Planning for Neuro-affirming Learning Environments During Summer Break
As we approach summer and plan for extra-curricular activities for our kids, let's build learning environments that foster trust. Accommodating learning differences can help children thrive. Children (and adults!) must feel psychologically safe in their setting before they are able to learn. Building safety can include many steps.
Here are a few tips to consider when finding a fun learning program for your child this summer. Feel free to share these tips with your summer programs or keep them in your back pocket as you plan your summer fun!
Learning Environment Tips:
Some children may be sensitive to bright light, new places or loud music. Keeping the setting calm and neutral as children arrive helps them transition and regulate into the new environment.
Utilize visuals when possible to support your communication. Children may be distracted when you are providing instructions so offering visuals or help them orient to your message and stay engaged.
Offer choices and flexibility to interact with the learning material. The ability to make choices increases the individual’s control and comfort over their environment. Choices can be made fun but it is important to keep them as a selection of options that are allowed. If choices are too broad, it may create difficulty and confusion.
Make space for self-stimming behaviors such as repetitive verbal statements, talking to themselves, rocking, flapping hands, or other motions. These behaviors may be a part of who the individual is and can serve as self-soothing or coping strategies to help keep them comfortable or focused in the environment.
Introduce rules during the first day and review them regularly. Making these rules visually available during each class can be used as reminders to understand expectations and build boundaries. Keep the rules simple and easy to understand.
Having a routine or a flow that children can become familiar with builds practicability. This is an important factor to retain student attendance. If a child knows what to expect and has positive interactions during the class, they are more likely to return to that experience.
Learning occurs at its own speed. If we push too hard or too fast, we may emotionally damage the learner and break the trust. When we build on natural talents and the individual strengths of the child, we allow them to be in the driver's seat of their own expansion and allow them to fully flourish. Create opportunities for fun moments that are safe to take risks, open to new teaching methods, and embracing brain-based differences.