Creating a welcoming classroom environment is essential for fostering the success and well-being of all students, particularly those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Children with FASD often face unique challenges that can impact their learning and social interactions.
By implementing thoughtful strategies and adjustments, educators can cultivate an inclusive atmosphere that not only supports these students but also enhances the overall classroom experience for everyone. In this blog, we will share some practical tips to help you make your classroom more welcoming and accommodating for children with FASD, ensuring that every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to learn.
- Create a calm learning environment that is free from clutter.
- Schedule frequent, short exercise programs during the day.
- Use calm colors on the classroom’s walls and bulletin boards.
- Reduce the brightness in the room and on any technology you use.
- Keep the classroom at a moderate temperature.
- Give personal responsibility to the student with FASD.
- Use strategic seating and minimize change – front or back of the room may minimize distractions or anxiety. You can also try using a horseshoe pattern.
- Minimize clutter and distractions as much as possible. Put away or cover up anchor charts when not in use.
- Encourage peer support particularly in unstructured environments.
- Use chair and desk mufflers on the legs to eliminate scratching and squeaking noises.
- A study carrel with noise muffling headphones may be needed to focus.
- Safe and silent environments may be needed in cases of extreme dysregulation.
- When the student with FASD can self-identify dysregulation, use a signal between student and support to communicate.
- Personal space may need to be defined for all students.
- Use a pass key and signals for restroom, water and body breaks.
Our FASD for School Staff online learning course is a great starting point to improve knowledge and training for all school staff. In addition to going in-depth on teaching strategies and using a whole school approach, this learning program explores planning for transition periods, using dedicated math and literacy strategies, and encouraging collaboration with caregivers. By learning and working together, we can support an education system that is inclusive for everyone!
Related Content
Found this blogpost interesting? We’d recommend checking out the following webpages:
- Become a member of CanFASD – be the first to know about the latest FASD research.
- FASD and Education: Strategies for Success – webinar recording.
- FASD for School Staff Level II – advanced training course intended for all educators working with students with FASD.