SPECIAL NEEDS LESSONS/ACTIVITIES

`Paper Ball!`

`Sushi Lunch`

Summary: A ball of crumpled-up paper

Summary: Enjoy `fishing` and

with hidden questions and challenges

practicing colors and numbers.

becomes an exciting game.

Preparation: Cut simple sea shapes out

Preparation: Use paper of different

of colored paper. Attach a paperclip to

colors and sizes. On each piece, write a

each shape. Make a safe `fishing pole`,

question, draw a picture, describe an

with a very small magnet to the bottom

action, etc. Then fold/crumple smaller

of the line. Draw a picture of each

pieces of paper inside larger pieces to

student and an empty bento on the

make a ball.

board.

How it works: Pass the paper ball to a

student, who opens and reads the
outermost layer. They pass it back to the
ALT. Repeat and enjoy!
`Color Islands

Summary: This physical

game practices colors or
others basic categories.

How it works: Students go fishing and

practice identifying the colors of their
catch. Fish are put in their bento. Later,
count the fish together.

`Catch Ball Talk`

Summary: Passing a ball
or soft toy adds a physical
angle to discussion.

Preparation: Arrange colored

Preparation: Provide a soft ball or

cones/hoops across a wide area to

serve as color "bases".

toy and prepare discussion topics or

questions.

How it works: When the ALT says a

How it works: Use the ball to

color, students run to the appropriate indicate whose turn it is to speak.

color `base`.

CLASSROOM RESOURCES
Teachers and families around the world
share advice, tips, and ideas!

Online

http://www.signingsavvy.com

http://jhsenglipediaproject.com

http://www.edochan.com/teaching/monkeys.htm (This site is called Three Wise

(American Sign Language)

(Tons of curriculum ideas for all school levels)

Monkeys. Lots of activities and games for all grade-levels)

http://genkienglish.net/start.htm

(Lots of games and activities with explanations in

Japanese and English)

http://www.eslcafe.com (Lots of activities for all grade levels. Click on the Idea
Cookbook and then the category you are interested in.)

http://www.mes-english.com

http://wisehat.com/index.php

http://www.highlightskids.com/

http://www.jetprogramme.org/forums/

(Colorful flashcards and some games)

(Game ideas)
(Arts and crafts and simple read aloud stories)
(Discussion with past & current JETs)

Texts:
Elementary School textbooks - Eigo Noto 1 and 2. These books can provide helpful images,
game ideas, and flashcards.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). 2002. Handbook for
Team-Teaching. Revised Edition. Tokyo: Japan

``Optimism is the faith that leads to

achievement. Nothing can be done without
hope and confidence.`` - Helen Keller

TEACHING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Definition and Exploration

Disability

Explanation/Examples

In the Classroom

Mental Deficiency

Includes genetic disorders,

Development delays in

(Retardation)

reduced mental capacity

social, oral/language, and

resulting from

memory skills may lead to

issues/complications

easy frustration and

during pregnancy/birth,

frequent outbursts.

and disorders resulting

Learning for these

from traumatic brain

students takes longer and

injuries, exposure to

requires more repetition.

toxins, or exposure to a
disease.
Orthopedic Impairment

Students that have some

Limited motor skills which

for sort of physical

may affect writing ability

disability that limits the

and / or the ability to

use of one or more of

walk, run, lift or pass

their limbs. Students may

objects, and so on.

wear braces, use a wheel

chair, or other device.
Vision Disorder

Poor seeing ability.

Student cannot see the

teacher or materials
clearly. May also cause
issues with depth
perception.

Hearing Disorder

Poor hearing ability.

Student cannot hear the

teacher or hears things
incorrectly.

Emotional / Behavioral

Includes Attention Deficit

Short attention span.

Disorders

Hyperactivity Disorder

Inability to sit still. Easily

(ADHD), learning

frustrated. Poor social

disabilities, and Persuasive

and/or communication

Development Disorders.

skills. Prone to outbursts.

Your Self- Introduction Lesson!

Students will be very curious and very nervous about meeting their new ALT.
How can you help make this first lesson fun, educational, and memorable?

*Patience*
Give students time to think.

*Smile*
Set a friendly tone for the year.

Show Big Pictures. Introduce yourself and your country visually, but balance your `lecture`
time with activities, games, or interactive questions.
Shake Hands: Learn and practice the art of the handshake
with students as a greeting.
Sing. Schools using the `Eigo Noto` textbook will be familiar with the Hello Song. Learn it,
and encourage students to join you! Or, explore other `Greeting` songs online.
Make Illustrated Name Cards. Teach them how to write their names in romaji and get to
know students by including pictures of their hobbies or favorite things.
Q & A. Allow time for questions. Be prepared for the fun, strange, and personal!

Here are some ideas to help you get

started with classes!

Alphabet&Numbers
-Easily adapted to link up with all topics.
A is for Apple
-Countingtime birthdays

Colours
You could also try mixing this theme with food,
holidays, countries, or animals!

Holidays
Holidays are a great chance to introduce some
fun crafts and customs from home.

Animals
You could mix this theme with colours, food,
countries, or even sounds (Try it! Animals make
different noises in in Japanese)

Emotions/Feelings
Im happy! ...Im sadIm hungry

Food
You can easily match this with countries,
colours, or even animals!
What do monkeys eat?