Identifying and Understanding Feelings

Source: www.pixarpost.com

By Sam Piha

There are so many aspects to young people’s mental health. One thing we know is that kids need to be able identify their feelings. Helping kids identify their feelings is a crucial part of social and emotional development and is core to dealing with trauma and being able to self- regulate. This involves helping them recognize different emotions, understand their causes, and learn healthy ways to express them. 

“All emotions are a normal part of life and it's good to express them. Children need to learn how to communicate their emotions, even those often seen as negative, like anger or sadness. Regular conversations help kids feel supported and understood, it also will encourage them to express their feelings. Encourage children to pause and reflect on their feelings.” [i]

HERE'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

It is critical that we help young people develop a language related to feelings and use this language to help identify their own feelings and those of others. This is core to developing empathy for others. Why is this important? Google AI states:

• “Emotional Regulation: Learning to identify feelings is the first step in emotional regulation, which is the ability to manage and control one's emotions. 
• Improved Mental Health: Understanding emotions can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. 
• Stronger Relationships: When children can identify and understand their own emotions, they can also better understand and empathize with the emotions of others, leading to stronger relationships. 
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: Being able to understand and express feelings helps children feel more in control of their emotions and reactions, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence. 
• Increased Resilience: Children who can identify and manage their emotions are better equipped to cope with difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks. 
• Better Social Skills: Understanding emotions helps children navigate social situations more effectively, leading to improved social skills and interactions. 
• Academic Success: Emotional regulation skills are linked to school success and academic achievement.” [ii]  

TEACHING KIDS HOW TO COPE WITH THEIR EMOTIONS

Teaching kids how to cope with their emotions ids how to cope with their emotions is one of the best life skills you can give them. This is what we call emotion regulation, and you can start the moment they’re born! Our experts recommend reading in this order:

• Naming emotions

“Once children learn emotion words and start noticing as they feel them in the moment, it’s important they learn how to communicate what they are feeling. This can be hard because children sometimes mistakenly learn we should avoid certain emotions, like anger, sadness or loneliness.” [iii] 

• Noticing how the emotions feel in their body
• Expressing their emotions
• Coping with their emotions

EMOTION VOCABULARY

If we want young people to be able to identify their feelings, they need to first develop an emotion vocabulary. To do this, Google AI suggests:

• “Name the feelings: Help children learn to label their emotions using words like happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised, frustrated, etc. 
• Use visual aids: Employing picture cards or charts with faces showing different emotions can be helpful.  

Source: My Pal, Luke

“A feelings chart is a visual tool that can help you identify and verbalize your feelings. Feelings charts can be helpful for both kids and adults and can take on a variety of forms. And while they’re helpful in healthcare settings, you can also use a feelings chart on your own or with your family at home.” [iv] - Ariana Hoet (To download a free Feelings Chart, click here.) 

• Talk about feelings regularly: Create a safe space for open conversations about feelings in everyday situations. 
• Use books and stories: Discuss the emotions of characters in books and how they might be feeling in different situations. 
• Model emotional expression: Parents and caregivers can model healthy ways of expressing their own emotions. 
• Use play: Role-playing, puppets, and dolls can be great tools for exploring emotions. 
• Connect feelings to events: Help children understand what might cause them to feel a certain way. For example, ‘You seem sad because you didn't get to play outside today’. 
• Notice body language: Pay attention to how emotions show up in their bodies (e.g., butterflies in the stomach for nervousness, a tight chest for anger).” [v] 

END NOTES:
[i] Ariana Hoet, Helping Kids Express Emotions Appropriately
[ii] Google AI, Why is it Important for Young People to Develop Language for Their Feelings
[iii] Ariana Hoet, Helping Kids Express Emotions Appropriately
[iv] Liz Talago MEd, How to Use an Emotions Chart to Track Your Feelings
[v] Google AI, Best Ways to Identify Feelings and Develop Emotional Vocabulary with Young People

Designing Welcoming, Equitable, and Positive Girls' Sports Programs - 9 Tips

Source: Positive Coaching Alliance

Designing youth sports programs with girls central and in mind is key to making youth sports welcoming, equitable, and positive for all. Check out these nine tips! These tips are reposted with permission from Positive Coaching Alliance. 

1. Make It Girl-Centered

Over 90% of girls ages 7 to13 who play sports like (or love!) to participate. Younger and older girls, and young women really enjoy athletics. Presume girls are interested and want to play especially when programs are inclusive and accommodating.

2. Make It Intentional to Get All Girls in the Game

Black and Latinx girls enter sport at a later average age and leave sport earlier than their counterparts, affording girls of color an even narrower window of opportunity. Girls of color and girls in low-income
communities are getting fewer opportunities to play, yet want to play in greater numbers! Let’s include everyone.

