Plan for Neuro-Affirming Learning During Summer Break

As we enjoy our summer and plan extra-curricular activities for our kids, let's discuss building learning environments that accommodate learning differences and help all our children thrive. 

Studies regularly show that children (and adults) need to feel psychologically safe in their setting before settling into learning. Building that sense of safety can include multiple factors that facilitators should consider.

Integrating neuro-affirming environments into summer activities doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips when finding a fun learning program for your child this summer. Feel free to share these tips with your summer programs or keep them in your back pocket as you plan your summer fun.

Some children may be sensitive to bright light, new places, or loud music. Keeping the setting calm and neutral as children arrive helps them transition and regulate into the new environment.  

Utilize visuals, when possible, to support your communication. Children may be distracted when you provide instructions, so offering visuals that orient them to your message will help them stay engaged. 

Offer choices and flexibility to interact with learning material. The ability to make choices increases a child’s sense of control and comfort in relation to their environment. Choices can be made fun, but it is important to offer a relatively limited selection of options that are both safe and without unnecessary complexity. If choices are too broad, it may create difficulty and confusion. 

Make space for self-stimming behaviors such as repetitive verbal statements, a child talking to themself, rocking, flapping hands, or other motions. These behaviors may be a part of who the individual is and can serve as self-soothing or coping strategies to help keep them comfortable or focused in the moment. Consider disruption to others and dedicate space in advance that the child may access if needed.

Introduce rules during the first day and review them regularly. Make these rules visually available during each class (such as on a poster) to remind students to set expectations and build boundaries. Keep the rules simple and easy to understand. 

Having a routine or a flow that children can become familiar with builds practicability. This is an important factor in retaining student attendance. If a child knows what to expect and has positive interactions during the class, they are more likely to return to that experience.

Learning occurs at its own speed. If we push too hard or fast, we may emotionally damage the learner and break their trust. When we build on each child's natural talents and individual strengths, we allow them to be in the driver's seat of their own expansion and flourish fully.

Lastly, create opportunities for fun moments where it’s safe to take risks, be open to new teaching methods, and embrace brain-based differences.