Provide the student with multiple ways to communicate with yourself and the class. Give flashcards with symbols or come up with hand signals for the student to use to show they are understanding content.

In my opinion, worksheets are a great way to help non-verbal students communicate if they understand the content. It is a way to show if the student can answer questions that have to do with the corresponding lesson plan.

When the student makes his sounds, praise him for speaking up but remind him to raise his hand. The constant praise will encourage him to speak out more.

Mt first question: Does this student have a communication device with being nonverbal? Your best friend for a nonverbal student is a visual communication board, which can be made online or you can find them already done online. The visual communication board has a name and a picture of each item such as cut and paste, stop, go, next activity, etc. These can be put in front of the student to encourage communication and feedback during teaching. I personally used this so much while working with my ESE students during my second internship. I loved it, and the nonverbal students grew to use this as I was using it during each lesson speaking aloud and touching the communication board visual for each item I could! I hope this helps!

I would suggest allowing the student to respond to questions with hand signals. He could give the teacher a thumbs up or down to indicate his understanding of the content, or other signals that are agreed upon ahead of time between the teacher and student. If he does not already, he should have an IEP or behavioral plan in place that suggests strategies to implement with the student.

Encourage this student to stay involved. Verbally encourage them, give them high fives and pats on the shoulder if they will let you.

I suggest the teacher provide the student with more opportunities to engage with the class. For example, having the student complete a worksheet or activity to share with the class. The student could also be paired with another student or group to ensure he is engaged in learning since they would need to communicate and work together.

You can use techniques such as allowing them to answer questions with their communication device or giving them two options (one in each hand-have them pick a hand).

Encourage involvement in nonverbal activities by providing alternate means of communication, such as utilizing gestures, pointing to possibilities, or, if possible, giving a communication device. Maintaining engagement and drive requires acknowledging and validating his responses.