As a special education teacher, it’s crucial to have a variety of strategies in your teaching toolbox to help reach every student. Maximizing communication with verbal and non-verbal learners is a vital component of successful teaching. In this blog, we’ll explore various strategies that will enable you to communicate effectively with your students, regardless of their communication style.

Verbal Learners

Verbal learners rely heavily on spoken or written words to process information. They learn best through lectures, discussions, and reading and writing. To maximize communication with verbal learners in special education, consider the following strategies:

Use Clear and Concise Language

Using clear and concise language is key when communicating with verbal learners. Avoid using jargon, idioms, or anything that could be misinterpreted. Instead, use precise language that you know they understand.

💬 Tip: Use simple and precise language when communicating with verbal learners.

A picture of a person speaking in clear and concise language.

Encourage Active Participation

Encourage verbal learners to participate actively in classroom discussions and activities. This can be done by asking questions that require more than a one-word answer, giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.

💬 Tip: Encourage verbal learners to participate actively in classroom discussions and activities.

A picture of a group of students engaged in a classroom discussion.

Provide Opportunities for Writing

Verbal learners also benefit from writing and reading. Encourage them to take notes during class lectures, write summaries of reading homework, and practice writing skills during independent work time.

💬 Tip: Provide opportunities for verbal learners to write and read.

A picture of a student taking notes during a lecture.

Non-Verbal Learners

Non-verbal learners, on the other hand, don’t rely heavily on spoken or written words to process information. They learn best through visual and tactile learning styles. To maximize communication with non-verbal learners in special education, consider the following strategies:

Use Visuals

Visual aids such as diagrams, pictures, and videos are essential in communicating with non-verbal learners. Use visual prompts to convey information, supplement verbal instruction, and provide a frame of reference for your students.

💭 Tip: Use visuals aids such as diagrams, pictures, and videos to communicate with non-verbal learners.

A picture of a teacher using a diagram to explain a concept to a non-verbal learner.

Incorporate Manipulatives

Manipulatives such as blocks, puzzles, and models are great tools for non-verbal learners. These students will benefit from hands-on activities that allow them to manipulate objects, which can help them understand abstract concepts.

💭 Tip: Incorporate manipulatives such as blocks, puzzles, and models when teaching non-verbal learners.

A picture of a student using blocks to help them understand math concepts.

Be Aware of Body Language

Body language is crucial when communicating with non-verbal learners. Pay attention to the non-verbal cues your students give, such as facial expressions and gestures, as this can help you understand their emotions and can be used to communicate with them.

💭 Tip: Be aware of body language when communicating with non-verbal learners.

A picture showing different body language cues that students may exhibit.

Conclusion

Maximizing communication with verbal and non-verbal learners in special education is essential for their success. Using strategies such as clear language, active participation, visuals, manipulatives, and awareness of body language will help ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and understood.

A picture of a group of students sitting around a table, communicating with each other.