This page offers suggestions for how to create an effective learning environment at home.
- Minimize distractions.
- Create an independent work area and seat student in a way that maximizes focus on the task.
- Have all materials available for easy access.
- Create a predictable, daily schedule that is posted where it can be seen by the student. Review the schedule to help teach the student organizational skills.
- Establish procedures for getting help, a drink, using the restroom, sharpening a pencil, etc. Post these procedures where the student can see them.
- Provide positive reinforcement and feedback when the student is behaving appropriately.
- Plan a variety of activities such as sedentary, active, cooperative, teacher-directed, and independent activities.
- If the student is participating in a difficult activity, sit in close proximity and work through the task with the student until it is completed.
- Incorporate a variety of instructional strategies (i.e. visual, auditory, kinesthetic) during the lesson to maintain student engagement.
- Use a reward system to reinforce the student’s successes.
- Establish a signal for transitions to a new activity, break, or new topic. Ensure the next activity is ready for the student to begin once the transition is complete.
If you have additional questions about how to create your child’s home learning environment, please contact your child’s Special Education Teacher.
