas for when things dont go to plan, real-life anecdotes from teachers, and instructions on how to rethink traditional diagnoses and instead prioritise strengths and participation needs.

Reviews

The Inclusive Classroom is essential reading for new and experienced teachers. It is insightful, accessible and packed with practical ideas. This will prove to be a great resource supporting the inclusion of all children. -- Dr Helen Curran * Senior Lecturer in SEN at Bath Spa University, @drhelcurran *
The Inclusive Classroom provides the perfect blend of tried and tested pedagogy with a fantastic and easily accessible way to advise all educators on how to be more inclusive. I thoroughly enjoyed the pearls of wisdom shared by two passionate educators who are refreshingly open and honest about the challenges they face with their own learning difficulties. -- Baasit Siddiqui * Director of Siddiqui Education, @SiddiquiEdu *
An honest, genuine and authentic read by two authors with personal, first-hand experience of SEN. The book is peppered with tangible ways to look to the needs of all children as individuals. The Try this Instead of this sections are particularly useful for practitioners. I highly recommend it. -- Helen Frostick * Former headteacher and educational consultant *
This book is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for professionals on how to best create a well-balanced and supportive classroom. It's a must-read to improve your planning and delivery of lessons and take a holistic approach to SEN. -- Alice Green * Primary school teacher, @mrsalicegreen *
Practical, concrete advice peppered with brilliant anecdotes. This utterly readable book is not just for teachers of children with SEND; it has the power to absolutely change the way every teacher approaches every child. -- Charlie Allison * SEND Lead at the Xavier Catholic Education Trust, consultant and lecturer *
The Inclusive Classroom urges us to really know what makes each young person in our care tick in order to support their learning. This is a must-have for everyone who works in schools. -- Jez Piper * CEO of Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, @DBAT_UK *
Each and every pupil is both unique and special. An additional learning need is not necessarily a difficulty. This book provides a timely, personal and welcome reminder of the importance of individual pupils needs, instead of an obsession with a diagnosis. -- Allison Yarrow * Deputy Headteacher and Wellbeing and Achievement Lead, @AllisonYarrow *
Its rare these days to come across an educational book that I both wish Id written and wish Id read at the beginning of my career. The Inclusive Classroom is exactly such a book. It is packed with practical, relevant and insightful advice that will enable any classroom practitioner to really meet the needs of all their children. What I love most is its simplicity. Complex theory and years of knowledge are distilled into bite-sized tips that everyone, from new teachers to experienced leaders, can apply immediately to support the creation of a calm, secure learning environment for all. This should be essential reading on initial teacher training if were serious as a nation about ensuring every child gets the education they deserve whilst giving teachers more precious time. -- Sarah Bailey * Headteacher of Croydon Virtual School and former primary headteacher @sarahba19844848 *
This is a practical, honest and supportive guide to illuminate the importance of establishing an inclusive environment where all children can shine, be engaged and love their learning journey. It supports teachers to take structured steps to improve inclusivity for all children in their care. This is a must-read for every teacher and school leader! -- Stephen Lawler-Smith * National Leader of Education and Headteacher *
Dispelling myths, generously sharing their own personal experiences of the education system and breaking their helpful advice into easily applicable chunks, Daniel and Sara empower and enable teachers to make a difference to childrens outcomes and life chances. -- Leanne Symonds * Headteacher and National Leader for Education, Ringwood School and the SPELL Alliance *
Guiding teachers through the different phases of a lesson, from starters to plenaries, each chapter contains simple, effective actions to improve learning outcomes for students vulnerable to underachievement, including those traditionally labelled SEN, EAL, pupil premium, looked after and young carers. * Teach Secondary *
They use short case studies to illustrate points and describe common classroom activities and situations. They then explain how these can be adapted to enable teachers to reflect on common practice and use relatively simple ways to create and sustain successful classroom routines. Back up ideas are also offered for when things dont go as planned. This is an excellent guide to changing approaches to inclusion and creating a culture where all children can flourish. * SEN Magazine *
Sara and Daniel have compiled a great book here offering a practical approach to differentiation ensuring all pupils in the classroom are offered opportunities to thrive. * UKEdChat *
The book is packed with practical and often simple suggestions that would make all the difference. The authors are obviously speaking with bags of experience, demonstrating great understanding and a huge amount of perception. I think the tips and ideas suggested in this book would benefit all our teaching practices wherever we are in our careers. -- Rosie Watch * Love Reading 4 Schools *

Author Bio

Daniel Sobel MA Ed (Psych) FCMI FCIC FRSA is the CEO and founder of Inclusion Expert, a leading educational consultancy offering training and resources to professionals working in inclusion. In 2012, Daniel was highly commended at the Educational Business Awards for his outstanding insights and strategic thinking in education, and Inclusion Expert won a Grand Prix at the Education Investor Awards in 2015. Daniel is the author of Narrowing the Attainment Gap and Leading on Pastoral Care, and is a featured columnist for The Guardian. He has also written for the Times Educational Supplement and regularly speaks on educational inclusion, social and behavioural issues, special educational needs, managing mental health, foster care children and impoverishment at national and international conferences. Sara Alston BA, PGCE, PGDE, NPQH is a practising SENCO, and as SEA Inclusion & Safeguarding works as an independent consultant and trainer supporting schools with SEND and safeguarding. She draws on her experiences as a teacher and senior leader to support teachers to better understand pupils and their strengths and barriers to learning, and to use this to promote their learning. She has authored several training courses for teachers and teaching assistants, and articles on safeguarding and SEND.