The teacher has to deal with children with different types of temperament on a daily basis. In addition more children with special needs require adaptations in class (ex : from children with an attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD\ADHD), to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), etc.) Here are a few ideas to help children adapt, develop and grow in class.

Task/Time
 Use mediums other than paper and pencil for the child to improve, such as computer, interactive board, electronic dictionary, manipulation, answering verbally to an exam instead of writing, etc.
 Use a visual timer or an hourglass to determine the amount of time to complete a task.
 Segment the tasks, allow extra time to complete a task.
 Offer rest periods, give a responsibility that will make the child move (ex: distribute sheets)
 Set up a reinforcement system to motivate the child, whether a class system or an individualized daily or weekly sheet.

Environment
 According to the child’s needs, place the child in a strategic spot in class ; close to the teacher’s desk, facing the blackboard, close to a less disruptive child, in an area with less circulation or visual distractions, etc.
 Encouraging manipulation of sensory objects, such as tangles, tactile balls, etc. will help children with a need to move, to remain attentive and alert.
 Use pictures on the child’s desk as reminders of class instructions. (ex : a turtle as a reminder to slow down, a picture for silence).
 Use elastics on the chair’s legs to answer the child’s need to move.
 Use earmuffs to help reduce auditory distractions or pannels around the child’s desk to reduce visual distractions.

Important warning
Some tools, used in excess, can lose their interest or their effectiveness (ex: always put Earmuff, use visual timer for all). It is recommended to use heavy clothes and heavy blankets under supervision of a qualified therapist. It is therefore important to ask questions before buying, to determine the weight and the time allocated for the use of these tools.

Martine Dugas, Psychoeducator,martinedugas@live.ca-www.martinedugas.ca