Universal Design For Learning

               Universal Design for Learning

When setting goals using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), teachers should remember to be flexible. This means making sure goals can be reached in different ways so every student can succeed.




Instead of having all students do the same thing, UDL suggests

  • Showing information in different ways (like videos, books, or pictures) so everyone can understand it their way.
  • Letting students show what they know in different ways (like writing, drawing, or talking) so they can use their strengths.
  • Offering choices (like picking topics or activities) to keep students interested and engaged.

This way, all students have a chance to do well, no matter how they learn best


As a second-grade teacher starting a unit on reptiles, here's how to use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to make sure every student can learn and stay engaged:

1. Show Information in Different Ways

  • Videos and Pictures: Use videos and colorful pictures of reptiles to help kids see what they look like.
  • Books and Stories: Read books about reptiles or listen to stories about them.
  • Models and Virtual Visits: Use toy models of reptiles or take a virtual tour to see real reptiles.

2. Let Students Show What They’ve Learned in Different Ways

  • Project Choices: Allow kids to pick how they want to share what they learned. They can draw, build a model, write a story, or give a short talk.
  • Tech Tools: Use tablets or computers for kids to make videos or digital posters about reptiles.
  • Group Work: Let students work together on projects. Some kids may do better in a group.

3. Keep Students Interested and Engaged

  • Give Choices: Let students choose which reptile they want to learn about or pick their favorite activities.
  • Fun Games: Play games like “Reptile Bingo” or use interactive quizzes to make learning fun.
  • Relate to Their Lives: If a student has a pet reptile, let them share their experiences with the class.

By using these methods, you make sure that all students can learn and show what they know in a way that suits them best and keeps them excited about reptiles.

Reference:

  • IRIS Center. "Universal Design for Learning (UDL)." Link
  • Understood.org. "Understanding Universal Design for Learning." Link
  • Edutopia. "4 Principles of the Universal Design for Learning Approach." Link
  • Reading Rockets. "Universal Design for Learning (UDL): What You Need to Know." Link
  • Harvard GSE. "The Importance of Universal Design for Learning." Link
  • Studocu. "The Exceptional Child - Iris Module Teri 2." Link
  • BrainPOP Educators. "Reptiles Lesson Plan from Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes." Link
  • A to Z Teacher Stuff. "Unit Plan on Reptiles." Link
  • Image of Reptiles. Link
  • Image of Reptiles vocabulary. Link
  • Image Of UDL. Link

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