Strategies for Learning and Teaching

Explicit teaching of skills for these students, such as skimming and scanning and how to use eye movements, may have to be considered. Difficulties often arise with such skills owing to co-ordination and/or perception difficulties.
Consider allowing the student to audio-record lessons.
If students use wheelchairs, where possible place yourself at their eyelevel when talking to them.
Refer to the occupational therapist for assistance.
Motor, perceptual and spatial problems may cause delays in learning reading, writing and Mathematics.
Poor motor co-ordination may affect the student’s access to the Physical Education curriculum, and activities should be adapted to take this into consideration.
Table-type desks with adequate leg space will need to be considered if the student has a wheelchair.
Use a ‘Buddy system’ for tasks such as Science experiments.
Allow the student adequate time to complete activities.
The white/black board in the classroom may have to be lowered if the student is in a wheelchair.
To facilitate students’ reading, use easels, portable reading racks or adjustable desks.
Encourage active participation in the classroom.
Foster social relationships.

Photo of young boy and girl laughing in classroom