6.4: Accommodations and Modifications in the Classroom
- Page ID
- 228280
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Fig 6.4. Peer support. Young boy without disability engaging with young boy with disability in classroom.
What Do Accommodations and Modifications Look Like in the Classroom?
Appropriate accommodations and modifications for preschool children who may have various developmental, cognitive, and sensory challenges makes learning accessible to them.
Accommodations in the Classroom
Accommodations are changes in how a student learns and demonstrates their knowledge without altering the curriculum’s content.
- using preferential seating to optimize learning conditions
- adding grips to pencils or markers to help children grip
- adding Velcro or snaps instead of buttons to dress up clothes
- displaying a daily schedule
- using alternative materials when completing an art project
- using appropriate sized markers when coloring
- providing additional time for completing tasks and activities
- providing short breaks during lessons or assessments to help manage attention and focus
- providing small group or one-on-one personalized instruction to address specific learning needs
- integrating support from specialized staff
Modification in the Classroom
Modifications are changes made to the curriculum or expectations based on the individual child's capacity.
- providing additional time to complete activities and task.
- using extra verbal or visual reminders or cues to to help with task initiation or before transitioning to a new activity or area
- sequencing learning when providing instructions
- adjusting assessment criteria to reflect the student’s individual progress and abilities
- modifying content or format of assignments to match the child's skill level
- develop personalized learning objectives based on the child’s unique needs and abilities
Sources:
Sources:
- Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit. Partnership for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE). Washington PAVE. 2025.
- Common Accommodations and Modifications in an IEP For 3-5 year old’s. Partnership for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE). Washington PAVE. 2025.