My focus group selection

Focus Group Selection

The selection of my target group in Room 7 has evolved throughout Terms 1 and 2. Initially, I aimed to focus on students from two different reading groups. However, after reviewing recent BSLA assessments, I have decided to shift my attention to those who are significantly below the expected levels and require Tier 2 targeted group work.

BSLA Assessment Data and Authentic Learning

The recent assessment data indicates the need for a focused approach for these students. I will incorporate authentic learning strategies to engage them effectively. This may include real-world applications of literacy skills, allowing students to see the relevance of their learning.

Follow-Up Activities and Monitoring

To ensure continued progress, I will implement follow-up activities tailored to the specific needs of each learner. Regular monitoring will allow me to adjust the instruction based on ongoing assessments.

Targeted Tier 2 Literacy Approach

Implementing a more targeted and specific literacy approach based on structured literacy offers several advantages for Tier 2 students:

1. Explicit Instruction: Structured literacy provides clear, direct, and systematic instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. This explicit teaching is crucial for Tier 2 students, who often struggle with implicit learning, enabling them to grasp foundational literacy skills more effectively.

2. Systematic and Sequential Learning: Lessons are organized logically to build on previously learned concepts, ensuring mastery of each component before moving on to more complex skills and reducing gaps in knowledge.

3. Multi-Sensory Techniques: Structured literacy incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile methods, engaging multiple senses to enhance memory and learning for students needing additional support.

4. Differentiated Instruction: This approach allows for tailored instruction based on the specific needs of Tier 2 students, providing targeted interventions informed by ongoing assessment data to address individual strengths and weaknesses.

5. Reinforcement and Practice: Regular, systematic practice and review of skills help reinforce learning and improve retention.

Implementation Overview

Teaching Intensity: I will provide 20 hours of supplementary small group teaching. Tier 2 instruction will complement, rather than replace, Tier 1 lessons. Students identified for Tier 2 support require more intensive teaching to master foundational skills, as evidenced by research on phoneme awareness and word decoding. BSLA Tier 2 will consist of small group instruction (up to 4 children per group) in approximately 30-minute sessions, four times weekly over a 10-week period, totaling around 20 hours of additional teaching. Students will also participate in daily Tier 1 BSLA lessons and small group reading instruction.

Explicit Teaching and Quality Scaffolding: Explicit instruction and effective scaffolding are critical in BSLA Tier 2 teaching. Teachers will provide structured support to facilitate successful learning attempts and meet each learner's needs within the group. Recognizing and praising students for their decoding attempts is an essential part of this approach.

Building Speed and Accuracy: Each lesson will include a phoneme manipulation section designed to enhance students' phonological processing speed and accuracy, which is vital for effective reading and spelling strategies, especially for those who struggle with phonological processing.

Timely Support: Research supports the benefits of early intervention. If a child’s data after 10 weeks of Tier 1 BSLA instruction indicates difficulties in acquiring essential phonics and phoneme awareness skills, Tier 2 support will be implemented promptly. For children starting school at age 5, this support may begin in their second or third term, rather than waiting until their second year.

Instruction Components

1. Segmenting and Blending (5 minutes):

   • Activities focusing on complex phoneme awareness skills will help children sound through entire words in reading and spelling.
   • Activities may include a Bingo segmentation and blending game and a "Speed Demons" game to improve speed and accuracy.
   • Scaffolding will support identifying middle sounds and beyond, with repeated practice and quality feedback aimed at enhancing reading and spelling skills.

2. Phoneme Manipulation with Graphemes (15 minutes):

   • Instruction will maintain consistency with Tier 1 phrasing and teaching patterns.
   • Activities will include completing two 10-word phoneme manipulation chains per lesson using materials like Gillon Letter Blocks or mini whiteboards.
   • Goals include building speed and accuracy in phoneme manipulation and reinforcing reading development.
   • The method involves modeling the first word, manipulating a phoneme, and reading the new word together, followed by the PRRR method for error correction.
   • Progression will move from blocks/folders to whiteboards as skills develop, ensuring students can hear, identify, and accurately represent phoneme changes.

By focusing on these strategies, I aim to address the specific needs of my learners effectively and enhance their literacy skills.

