When teaching the mentally retarded, focus lesson plans on tasks that can be learned by doing rather than just watching. For example, create a lesson based on measuring simple items. Bring in a wide variety of items that can be used to measure things. Use cups, spoons, measuring cups, rulers, tape measures and scales. Bring in objects to be measured. Use various items such as sand, apples, water, wood blocks and pens. Look for items that can be easily grasped by students who may lack manual dexterity. Give each student an object to measure with each measuring tool. Have them write down these numbers if they can. Have students compare items they have measured as well as the tools they used.
When teaching mentally retarded adults it is important to provide feedback as often as possible and as quickly as you can. When a student completes a small task, such as writing a sentence correctly, let him know he performed well as soon as the task is completed. If a student performs a task poorly, gently correct her. Use language that they can understand. Avoid using words above a grade school level if possible. Praise generously. Mentally retarded adults may suffer from feelings of psychological inadequacy. They are often deeply aware of their own cognitive deficits. A classroom can be an outlet for helping them feel more self confident and capable.
Mentally retarded adults may struggle to carry out both simple daily activities and more complex activities. They may have difficulty figuring out how to create a budget, operate a coffee maker or navigate a bus route. Help students learn to function better in the world by focusing on such tasks. Show them how to read a nutrition label, boil an egg and pay for items at the checkout counter. Mentally retarded adults who live in an assisted-living facility may have their basic needs such as food and shelter taken care of by others. Work with such adults on goals that can make their time in an institution more pleasant, such as learning to read simple books and magazines or appreciate music. Higher-functioning mentally retarded adults may be capable of living on their own but they may struggle in the workforce or with relationships with others. Walk through the process of applying for a job. Show them how to fill out an application for employment and work with others once they have been hired.