Category - Classroom Strategies

Chunking Tasks

Chunking refers to breaking a large, lengthy, or difficult assignment or task into smaller parts. Teachers inform the student of the chunk to be completed and check in with the student at the end of each chunk to provide encouragement and/or feedback.
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Extended Time

Extended time provides a student extra time to complete a test, project or assignment. Extended time is designed to reduce the impact of the student's challenges (e.g., reading disability, anxiety) on their performance, and give students with challenges equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.  
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Extra Set of Materials

Extra set of materials is a strategy in which teachers keep extra materials in the classroom so the student is not responsible for bringing the necessary materials to class. Providing an extra set of materials that stay in the classroom will increase a student's likelihood of being prepared for class and in turn may improve engagement and decrease disruptive behavior. Although this strategy will reduce the problems observed in the classroom, it will not provide the student with independent organizational skills.
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Fidget Objects

Fidget objects are small tools designed to increase stimulation by means of increased movement of the hands. They may come in the form of objects such as fidget spinners, stress balls, cubes, poppers, etc.
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Frequent Breaks

Frequent breaks include 1 to 5 minute pauses from academic activity. The use of breaks during academic time is thought to increase student productivity and attention by providing an opportunity for the brain to rest and for the body to move. These breaks can be short to provide a brief pause in the academic content or lengthier to allow time for moving around. 
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Headphones/Sound Buffers

Headphones or other sound buffers are used while the student completes independent academic work to reduce extraneous stimuli so the student can attend to the relevant academic material, remain on task, and avoid disrupting peers. Some students and adolescents are easily distracted or overstimulated by sounds in their environment. The headphones can be used for noise cancelling or to provide white noise or background music.
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Modified Assignments /Instructions

Modified assignments/instructions is a strategy in which the teacher alters the assignment or instructions given to a student. Modifying classroom assignments or instructions is a way to make the assignment easier or better matched to the student’s developmental level to increase the likelihood that the student completes the assignment. Modified assignments may increase student motivation which in turn may help the student complete the task.
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Modified/Adapted Grading

Modified or adapted grading is a strategy in which the teacher alters the grading criteria used for a student. Modifying grading criteria is a way to make earning points easier or better matched to the student’s developmental level to increase the likelihood that the student does well on the assignment. Modified grading may increase student motivation which in turn may help the student complete tasks they find difficult. Although this strategy may lead to higher grades, it will not provide the student with skills that allow them to meet typical classroom expectations.
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Preferential Seating

Preferential seating is when a student's seat is placed in the location that is most beneficial for their learning. In many cases, this means limiting the distractions available to the student and increasing proximity to the teacher in order to increase academic engagement and decrease disruptive behavior. 
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