Functional academics are essential life skills that students with disabilities need to be successful in everyday life. In this slideshow, we will discuss strategies for teaching functional academics in a severe classroom setting, and provide examples to help you get started. 
Start by identifying the individual needs of each student. For example, one student may need to learn basic money management skills, while another student may need to learn how to tell time. 
Break down skills into manageable steps to make them more accessible for students. For example, if teaching money management, break down the skill of counting money into smaller steps, such as identifying the value of each coin and bill. 
Use hands-on and real-world experiences to make learning more meaningful and relevant for students. For example, take students on a field trip to a local store to practice budgeting and purchasing items. 
Teach in natural environments to help students generalize skills to real-life situations. For example, practice grocery shopping skills in a real grocery store. 
Use visual supports to help students understand concepts and make connections between ideas. For example, use picture schedules or task analysis charts to help students understand routines and tasks. 
Incorporate technology to make learning more engaging and interactive. For example, use educational apps or computer programs to practice basic math skills. 
Work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to reinforce skills and provide consistency across settings. For example, provide parents with resources and materials to practice skills at home. 
By using these strategies, you can effectively teach functional academics in a severe classroom setting, and help students with disabilities acquire the essential life skills they need to be successful. Remember to identify individual needs, break down skills, use hands-on and real-world experiences, teach in natural environments, use visual supports, incorporate technology, and work collaboratively with parents and caregivers.
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