The most important part of teaching special needs children is helping them to transfer their knowledge and skills to both familiar and new situations in their lives. Success in learning can be measured by a student's ability to put what he/she has learned into use in all possible situations. Many opportunities should be provided for special needs children in every phase of learning, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge effectively and productively.
Some of the basic life skills special needs children require for living independent and productive lives include daily living, social, personal, and occupational skills.
Daily living skills include grooming, table manners, cooking, using money, buying things in a store, and paying bills. These kinds of daily living activities can be taught by the parents at home and by teachers in school. Parents with a special needs child can take him/her along on a bus and explain how to pay the bus fare and how to calculate the balance after paying a certain amount. In school, role-playing shops may be set up, allowing teachers to give children hands-on instruction on how to buy things. Teachers can also show children how to locate the lowest-priced item and the highest-priced item, determining the difference between the two. In this way, both parents and teachers can help special needs children to learn how to handle some daily living tasks independently.
Social skills include interaction with peers in the classroom as well as with others in society. Special needs students should be given adequate instruction concerning their behavior in society. They should be taught proper behavior in public places, such as at parties, in banks, in a shop, and at a restaurant. Appropriate behavior in public places will help throughout the lives of special needs individuals. Acquiring these skills may eventually help them to gain occupational opportunities in society.
It is very important for special needs children to develop independence and become productive in both their personal and public lives. When possible, teachers should arrange curriculum according to the unique desires and interests of different special needs students. Occupational skills, such as sewing, playing music, and preparing and serving food, may be covered. Occupational skills are necessary to earn money and enjoy independent living.
The practical experiences children have while trying out new things, applying their understanding to various tasks, and practicing their skills solidify learning. Knowledge gained may be of no use if the child does not know how to apply it or make use of it. Hands-on opportunities and continuing practice help to make the student's life more productive.
It may help to remind children that what they are learning will be useful in their lives, encouraging them to sustain all their efforts until they reach their learning goals. The outcome of learning should be the development of lifelong skills.
