How teachers can create a class for neurodivergence
All students are different, and a fantastic teacher is one that recognizes that. Diversity in the classroom goes beyond what type of music someone likes, or what their favorite subject is.
Neurodivergent students experience and interact with the classroom differently to many. At Cali & Caro, we believe these students should be empowered at school to learn comfortably alongside their classmates. For this to happen, there are some things teachers can do in order to create a class that supports neurodivergence. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a student yourself, we’ve laid out some ways the classroom can be a more neurodiverse-friendly place.
Challenges for Neurodivergent Students
If you’re trying to accommodate different types of learners in the classroom, it helps to understand some of the challenges they face in their daily school lives.
Neurodivergence covers students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and other sensory needs. Learners with cognitive and intellectual developmental abilities that differ from their typical age usually require arrangements and assistance to help them get the most out of their school day. Despite roughly 15-20% of the world’s population being neurodivergent, many classes aren’t welcoming for students like this.
Students with some form of neurodivergence may not deal well with the noise of the classroom. A lack of appropriate learning equipment can result in anxiety in students, making it much harder for them to focus. Something as seemingly simple as black text on white paper can present challenges for learners with dyslexia, for instance.
It’s not realistic to expect teachers to be able to cater for every individual student’s unique needs. But, some steps can be taken to create an inclusive class for neurodivergence without teachers spreading themselves too thin.
Create a “No Judgement” Zone
We don’t think it’s positive or kind to view neurodivergence as a kind of deficit. Differences should be celebrated, and all students made to feel welcome in class. But, not everyone enjoys having the spotlight shone on them.
Many neurodivergent students would appreciate being catered for in their classes without it being made glaringly obvious. Rather than singling out students with additional needs, creating a “no judgement” zone can help ease anxiety in the classroom.
This can easily be done by incorporating a variety of learning equipment and approaches into lessons, and making them available to all students. For example, offering several colored worksheets enables those with dyslexia to get what they require, without feeling highlighted. By giving all students the option, neurodivergence becomes an accepted, normal part of the class.
Try Chunking
Sure, “chunking” doesn’t sound like the most appealing thing in the world, but in the classroom it can take a lesson from painful and challenging to engaging and fun. If someone talked at you solidly for 30 minutes, how much of that information do you think you could actually remember?
This would be a challenge for anyone, but those with neurological conditions often take longer to process information than neurotypical students.
By breaking things down into smaller chunks (a teaching technique known as “chunking”), neurodivergent students are able to benefit in a number of ways. Chunking helps students to:
Make connections within their learning
See the gradual progress they are making
View tasks as more manageable and realistic
Recognize each step, and understand processes
Chunking is also helpful to teachers, since it enables them to assess the progress of their students, and pinpoint any areas that may need more time spent on them.
Adopt Multiple Teaching Approaches
Creating a class for neurodivergence means using a variety of teaching methods within lessons. Engaging learning goes way beyond facts being written on a board at the front of the class.
Using clear and easy to understand visuals, like images, graphs, diagrams, and timelines, can help teachers to communicate information in a more inclusive way. Alongside this, use of body language can aid learning as well. Nuerodivergence often means different communication styles, compared to neurotypical students. For example, someone with ASD may struggle to understand purely verbal instructions, so having body language to read can make all the difference.
Attitudes also seriously matter when it comes to creating a class for neurodivergence. American psychologist, Carol Dweck, developed the theory of the “growth mindset”. According to Dweck’s theory, “people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.” Rather than telling students to simply try harder, promoting an optimistic and motivated mindset can give neurodivergent students the confidence they may be lacking.
Inclusive Learning Tools
In the classroom, the humble pencil and paper should not be underestimated. These basic tools can be the key to learning effectively. So, without them, you can probably guess that school becomes more of a challenge.
Providing stationery that caters to neurodivergent students’ needs empowers them to learn along with their classmates. A simple pencil grip can knock down the barrier between someone with dyspraxia taking notes and performing better on an exam.
Eliminating or handling distractions is vital for a learning environment. Students with ADHD benefit from organizers, helping them keep track of tasks. Equally, visually engaging pencil cases or notebooks can give students something to stimulate them, enabling them to concentrate better on their schoolwork.
Ace Your Class with Cali & Caro
At Cali & Caro, we provide a range of trendy and helpful desk supplies, notebooks, stationery, and gifts to celebrate neurodivergent learners. Students can show off their beautifully styled organizers and journals, and enjoy learning the way they deserve to.
Check out our full range in our online shop today!