Research-informed ways to build inclusive online learning communities.
# Inclusive Virtual Classrooms
Believe it or not, teachers can create inclusive learning environments even though students may not be physically present in the classroom. Using research-based teaching strategies and activities, teachers can build an online community that is inclusive of students with a wide variety of abilities and interests. Most importantly, students will continue to have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual abilities.
Establish Routines
Ensure that routines are established in your virtual classroom. Routines provide predictability and security in addition to helping students develop their executive functioning skills. Create routines for students to sign in and out of class, submit homework, and take bathroom breaks during instruction. Consistent routines are especially important for students with autism, anxiety, or executive function challenges.
Morning Meeting Online
This powerful activity can be just as effective online as it is in the physical classroom. Regardless of grade, set aside some time at the beginning of the school day to welcome students to class, outline the agenda for the day, make important announcements, and ask students how they are doing. Morning Meeting builds the sense of community and belonging that is the foundation of inclusive education.
Build in Movement and Breaks
Not all students will be able to sit and pay attention to a class lesson on a computer screen. Be sure to build in breaks that get kids moving and keep their brain engaged in learning. Simple games like Freeze give all kids some time to shake, squirm, and wiggle. Movement breaks are especially important for students with ADHD, sensory processing differences, or physical disabilities.
Foster Peer Connections
Building connections with students online is just as important as it is in the physical classroom. Students still feel the need to belong in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment. Invite small groups of students to have a virtual lunch break with you. Rotate the students through the year and enjoy the time you have getting to know them. These informal connections are what make school feel like a community.
Creating an inclusive virtual classroom requires the same intentionality as creating an inclusive physical classroom. The tools are different, but the principles are the same: every student deserves to be present, to participate, and to belong. With thoughtful planning, those principles can be upheld in any learning environment.