Towards more inclusive learning spaces

One of our valued primary school teachers has been using Story Box Library with students who have additional learning needs. We loved hearing how her students were able to use different methods of communication for learning.
 

Education departments across the country have responded to guidelines set out by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Disability Standards for Education 2005 and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to make their learning spaces accessible to everyone. Educators have implemented inclusive initiatives that move away from previous models of segregation and towards those that support students with disabilities and additional learning needs.

Sue Burnett has been utilising StoryBox Hub in her support classes for years, using our stories as an alternate and dynamic way to engage her students with literature. She’s been able to use a range of texts with kids who communicate verbally and non-verbally, mirroring the framework outlined by the UDL. When we spoke to Sue about her ways of engaging kids in her classroom, she said that ‘

With support, all [students] are able to access Story Box Library at their own level with texts ranging from ESL1 to Stage 3 Levels.’

It’s what we love to hear! Teachers who are able to provide a more inclusive education are a constant inspiration for us, and we’re always looking for ways to make our resource more helpful to them and for kids across the world. It’s why we’ve developed features across our library that tap into the guidelines of the UDL Framework: engagement (our multi-modal format, playlist function, classroom ideas and diverse range of stories), representation (our alternative formats such as Auslan stories, and our search filter for subject or theme-based content) and learning support (our audio support, closed captions, read-along versions, textual devices to support acquisition of language, and social stories to help children learn about social and communication skills).

Our stories, additional content and resources can be used with children of varying ages and abilities, and provide teachers with a universal tool that, when used in conjunction with other learning tools and evidence-based teaching strategies, can support students with additional needs. There are the stories we love to use to help kids uncover the complexities of language, such as Phonobet and Mopoke; those that can help children learn about daily life and routine, including The Concrete Garden and Stay for Dinner; and those that demonstrate the diversity of our country, like Raised by Moths and For 60,000 Years.

Whether it's by using StoryBox Hub with the whole class, as Sue does with her daily Crunch and Sip Time, or by compiling playlists, we hope that our content and features allows all teachers and kids to engage with inclusive and supportive learning environments. We are working towards even greater accessibility with our resource and value any feedback or suggestions. If you’d like to get in touch with our team, you can head over to our Contact Us page or email admin@storyboxhub.com.au.