Civil War Unit contains over 100 pages and 19 google slides of material specifically designed for students with special learning needs, especially autism. This unit on the Civil War addresses the important people and main battles of the Civil War in a simplified but rigorous way for students with diverse learning needs to make meaningful and authentic connections to the material. There are many opportunities for students to engage in repeated information on the Civil War. This repetition encourages a true understanding of the impact and importance of the Civil War. Finally, many of the Civil War activities and assessments include more than one version, suggestions for differentiation, and options for presentation.
Much of what I have learned about curriculum development is incorporated in these units. For example, do not be afraid of repetition. It is critical that students with significant disabilities get to experience material over several days to be able to fully assimilate what is being taught. Also, adding visual supports to your printables and class activities helps students be able to pay more attention to the content you are presenting rather than the mechanics of what is expected. Finally, ask questions. Good questions!! Regardless of the material, if we can ask students good questions it will push them to think more deeply than before.