The shelves in stores are quickly being emptied of supplies, but our classrooms are full of promise at Anderson Early Learning Academy.
We celebrate the start of every new school year as an exciting opportunity for children, families, and educators to consider the boundless possibilities for growth and discovery that lie ahead. And we have found that thoughtful preparation can really help set the stage for success, particularly for autistic and neurodivergent students.
That said, we wanted to share some back-to-school strategies that we hope will empower and enlighten the loved ones and teachers of young children with learning, communication, and socialization differences.
- Communication is key. Frequent correspondence between a child’s family and team goes a long way in forging a mutually respectful partnership; we have seen time and again how this can lead to lower stress and better outcomes. By openly and honestly sharing insights on what is working and what is not, everyone can more confidently and effectively meet the needs of a student – both in and out of the classroom. Forge these relationships early on in the school year. Trust us, they are a win for everyone!
- Collaboration is essential. In addition to regularly discussing a child’s needs, it is important to remember that a spirit of collaboration is a game-changer. Autistic and neurodivergent children generally thrive on predictability and routine. If teachers, staff, and administrators are setting consistent expectations, students tend to feel more comfortable and regulated, allowing them to be more focused, content, and healthy.
- Build student strengths and interests into the academic experience. We all retain information better when we are learning concepts, facts, and skills in the context of things we genuinely enjoy. This is no different for young people! If your child loves to draw, why not incorporate a mathematics lesson into an artistic endeavor? If your son or daughter likes playing games, perhaps you can bring a reading lesson into that activity. Whatever the case may be, there is little doubt that a young child will probably learn more if a teachable moment occurs when he/she feels engaged and is having fun.
- Model strong socialization. Gaining the skills to connect with peers is a critical part of the educational journey, particularly for young children. Autistic and neurodivergent individuals sometimes need support in this area; families and educators can help by creating social stories, modeling appropriate behavior, and reinforcing positive interactions. When children have friendships in their lives, they enjoy greater self-confidence and well-being – foundations for a meaningful life at every age and stage!
Our team at Anderson Early Learning Academy works with students ages 3-5 on Kindergarten readiness skills, but we can assure you that the aforementioned strategies can make a world of difference throughout an academic career. We hope you will reach out if you have questions about any of these ideas.
If you’re looking for a developmentally appropriate early childhood learning program, keep us in mind. Anderson Early Learning Academy has classrooms in Latham, Pine Plains, and Mount Marion; we would love to chat further about how we can help unlock your child’s potential!
Learn more at andersonearlylearningacademy.org.
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