I believe that strategies like explicit teaching,multisensory presentation/practice and regular repetition/recycling are fundamental for every class. I personally try on a daily basis to enrich and differentiate the teaching procedure in order to attract Sts' attention and cater for their different needs. To be more specific,I try to incorporate methods such as:1)Base teaching on already familiar constructions (regular catching up/revision) 2)Present in context , familiar or personalized 3)Visual+kinaesthetic connection to auditory input eg images,Listen+draw exercises, handcraft, mind maps, miming/gestures/dramatization, colour coding 4)Point out rules/exceptions explicitly and then offer adequate practice consolidation or sometimes elicit the rule from the Sts themselves as a step following recognition/presentation 5)Variety of activities/songs/games to see which ones work for which Sts 6) connection and analysis of the pragmatical/social aspect of language, which mainly helps Sts with SpLDs and especially those with elements of Asperger's Syndrome.
What I find problematic in mainstream classrooms,though,is to limit the number of new items taught or present a new item/phenomenon in small chunks to accommodate SpLDs needs.This is difficult I think for a mainstream classroom. What can you do with higher abilities students who need to proceed further, practice in a more meaningful way and start to be restless if you slow down the procedure?Differentiated teaching with many prepared,adapted activities handy could be a solution!
Linear lists are used in certain situations such as:a)BINGO game,created by Sts on board on a chosen/topical theme b)Specific games on paper or on the board which have to do with speedy production c)Brainstorming/coming up with ideas/words.
However, if they can be substituted with mind maps , it ts better because mind maps involve Sts' attention more, help them capture their thoughts and organise/remember/revise things and it is a very powerful tool for visual learners. All these associations made in a mind map lead to a wealth of information in front of your eyes! Personally, I am a big fan , both as a 2-3 minute procedure on the board to enlighten eg a new notion and as a pair/group longer assignment,with colours/drawing key words/collage etc on a cardboard for the classroom wall as a visual material/resource/idea for all classes.