The ABCDE of Learner Needs framework

The ABCDE of Learner Needs framework, created by the Center for Inspired Teaching and influenced by William Glasser's work, focuses on five core student needs:

1. Autonomy: Students need to feel a sense of control over their learning and have opportunities to make choices.
2. Belonging: It's essential for students to feel connected to their peers and teachers, fostering a supportive community.
3. Competence: Students should feel capable and successful in their learning tasks, which builds confidence.
4. Doing: Active, hands-on learning experiences are crucial for engaging students and making learning meaningful.
5. Engagement: Lessons should be interesting and relevant to maintain students' attention and motivation.

This framework helps teachers create environments that meet these needs, promoting academic and social success for students​.

Here are some strategies I want to try in my classroom. It also links in with my school teachers inquiry - authentic learning.

1. Autonomy:

   • Choice: Provide children with choices in their activities. For example, offer different stations they can choose from, such as a reading corner, art station, or building blocks area.
   • Independence: Encourage self-directed learning by allowing students to select materials and start tasks on their own. This fosters a sense of control over their learning environment.

2. Belonging:

   • Community Building: Create a warm and inclusive classroom atmosphere. Use morning circles or group activities where each child can share something about themselves. Our MITEY program fits in well.
   • Positive Relationships: Foster strong relationships between students and between students and the teacher.

3. Competence:

   • Skill Development: Design activities that are age-appropriate and match the developmental stages of your students. Celebrate small achievements to build their confidence.
   • Feedback: Provide positive and constructive feedback that helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement.

4. Doing:

   • Hands-On Activities: Incorporate plenty of hands-on learning experiences. Activities like counting objects, sorting shapes, or engaging in simple science experiments can be very effective.
   • Active Participation: Ensure that children are actively involved in their learning by using interactive teaching methods such as storytelling, singing, and playing educational games.

5. Engagement:

   • Interactive Lessons: Keep lessons engaging by incorporating multimedia, storytelling, and interactive activities that capture their interest.
   • Relevance: Connect learning materials to the children's own lives and experiences. For example, if learning about animals, discuss pets they might have at home.

Practical Tips:

• Routine and Structure: Maintain a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of security, but include flexible periods for free play and exploration.
• Visual Aids: Use visual aids like charts, pictures, and videos to make learning more accessible and engaging for young learners.
• Play-Based Learning: Integrate play into the learning process. Play is a powerful tool for developing social skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

Example Activities:

• Autonomy: 
• Create a "Choice Board" with different activity options for children to pick from during free time. 
• Personal Projects: Allow children to work on small projects of their choice, such as creating a mini-book about their favourite animal. 
• Class Jobs: Assign classroom responsibilities (line leader, snack helper, etc.) to give students a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Learning Stations: Set up various learning stations (reading, art, science) and let children choose where they want to spend their time.
• Self-Portrait Art: Provide materials for children to create self-portraits, allowing them to choose how they represent themselves.
• Belonging: 
• Start the day with a "Morning Greeting" where each child can share something about their day or their feelings.
• Buddy System: Pair students up with a buddy for certain activities to promote friendship and cooperation.
• Classroom Quilt: Each student decorates a fabric square that is then sewn together to create a classroom quilt, symbolising unity.
• Group Games: Play cooperative games like “Parachute Play” where everyone works together to keep a ball bouncing on the parachute.
• Competence: 
• Set up a "Success Wall" where children's achievements, like artwork or completed tasks, are displayed.
• Skill Practice Centers: Set up different stations focused on specific skills (counting beads for math, sorting objects for classification, etc.).
• Achievement Certificates: Give out certificates or stickers for milestones reached, such as learning all the letters of the alphabet or tying their shoes.
• Math Manipulatives: Use objects like counting bears or linking cubes for hands-on math activities.
• Reading Buddies: Pair older students with younger ones for reading sessions to build confidence in both groups.
• Doing: 
• Organise a weekly "Science Exploration" where children can engage in simple experiments or nature walks.
• Gardening: Start a small garden where children can plant seeds, water plants, and watch them grow.
• Cooking: Simple cooking activities like making fruit salads or baking cookies. This can teach measurements and following instructions.
• Building Projects: Provide building materials like blocks or recycled materials for children to create structures.
• Engagement: 
• Use themed weeks (e.g., space, dinosaurs, seasons) to create excitement and context around learning activities.
• Storytelling with Props: Use puppets, costumes, or props to make storytelling more interactive and engaging.
• Themed Days: Organise themed days (like “Space Day” or “Pirate Day”) with related activities, crafts, and stories.
• Music and Movement: Incorporate songs and dance into daily routines to make learning more dynamic and fun.

