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EEd 206 Ready To Learn
EEd 206 Ready To Learn
Some children may need a little extra support or a different learning approach to fully
benefit from curriculum and instruction
In many classrooms and computer labs, students are expected to “sit still” and “pay
attention” for an entire class period or for several hours in a row. For some students
with disabilities or learning differences, this can be an impossible task.
While students may not appear different, the reality is that each and every child’s brain
works differently. This means that some may need a little extra support or a different
learning approach to fully benefit from our curriculum and instruction.
Here are five strategies I have implemented in my classroom to help students improve
their focus so they’re ready, willing and able to learn.
2. Incorporate movement
For some students, it can be difficult to pay attention to what the teacher is saying and
sit still. In his book, “Teaching with the Brain in Mind,” Eric Jensen recommends
movement as an effective cognitive strategy to strengthen learning, improve memory
and retrieval, and enhance learner motivation and morale. Movement helps stimulate
neural networks in the brain and increases blood flow, which puts students in a better
mindset to think and recall.
Not all forms of movement, however, are helpful. Instead of toys like fidget spinners,
which can be noisy and distracting, seek out learning tools that have been researched
and endorsed by reputable organizations. The Tangle Jr. is one such tool that allows
students to fidget and move without distracting their peers. It is recommended by
several organizations for a wide range of special needs populations, including students
with ADHD, autism and learning disabilities. In my classroom, we also use yoga balls,
wiggle seat cushions and bouncy bands, which allow students to silently move, bounce
or wiggle without disrupting their classmates while still completing all of their work.
3. Take sensory breaks
Sometimes, a little bit of movement in one’s chair isn’t enough. When a student is
internalizing feelings such as anxiety, fear or depression, they may externalize these by
reacting in an inappropriate manner such as exhibiting aggressiveness, over-activity or
noncompliance. The way a teacher reacts when a student displays these external
behaviors can shape how the student responds in the future.
Research from the Council for Exceptional Children recommends taking sensory breaks
to help children relieve stress and improve their focus. These breaks can be built into
the regular class schedule or utilized as needed for individual students. There are a
wide variety of sensory tools that can be used during these short breaks, including
kinetic sand, calming coloring books, a pocket Etch A Sketch, water beads, a white
noise sound machine and sequined mermaid pillows, among others.
Giving students the opportunity to take sensory breaks can have a huge impact on their
ability to persevere. Instead of becoming frustrated and giving up on an activity or
lesson, students learn that by taking a quick break, they can refresh, reset and return
to their seat ready to learn.
https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/5-effective-teaching-strategies-to-help-your-students-in-
school
https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/active-learning-strategies-examples
https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2019/10/top-5-teaching-strategies/
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/learning-strategies/
https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/five-simple-strategies-that-can-help-any-student-learn/
https://www.teachthought.com/learning/5-learning-strategies-that-make-students-curious/