1.1. It is important to engage youth sensitively and thoughtfully
1.2. focus student praise on intrinsic motivation - praise students for the process of their learning rather than the product
1.3. Teachers have the opportunity to help students develop the habits and skills that they can use to promote positive mental health.
2. Executive functioning Strategies
2.1. The environmental strategies such preferential seating in the classroom can be manipulated by teachers for students that have accommodations and modifications.
2.2. It is important to have students understand their personal strengths, needs and goals.
2.3. As teachers it is essential that we help students adapt strategies that can guide them in achieving appropriate self-regulation skills.
3. ADHD
3.1. ADHD effects executive functioning of students in the classroom
3.2. Strategies such as manipulative the classroom environment can significantly optimize the learning experience for students with ADHD
3.3. Assistive technology such as fidget tools, stress balls, and wiggle chairs are some of the many things that can aid in providing a productive learning environment for students with ADHD.
4. Classroom environment
4.1. "We are the weather we bring to the classroom" - Dr. Erin Keith
5. Parental Engagement
5.1. As an educator one must be attuned to the values and culture of the student’s “home”.
5.2. Modelling effective communication is very important, particularly avoiding miscommunication. It is important to find ongoing and effective opportunities to communicate with a students parents.
5.3. Parents are not allowed to hire an aid for their child in the classroom. An aid may be provided to a teacher in the classroom by the school board
5.4. Active and positive communication with parents of students with special education needs is essential for their development inside and outside of school
6. Assistive Technology
6.1. As a teacher it is important to remain innovative in incorporating different technologies that are accessible to students, because the reality is that not all schools will have high levels of technology available for each and every one of their students. (low-levels of technology can be very effective in the classroom at a low budget)
6.2. “we should remember that assistive technology can support the learning of all students.” (Sider & Maich, 2014).
6.3. Makey Makey serves as a reminder that innovation is essential to improving the learning experience. Although a student may be facing physical or mental barriers to learning, there are ways in which teachers can introduce technologies to the classroom that can optimize their learning.
7. ASD toolbox
7.1. There is a need for advocacy to build a system that does not treat students with autism as the “other”
7.2. It is important to create accessible support
7.3. The Ontario Autism Program is a beneficial resource for children that may be diagnosed with autism.
7.4. It is important to "learn about the leaner". Teachers should access educational records of their students to help them discover patterns in relation to the student’s abilities and academic progress.
