Reading Lesson for 6-8 grade self contained room?

[TeacherinROC]

I am preparing for an interview for a teaching job, and the demo lesson that I was asked to teach is a reading lesson for a 6-8th grade self contained special education class. Right now this is all the information that I have (other than that it will be aprx 14 students). Does anyone have any suggestions of something that will engage the students, wow the observers, and allows me to finish in 30-45 minutes? I'm concerned that this might be a behavioral special ed. class, and so am nervous about doing too much cooperative group work, and think it should be mainly teacher lead, with many opportunities for the kids to share and contribute to the lesson. Any ideas? (PS...it's this Friday, just found out)

[bored8464]

maybe give a short introduction to the class, and learn their names too. do u know what ur reading? if you can, take pictures to go along with whatever it is. also, even if you don't want to do too much group work, let them raise their hands to answer, and encourage the shy ones. maybe u could take candy to give the ones who read something right? make sure you explain words they don't know, or have trouble pronouncing. but don't get off the subject--a lot of times, special education kids are really friendly and want to talk about anything. good luck

[StephanieB6185]

Do not listen to the previous advice! It is a bad idea for you try and bribe them to behave. You do not know if there are any health concerns, either. If it was your class, you would be permitted to know some of those things. In this scenario, you do not. Besides, if you are hired, students would expect that of you the next time. When it comes to kids who are in special education, remember that they are kids first, not a label. Treat them like any other students. You may be right. They maybe in the self-contained classroom becasue of emotional or behavioral issues. Take in a clear plastic jar with some popcorn kernels and a scoop. Then they get the answer right, raise their hands, etc., in addition to giving them verbal praise, add a scoop to the jar. When someone acts up or gives the wrong answer, take a scoop out of the jar.If the jar is full, or reaches a line you drew around it, when you leave, let the teacher keep it to allow them to have a treat at his or her appointed time.Learning their names is always a good idea. Take some markers and folded pieces of poster board. Let them write their names on them and stand them up on their desks for you. Remember to pay compliments or catch children doing the right things: Picking up a pencil for another student; raising their hands; following directions; or, sitting quitely waiting their turns. Reward those as well.Since you know nothing of their reading skills, do a "round robin," taking turns reading a few sentences or paragraph. GO to www.edhelper.com. They will have worksheets and the like for each grade. You may also look around on this site for help, too. . Gigglepotz: I Love to Read-A Reading Program for 3- to 7-year-olds. (n.d.). Retreived April 14, 2008, from http://www.gigglepotz.com/phonicscards.htmGood luk. Let me know how it went.