Most of these are already included in my daily routine and lesson plans. 

Embracing Neurodiversity: Supporting Students Before They Begin School

How can early identification and tailored intervention strategies enhance the learning experiences and outcomes for neurodiverse students before they begin school, and what role does collaboration among educators, parents, and support professionals play in this process?

When supporting neurodiverse students before they start school, asking the right questions can help you gather essential information and insights. Here are some categories of questions to consider.

Questions for Parents

• Developmental History:
• Can you describe any significant milestones or delays in your child's development?
• Have you noticed any particular strengths or challenges your child has?
• Behaviour and Social Interaction:
• How does your child interact with peers and adults?
• Are there any specific behaviours or routines your child prefers?
• Sensory Preferences:
• Does your child have any sensitivities to noise, light, textures, or other sensory inputs?
• Are there any activities or environments that seem to calm or stimulate your child?
• Previous Support:
• Has your child received any early intervention services, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy?
• What strategies or supports have been effective for your child in the past?

Questions for Educators and Support Professionals

• Training and Awareness:
• What training have you received regarding neurodiversity and supporting neurodiverse students?
• What additional resources or training do you think would be beneficial?
• Classroom Environment:
• How do you adapt the classroom environment to accommodate sensory needs
• What strategies do you use to support diverse learning styles?
• Collaboration and Communication:
• How do you collaborate with parents and other professionals to support neurodiverse students?
• What methods do you use to monitor and communicate student progress?

Questions for the Multi-Disciplinary Team

• Assessment and Identification:
• What assessment tools do you use to identify neurodiverse traits in young children?
• How do you ensure assessments are culturally and linguistically appropriate?
• Intervention Strategies:
• What early intervention strategies do you recommend for specific challenges (e.g., communication, social skills, sensory processing)?
• How do you tailor interventions to meet individual needs?
• Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring:
• How do you set realistic and achievable goals for neurodiverse students?
• What methods do you use to track and evaluate progress?

Questions for the School Administration

• Policy and Support:
• What policies are in place to support neurodiverse students before they start school?
• How do you allocate resources for early intervention and support services?
• Creating an Inclusive Culture:
• What initiatives are in place to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity within the school community?
• How do you engage parents and the wider community in supporting neurodiverse students?

Questions for the Students

• Interests and Preferences:
• What activities do you enjoy the most?
• Are there any activities or situations that make you feel uncomfortable or upset?
• Learning Style:
• How do you like to learn new things? (e.g., through pictures, stories, hands-on activities)
• What helps you concentrate and stay focused?

Neurodiversity is a term that recognises and celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with diverse neurological differences. It is crucial to capture and support neurodiverse students before they even start school to ensure they have the best possible foundation for success. 

One of the key benefits of identifying and embracing neurodiversity early on is the opportunity to provide tailored support and accommodations that meet the specific needs of each student. 

By understanding and addressing these needs from the beginning, educators can create an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Supporting neurodiverse students from the start also helps in fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. When students feel understood and supported, they are more likely to engage actively in their learning and build confidence in their abilities. This, in turn, can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being. 

There are several ways to help neurodiverse students before they start school. 

First and foremost, it is essential to create awareness and promote understanding of neurodiversity among educators, parents, and peers. Encouraging empathy and acceptance can help create a more inclusive school community where all students feel valued. 

Additionally, providing early intervention and access to support services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or behavioural interventions can address specific challenges that neurodiverse students may face. Individualised education plans (IEPs) can also be developed to outline personalised goals and accommodations to support their learning and development. Creating a supportive and inclusive school environment for neurodiverse students requires collaboration and partnership among educators, parents, and support professionals. By working together to recognise and embrace neurodiversity, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed to their fullest potential. 

Early Identification and Assessment

• Screening and Assessments: Conduct early screenings to identify neurodiverse traits. This can involve working with paediatricians, psychologists, and other specialists.
• Parental Input: Encourage parents to share observations and concerns about their child's development. Parents often notice differences early on and can provide valuable insights.

Educator Training and Awareness

• Professional Development: Provide training for educators on neurodiversity, its various manifestations, and effective teaching strategies.
• Awareness Campaigns: Implement school-wide initiatives to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity among all staff and students.

