25 Educators + 1 Psychologist = Great Discussion about Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Dr. Neely Provides Smart Ways we can Make Sure Kids Keep Their Energy Tank Full!

On November 20th, DFSA hosted a training on how educators can more fully include students with Autism, ADHD and other disorders into their classrooms. Dr. Erin Neely, a Greenland-based psychologist, hosted the training session and did a wonderful job sharing with the group what challenges such children are facing. Dr. Neely’s goal is to deepen educators' understanding of some of the complexities of these disorders, how they may influence behavior and some of the best practices for working with children in the classroom.


Using the analogy of a student's ability to learn based on when their "gas tank" is full, 1/2 full or empty, Dr. Neely noted that when children are feeling "empty," they are unable to learn and more likely to meltdown. Instead, educators' awareness for how to interact and teach students differently depending on their "tank's level" will help avoid meltdown behavior and create a calmer, more capable student. Additionally, Dr. Neely noted the importance of shifting language from consequence-based to pep-talk, allowing processing time and how adults can best narrate thought processes and cue aloud what you may do in a social situation.

"I thought the presentation was informative and shared wonderful ideas to use with students in classrooms," noted one DMS teacher in attendance. "It was very much worth my time!" Dr. Neely's presentation can be found here: Presentation (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f0b8e990dd36aee19f6ad7489/files/Regulation_and_Shining.pptx)

Intrigued? For further information, the following web sites were recommended: 

www.thebolickhouse.com
www.livesinthebalance.org
www.learnerlab.com