This is a great opportunity to shine the light on diversity and bullying. Without calling out students,explain the differences between the students and abilities, then talk about bullying and how its not tolerated, then end by encouraging the students to help one another through their struggles. Mention their strengths and how we can use our strengths to help others who may not be as good at some things as we are.

This is a tricky situation. On the one hand, you do not want to give students ammunition, but you also cannot ignore the bullying that is occurring. Perhaps, you and the teacher should sit down and develop a plan to teach the students about different types of disabilities while explaining that some disabilities require more help than others. You also should express to your students that bullying is not tolerated. The key thing is to not single out any students due to a disability regardless of how minor or severe.

it's a tricky situation, but you need to tell the students that each student has needs and that might require more help. no one is better than another. tell them about how you make mistakes and it's okay just as the same applies for everyone else

You could propose enforcing consequences for bullying in the classroom with the teacher. Find out what motivates the students (computer time, fun class roles, preferential seating, etc.) and take those privileges away as these forms of bullying occur. Even one outward comment of bullying should be enforced with the strongest consequences to eliminate this behavior once and for all.

I would encourage the students to write down their questions and put them in a "question box" each night or during lunch, the teacher can go through and answer the questions and return them to the students. Children cannot help but be curious, but they need to know that it is not appropriate to talk about other students.

Help the students understand diversity and different disabilities. The more they know and understand the less they will poke fun at others.

Maybe try a research project on subjects like bullying and different disabilities. Research activities can open their minds to the negative effects on bullying and give insight on different disabilities. It might change their perspective on these subjects.

There is a book titled, "Fish in a Tree", it is required of all fifth grade classes to read in Florida but I think would be a good class read for this situation. It focuses on a girl with a learning disability and bullying.

Use this as a chance to have a discussion about diversity, bullying, and acceptance. Involve everyone in the conversation and avoid using names.

While I believe this is a great time to teach students that everyone is different, in this particular situation I do not believe there should even be time for this to be discussed. If other students have the time and attention to focus on this other student, I think it is clear that these students need more work or transitions between activities need to be smoother and more focused.

I agree that this is a tricky situation. You can sit down with the teacher, but if you do not have time for that, you can say things such as, it is okay if someone needs extra help in the classroom. There is nothing wrong with that. Telling the students that they shouldn't make fun of other students in the room, because it is mean and hurtful and mention that they wouldn't want to make fun of.

This talk should not be tolerated. I would take it straight to administration and the students' parents.