Unit 1: What is inclusion?

Return to Mini-Course Homepage: Fostering Inclusion Through Read Alouds

What to Know

To create a diverse, inclusive classroom environment, a teacher must first understand what inclusion is. With the idea of inclusion and Universal Design for Learning becoming prevalent, it is important for all educators, not just special education teachers, to engage in the practice of inclusion. In this unit, you will be reflecting on what you believe inclusion to be, and furthering your learning on inclusion. It is important to note that through inclusion, educators are creating a safe, productive learning environment for all students. In the early education ages, literacy is essential to student success. Teachers can create inclusive and diversity learning communities through literacy, specifically read alouds.

Digital Journal

Please click on the following link to create your personal digital journal. You will be using this digital journal throughout this mini-course to record your reflections and research. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ndntx1CDVnvXw0ql4JDPV6x3BCO5Cykq_BqYdpB0qis/copy

Self Assessment

Answer the following questions in a short paragraph (about 250 words) in your digital journal. Make sure to include specific examples when necessary:

1. What do you know about inclusion?
2. What is inclusion to you?
3. What does an inclusive environment look like to you?
4. Have you seen inclusion in the classroom/have you created an inclusive environment in your classroom?

Readings

Read and watch the attached articles and videos to learn about inclusion and diversity. In your digital journal, be sure to answer the question prompts that are provided as you are reading.

File:Diverse Learner in the Classroom Article.pdf
File:Exploring Economic Diversity and Inequity Through Picture Books Article.pdf
File:Documenting the Portrayal of Diversity in Children's Books Article.pdf https://login.libproxy.albany.edu/login?qurl=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/embed/i-see-your-dis-ability-inclusion-in-the-classroom?account_id=14166&usage_group_id=96884

Stop and Jot

After watching and reading the video and article above, answer each of the following questions in your digital journal:

1. What is inclusion?
2. How can you promote inclusion in your classroom?
3. How can you teach your students what inclusion is?
4. What is the purpose of inclusion?

References

I See Your (Dis)Ability: Inclusion in the Classroom. (n.d.). Listen 2 Kids.

Quast, & Bazemore‐Bertrand, S. (2019). Exploring Economic Diversity and Inequity Through Picture Books. The Reading Teacher, 73(2), 219–222.

Salem. (2021). Documenting the Portrayal of Diversity in Children’s Books. Collection Management, 46(3-4), 174–185.

Schirmer. (1995). Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Elementary School Classrooms (Diverse Learners in the Classroom). The Reading Teacher, 49(1), 66–.

Proceed to Unit 2: Unit 2: How to Choose Diverse Books