Engaging Activities for Students with Learning Challenges

1. Refocus the Energy Then (2016): Redirect a student’s attention by engaging them in a task. Now: Invite the student into purpose. Example: Instead of: “Stop tapping the desk!” Try: “Can you help pass out the journals?” Or: “Let’s see who can get their materials out and ready the fastest—you lead.” Why it works: Children don’t always need a correction. Sometimes, they need a mission. 2. Give Students a Break Then: Offer short mental or physical breaks to reset focus. Now: Normalize breaks as brain regulation. Example: “You’ve been working hard—take two minutes at the calm table.” Or for younger kids: “Let’s visit the breathing corner.” Pro tip: Let breaks be chosen—not assigned as punishment. Empowerment changes everything. 3. Use Non-Verbal Cues Then: Use eye contact, gestures, or signals. Now: Make cues a shared language. Example: Tap the desk twice = Eyes on me. Hand on heart = Remember our classroom promise. Current child need: Visual learners, neurodivergent students, and anxious learners benefit from predictable, non-verbal systems. 4. Address the Disruption Quickly and Quietly Then: Handle problems without embarrassing the student. Now: Preserve dignity as a sacred practice. Example: Walk over. Whisper: “Can we talk for a second after the activity?” Avoid: Correcting in front of peers or making it a “teachable moment” at the student’s expense. Today’s child: They are emotionally aware. They remember how you made them feel. 5. Offer Kinesthetic Movement Options Then: Allow students to move or stretch to release energy. Now: Build movement into daily structure. Example: “Would you like to stand and work today?” “We’re going to learn this vocabulary while clapping it out!” Brain breaks every 20–30 minutes. Why it works: Movement builds memory. Motion strengthens focus. Stillness isn't always engagement. 6. Give Anonymous Reminders Then: Remind the class without calling out specific students. Now: Use inclusive language that invites reflection. Example: “I notice some folks need a reminder about voice levels.” “Let’s all check ourselves—are we focused or distracted?” New suggestion: Use self-assessment cues: thumbs-up, sideways, or down behind the back to check in. Keeps ownership with the student. ✨ Final Thoughts This generation is different. They’re more sensitive, more aware, more expressive. Disruption isn’t always defiance. Sometimes it’s a cry for connection, a need for movement, a test of trust. As leaders, we don’t just teach reading. We set the conditions where children can think, feel, and thrive. This summer, reflect deeply. What are you willing to change so children don’t have to be changed to survive your classroom? #LavertLines™ #TeachTheBrain #DisciplineWithDignity

As a baby, our son Akhil always loved cause and effect toys, and through early intervention, we introduced him to many developmental games for holistic learning. Now, he enjoys shredding papers. 🌟 Building Skills, One Shred at a Time 🌟 At our center, we're dedicated to transforming everyday activities into valuable learning experiences for kids with autism. One such activity we've integrated into our occupational therapy sessions is document shredding—a task that is engaging, fun, and therapeutic, offering numerous benefits! 🗂️ Why shredding? Here's how it helps: - Fine Motor Skills & Hand-Eye Coordination: Shredding involves precise hand movements, crucial for developing dexterity and improving coordination. - Sensory Integration: Handling paper and the shredder's sound provide sensory experiences aiding sensory processing, which is often challenging for individuals with autism. - Routine & Predictability: Shredding offers a structured task that can be part of a routine, reducing anxiety and providing comfort. - Focus & Attention: Concentration during shredding improves focus and the ability to follow multi-step processes—vital skills for learning and daily living. - Calming & Stress Relief: The repetitive motion and sound offer a soothing effect, managing stress and providing an outlet for energy. - Task Completion & Independence: Shredding tasks boost confidence, promote independence, and build life skills in a supportive environment. At Akhil Autism Foundation - The Sensory Pathway center, we're proud to include such activities in our therapy sessions, making learning fun and meaningful for our kids. Each shred is a step toward mastering a skill, independence, and confidence. 💪 #AutismAwareness #OccupationalTherapy #LifeSkills #SensoryIntegration #Independence #AutismTherapy #BuildingConfidence #SpecialNeedsTherapy

Scaffolding techniques are vital for supporting students with learning disabilities, as they provide structured, personalized pathways to understanding while honoring each learner’s unique needs. For students with dyslexia, tools like phonemic awareness activities, color-coded texts, and audio books can reinforce decoding and comprehension, allowing them to engage with content without being hindered by reading challenges. Those with dyscalculia benefit from hands-on manipulatives, visual models, and real-life math applications that make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible. Students with dysgraphia thrive when given graphic organizers, typing options, and chunked writing tasks that reduce cognitive overload and promote expression. For learners with ADHD, scaffolding might include clear routines, visual schedules, movement breaks, and task segmentation to maintain focus and reduce impulsivity. Meanwhile, students with auditory processing disorders need multimodal instruction such as written directions, visual supports, and opportunities for repetition to fully grasp spoken information. These scaffolds not only enhance student confidence and independence but also help teachers create inclusive environments where every learner can flourish. #AccessibleEducation

Creating enriching and inclusive summer activities for children living with autism and neurodivergent children is extremely important, children need a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive and feel truly embraced. Here are some ideas and activities that will make this summer unforgettable for these them: 1️⃣ Sensory-Friendly Swim Time: Dive into the world of water-based fun! Consider quieter swimming sessions, use pool toys to enhance sensory experiences, and provide visual supports for a calm and enjoyable swim. 2️⃣ Playful Team Games: Encourage cooperation and social interaction through adaptive team games like modified tag, relay races, or even a simple game of catch. Tailor the rules and equipment to suit different abilities and preferences. 3️⃣ Nature Walk Adventures: Let's explore the wonders of nature together! Organize nature walks where children can immerse themselves in various textures, observe wildlife, and engage their senses. Creating a sensory scavenger hunt can make it even more exciting! 4️⃣ Yoga and Mindfulness: Foster relaxation and body awareness with gentle yoga and mindfulness exercises. These practices can help children find peace, improve concentration, and build essential self-regulation skills. 5️⃣ Creative Arts: Unleash their artistic side! Encourage self-expression through painting, drawing, music, or dance. Let their imaginations soar as they create masterpieces that reflect their unique perspectives. Every child deserves to feel valued and included. It's through these small moments that we can make the biggest impact. Share your own experiences and ideas, creating a community where we celebrate the strengths and abilities of all children. Let's make this summer truly special for each and every child. Together, we can create a summer filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities! #Neurodivergent #SummerActivities