This paper on the inclusion of exceptional learners intends to look at strategies that support strength based approaches to encourage their abilities. Examination of these teaching strategies will assist in understanding the effectiveness of our approaches. By focusing on the socio-cultural and emergent approach, strategies used by educators to improve pedagogies for teaching, are improved. Strategies of peer support, child-based interest and preferences support emergent curriculum. Reggio Emilio and Montessori (cited in Hallahan, Kauffman and Pullen 2012, p. ) share the same principals that follow this curriculum; when education is child centered, active and interactive. Building valued relations with family and using praise and the environment to support interactions are socio-cultural based approaches. Which correlate with views of learning and development, by Vygotsky and Bronfenbrenner (in Berk 2013, p. 27) and the National Quality Standards ( as well as the Early Years Learning Framework (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations). When the focus is on social interactions and scaffolding from relevant sources through engagements, this creates significant meaning in the child’s live.
In a socio-cultural approach to inclusion; building value-based relationships with families encourages sharing of information allowing for approaches based on in-depth understanding and knowledge of the child (Turnbull et al. 2009, p. 19; Victoria Government 2011, p.7). Working with families, educators need more than a ‘passive-friendly’ relationship. Teachers need an empathetic, honest, respectful and valued understanding with parents that create an extension of their home experience (Howard et al. 2010, p. 29; NQS area6). Each child being distinctive and individual will have their own unique culture inherent to their lifestyle (Berk 2013, p. 17). This being where educator’s gather relevant information regarding cultural and personal inflictions, mannerisms...