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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.
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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.
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