Home PageAbout the FoundationCurrent NewsletterContact UsSite MapShopping CartAccount Login
  
 

Classroom Suggestions

Mary Ann Trott, MA, Albuquerque, NM
Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar Disorders Professional Advisory Committee Member

Many children, even those who do not have sensory processing disorders, will benefit from some of the strategies that are suggested for children who do have sensory processing disorders. Listed are some things you can try and probably some things you already do. If you decide to implement some of these suggestions; try them one at a time. Chances are the first few days will be difficult but when the novelty wears off you may see some positive changes. Stick with each thing for at least two weeks and add new ideas slowly.
  • Allow children to choose to work while standing, sitting, or lying on the floor in different positions.
  • If children are not able to finish work prior to recess; require them to complete a vigorous movement activity (running a lap, going hand over hand across some bars, climbing up and down the monkey bars 5 times, etc.) and then return to work. This will increase production much more than requiring them to miss recess. Don't you allow yourself a break when your having a hard time concentrating?
  • During instruction; use tactile and movement experiences as well as auditory and visual experiences.
  • Base requirements for classroom behavior on the following questions: Is it safe? Is it respectful of myself and others? Is it respectful of property? (Neill, 1991).
  • Have one or two quiet areas in the classroom (maybe with some pillows, blankets, and/or stuffed toys if appropriate) that children can choose for working or taking a break.
  • Include movement in practice activities and in instruction as much as possible.
  • Encourage children who have a hard time with writing to practice writing skills on a chalkboard.
  • Some children will concentrate better and be less distracted if they can draw, play with small hand toys, or wads of clay during listening activities.
  • Ask children to bring a sports bottle with a straw to school. These can then be filled with water and used for sipping throughout the day.
  • Have on hand a large stack of books or some other heavy items that will periodically "need" to be moved.
  • Allow children an opportunity to move quietly around the classroom when direct instruction is not in progress.
  • Some children will benefit from listening to music through headphones while working.
  • Have a goodie bowl with gum and/or hard candy for children to chew or suck on as needed.
  • Use the natural classroom lighting if possible.

Back To Information Center Index


 

The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the donors. The articles, announcements, and resources included on this website are for information only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please always consult your physician for medical advice. The Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar Disorders does not endorse any product, service, or theory referred to on the website.
 

© 1992-2012 Joubert Foundation All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Disclaimer
Web Design & Hosting Provided by Webtrix

Joubert Foundation Tag Cloud
arima  cerebellar  cerebellum  coach  dekaban  disease  hypoplasia  joubert  prognosis  research  senior-loken  syndrome  treatment  varadi