Tailored Early Intervention Programs

• Therapeutic Services: Offer access to occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioural therapy. Early intervention can address developmental delays and improve skills.
• Individualised Support Plans: Develop individualised plans(IEP) that outline specific goals, strategies, and accommodations for each child.

Family Support and Engagement

• Parent Workshops: Organise workshops to educate parents about neurodiversity, early signs, and available support services.
• Support Groups: Create support groups for parents to share experiences, resources, and strategies.

Collaborative Approach

• Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Form teams of educators, therapists, and specialists to work together in creating comprehensive support plans.
• Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of communication between parents, teachers, and support professionals to ensure consistency and collaboration.

Building a Culture of Inclusion

• Empathy Education: Teach empathy and social skills to all students to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion.
• Celebrating Differences: Celebrate neurodiversity through events, stories, and activities that highlight the strengths and contributions of neurodiverse individuals.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ongoing Assessment: Continuously monitor the progress of neurodiverse students and adjust support plans as needed.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback systems to gather input from parents, students, and educators on the effectiveness of support strategies.

What can I do?

Professional Development and Awareness
Educate Yourself and Colleagues:

• Attend workshops, webinars, and training sessions on neurodiversity and inclusive education.

• Share your knowledge with colleagues through professional learning communities or staff meetings.

Stay Updated:

• Keep abreast of the latest research, strategies, and best practices in supporting neurodiverse students.

Early Identification and Intervention

Observe and Assess:

• Conduct regular observations and assessments to identify early signs of neurodiverse traits.

• Use developmentally appropriate assessment tools to gather information about each child’s strengths and challenges.

Collaborate with Specialists:

• Work with psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to develop comprehensive support plans.

• Refer students for further evaluation and services when necessary.

Creating an Inclusive Environment
Adapt the Learning Environment:

• Design classrooms that accommodate various sensory needs, such as quiet spaces, sensory tools, and flexible seating arrangements.

• Use visual aids, schedules, and routines to provide structure and predictability.

Differentiated Instruction:

• Tailor your teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and needs.

• Provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to ensure all students can access and participate in learning activities.

Building Relationships
Foster Positive Relationships:

• Build trusting relationships with students and their families by showing empathy, understanding, and respect.

• Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom culture where all students feel valued and supported.

Parent Engagement:

• Maintain open communication with parents to understand their child’s needs and share progress.

• Encourage parents to participate in school activities and decision-making processes.

Early Support Services
Early Intervention Programs:

• Advocate for and implement early intervention programs within the school setting.

• Ensure that students have access to necessary support services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural interventions.

Individualised Support Plans:

• Develop and implement individualised education plans (IEPs) or individualised family service plans (IFSPs) that outline personalised goals and accommodations.

• Monitor and adjust these plans regularly based on the child’s progress and changing needs.

Promoting Social-Emotional Learning
Social Skills Training:

• Provide opportunities for social skills training and peer interaction.

• Use role-playing, social stories, and cooperative learning activities to teach and reinforce positive social behaviours.

Emotional Support:

• Teach and model self-regulation and coping strategies.

• Create a safe space for students to express their feelings and seek help when needed.

Advocacy and Policy
Advocate for Resources:

• Advocate for the allocation of resources and funding to support neurodiverse students.

• Work with school leadership to ensure that policies and practices are inclusive and supportive of neurodiversity.

Promote a Culture of Inclusion:

• Lead by example in promoting empathy, acceptance, and understanding of neurodiversity within the school community.

• Organise events, workshops, and activities that celebrate neurodiversity and educate the school community.

Strategies to make learning FUN!!

Resources and links:

Journals:

Neurodiversity: A strengths-based approach to teaching diverse learners

Supporting Neurodiverse Students

Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: ‘Guidelines for Good Practice’ 2012

Promoting Positive Peer Interactions in the Preschool Classroom: The Role and the Responsibility of the Teacher in Supporting Children’s Socio-dramatic Play

Online Resources

1. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

   • The NCLD offers a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and toolkits, to help educators and parents support neurodiverse students. NCLD Website

2. The Child Mind Institute

   • The Child Mind Institute provides resources and research-based strategies for supporting children with various neurodevelopmental differences. Child Mind Institute

3. The Autism Society

   • The Autism Society offers comprehensive resources on early identification, intervention, and support for children with autism. Autism Society