Students with special needs thrive on predictability and routine and in this time of uncertainty, creating and sustaining that routine is paramount for them to be successful.
Below is a list of suggestions to help you help your child with special needs continue to be successful while learning from home. Understand that these tips are merely a guide and that at home learning will look different for each family depending on your schedule and the resources available to you. Establish a schedule that works for you and your family.
- Create new “school” routines to avoid the temptation of this becoming vacation time. Set times for different subjects (Math, ELA, Life Skills, etc.) and be sure to incorporate frequent breaks. Good break choices include sensory breaks that can be found on sites such as www.gonoodle.com
- Along with academic scheduling, plan out meals (especially breakfast and lunch) and snacks.
- Set up a designated work space for school work with limited distractions. Whether it be a spot at the kitchen table, a desk in a separate room, or any other designated spot in the home that is for work.
- Mix screen time with traditional learning mediums. While many of the activities assigned will be in an electronic format, be sure to have your child step away from the screen throughout the day.
- If possible, connect with other parents or teachers and discuss strategies.
- Most important, try not to get overwhelmed. Work on and continue to maintain relationships with your school staff and anything you can do to provide consistency will be helpful to our special needs learners.
If your children have questions please see the resources available here.
And remember, we’re all in this together.
