The Inclusive Classroom: A new approach to differentiation

by Daniel Sobel, Sara Alston

Effective inclusion in the classroom shouldn't be a burden; it should be the most rewarding aspect of a teacher's role. 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 children's 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 don't go to plan, real-life anecdotes from teachers, and instructions on how to rethink traditional diagnoses and instead prioritise strengths and participation needs.

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2021

Reviews

[Exina · Rating 5 out of 5]

For it to be effective, inclusion has to take up less time, less money and less stress.

One of the most useful practical guide in the topic (inclusive teaching). Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes. Clear structure, case studies, tips (for encouraging participation in learning, for helping children to focus, for meeting children's needs effectively), benefits and challenges.

Very helpful, highly recommended.

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inclusive Classroom – a new approach to differentiation is written by two authors with lived-in experiences of the difficulties faced by SEND students. This gives the book a friendly and authentic tone. It covers the different phases of a lesson from transition when students enter the room, whole-class engagement, group and individual work, and how to pull everything together.
The premise is that supporting students with SEND does not have to be difficult, time-consuming and costly but can be done with simple, quick and easy-to-do strategies thus the book is full of practical ideas that are easy to implement. Each chapter has an overview and summary, lots of tips with “instead of this … try this” suggestions and numerous case studies.
Eminently readable with frequent visuals and diagrams breaking up the text, this book will help improve the planning and delivery of lessons, and support the learning of all students; often approaches that are implemented to help specific students benefit everyone.
Recommended CPD reading for both new and experienced education practitioners working with SEND students including teachers, librarians and TAs, this would also be a useful addition to the staff library though it’s likely to be on permanent loan.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide to managing inclusion in schools. Rather than thinking in terms of individual types of special needs, this books takes a broad view of including all students with cognitive, neurodiverse, sensory, anxiety, mental health issues. However, by setting up consistent routines and reducing anxiety, this will enable all students to flourish, not just those on the SEN register. Highly recommended read.

[Kate Jenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the main premise of this book which was that "for it to be effective, inclusion has to take up less time, less money and less stress". I also agreed with most of the easy to implement ideas and the handy summaries. However I don't think this book is ground breaking. It states pretty much what I've read before I.e. Good inclusion is basically good teaching practice for everyone.

[Sara Akhavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a wonderful section about labelling which I found brilliant. The rest is a useful guide with examples on how to create a more inclusive classroom and plan lessons accordingly. As a student writing a hypothetical lesson plan, this gave me several great ideas.

[Claire Donnelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is worth a read with some good ideas but I don’t think it will completely transform your pedagogy or practise!