Age-Appropriate Materials

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
May 26, 2024
Providing instruction that is both developmentally and age-appropriate is essential for meeting the diverse needs of students with varying abilities. For example, a 13-year-old student may be functioning at an 8-month-old developmental level, but it is not appropriate to provide them with an infant/toddler toy to entertain themselves. You can ensure that instruction is tailored to the individual student's level while still being engaging and age-appropriate.
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  • Selecting Materials: Choose materials that align with the student's developmental level and interests while still being age-appropriate. Avoid using infant or toddler toys for older students who may be functioning at a lower developmental level. Instead, seek out materials that offer similar features but are more suitable for their age group.
  • Incorporating IEP Goals: Incorporate the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives into lessons and activities naturally and systematically. Ensure that activities are designed to target specific skills outlined in the student's IEP while still being engaging and meaningful.
  • Setting Up Stations: Create stations or activity areas within the classroom to encourage exploration and active engagement. Organize materials and resources in a way that is accessible and clearly defined, so students know where to find activity areas and materials independently. Provide a literacy reich environment by providing labels in print and braille. 
  • Adapting Instruction: Adapt instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, providing appropriate levels of support and scaffolding as needed. Offer opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning experiences that are relevant to their interests and abilities.
  • Monitoring Progress: Continuously assess the student's progress and adjust instruction accordingly to ensure continued growth and development. Provide feedback and reinforcement to support student learning and achievement.

By incorporating these strategies, you can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. Individualizing instruction ensures that they have meaningful learning experiences that promote skill development and overall well-being.

ECC Instruction

The ecc
teaching strategies
compensatory skills
Concept DevelopmentAlternative CommunicationEmergent Literacy​Access Print
​Pre-Braille ​Braille Code​​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
assistive technology
social skills
Self determination
sensory efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​
​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
​ Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephoneFood PreparationMoney & BudgetService Agencies​SafetyHygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills​​Shopping & Consumerism
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
career & vocational