Date
03 November 2024

Support self-management and organisation

Support students to organise and manage themselves using a range of strategies and personalised teaching and learning approaches.

Use frameworks to support thinking and memory

Use frameworks to support thinking and memory

Te Tukanga Hoahoa Whakaara is a design thinking framework based on a Māori pūrākau or story. The story narrative helps ākonga to remember the steps in the design process.

Support organisation with visuals

Support organisation with visuals

Use visual strategies to support independence.

 

  • Label key areas of the classroom and resources with visual and text labels.
  • Use charts, visual calendars, colour-coded schedules, visible timers and visual cues to increase students’ ability to predict regular activities, transitions between environments and activities and changes in discussion topics.
  • Break tasks into chunks using simple graphic organisers and flow charts.
  • Use coloured threads or symbols marked on clothing to distinguish front and back.
  • Discuss with parents the possibility of writing "R" and "L" inside shoes to indicate right and left.

Chunk tasks and time to increase motivation

Chunk tasks and time to increase motivation

Breaking tasks into smaller parts and setting deadlines can be a useful approach for many students.

Visual timers can help students keep track of the time and increase motivation.

 

Support independence

Support independence

Use visual strategies, extra time, and routines to support confidence and independence.

  • Allow more time for tasks such as assignments and dressing for swimming and PE.
  • Speak slowly and give students time to respond.
  • Personalise tasks and clarify expectations to offer the right level of challenge and support.
  • Use colours, labels and systems to support organisation.
  • Mark clothing and shoes to help with left, right, back and front.
  • Offer storage for personal items where possible.

Use thinking tools

Use thinking tools

Teach ākonga to use a variety of graphic organisers and thinking tools such as mind maps.

Model a variety of techniques to break down tasks and organise ideas.

7447 [Student-creating-a-popplet-on-an-ipad.jpg]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Classroom accommodations for developmental coordination disorder

Strategies for teachers that can make movement based work easier for students with coordination disorders.

Publisher: Understood

Visit website

Website

Project Zero's thinking routines toolbox

A set of thinking routines to scaffold and support student thinking.

Publisher: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Visit website

Website

A teacher’s guide to visible thinking activities

A blog on using thinking routines in the classroom, with activities for each type of routine.

Publisher: Inquisitive Australia

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Key areas to support”:

Return to the guide “Dyspraxia and learning”

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