3. Make It Responsive to Girls’ Interests

• Using simple surveys, small focus groups, and/or basic outreach to understand what sports girls want to play, and how, can help set up a lasting, successful program based on girls’ interests. For example, volleyball, soccer, and basketball are popular girls’ sports nationwide; check what girls want to play in your area.
• Many girls prefer and thrive in all girls’ athletic contexts whereas some girls like co-ed play – check with girls on what they prefer and offer that!
• Don’t assume what girls want to play or base offerings simply on what a coach knows / has coached/ what’s been historically offered. Ask and tailor programs.

4. Make It Safe (Physically)

Safety – Are the practice / game times, locations, facilities, and items like bathrooms safe
and accessible (corresponding to identity)? Simple steps like working lights, adult supervision, and safe, clear spaces help girls play.

Source: www.pexels.com

5. Make It Safe (Emotionally)

• Comfortable – Create fun, engaging sport routines so girls know what to expect.
• Belonging – Prioritize support and training for staff / coaches to use positive, gender-supportive language, names, and preferred pronouns, demonstrate empathy, and build connections with girls.
• Friends – Connections with peers is often a driver for participation. Use a buddy registration / team formation system so that girls can know one person, if preferred.
• Curb the Negative – Counter gender stereotypes that can limit girls’ participation. Ensure kids and adults near practice and game space use supportive language.
• Empathy – Coaches can listen to understand girls’ perspectives without judgment.

6. Make It Accessible

• Scheduling – Getting to practice / games is doable if scheduling and facilities are considered – e.g., have sports on / near campuses at ideal times, at a close-by park, and along public transit lines. Support carpools. Consider calendar conflicts.
• Cost – Cost impacts girls in starting and sticking with sport. Make offerings affordable and scholarships available – consider costs (league, equipment, transportation).

7. Make It Informed to Understand Barriers

Finding out what’s keeping girls from playing is key to designing inclusive, supportive, positive, girl-oriented programming. Common barriers easily overcome include:

• Not knowing how / when to sign up for sports programming
• Knowledge gaps re: sports
• Never having played before
• Gender inequity, such as girls’ teams / leagues / divisions getting “less”
• Attitudes of families, communities, and institutions impeding girls’ play
• Obligations (e.g., job to support family; caretaking of siblings)

Source: www.pexels.com

8. Make It Inviting to Break Down Barriers

• Use inviting, clear team, division, and league information for sign-ups; include images of girls actively playing in outreach materials.
• Explain rules and game to girls brand new to the sport; novices welcome!
• Ensure girls’ offerings are gender equitable (facilities, schedules, etc.)
• Share information with girls, families, and all re: why girls in sport benefit (ideally in multiple languages and in engaging ways).
• Offer practice / games when girls are available; explore childcare help for girls with family-oriented obligations.

9. Make It Collaborative With Girls

• Voice and Choice – Share power with girls to help design your program
• Effort, Learn from Mistakes, Mastery – Celebrate progress, not just outcomes
• Balance – Instill healthy competition and fun; mindful of girls’ range of motivations

Download the resource here.

For a full briefing paper on the importance of play, click here.

Check out our upcoming webinar on The Importance of Play in Afterschool. To learn more and register, click here.

Sports and Play Promotes Social Emotional Learning and Character

Source: Coaching Corps

By Sam Piha

 

The research says there is a strong connection between organized sports and play and the development of SEL and character. Yet the rising costs of “participating in organized youth sports is making these activities unaffordable for many families, essentially barring kids and teens from important opportunities to improve their physical health, develop social-emotional skills, and build relationships.” [i] However, there is also a trend in schools to increase time for reading and math by eliminating time for play, including recess. 

Source: CASEL

That’s where OST programs come in. “They can play a vital role in making access to organized sports more equitable, according to the 2023 State of Play report from the Aspen Institute, a think tank.” [ii]

“You can also just have programming after school that is teaching and exposing kids to the sports. Some of the best ways to do that is by bringing in partners from your community. It’s a great opportunity as well for the community programs. Take youth soccer as an example: youth soccer associations that want to grow the sport, why would you not want to come into schools and find ways to subsidize this?” [iii] - Jon Solomon, the editorial director of the Sports & Society Program at the Aspen Institute 



SHRINKING ACCESS TO YOUTH SPORTS

“I think more and more people recognize that you have to provide sports opportunities within the school setting because that’s where most kids are. These are kids who have less money, or their parents are working multiple jobs and can’t get them to practices and games.” [iv] - Jon Solomon, the editorial director of the Sports & Society Program at the Aspen Institute 

 

According to Arianna Prothero, “Sports participation is much lower among children from low-income families than among those from high-income families. A quarter of kids from families earning less than $25,000 a year participate in regular sports, compared with 39 percent of kids in families earning more than $100,000 a year, according to the report. 

 

While sports participation among 6- to 12-year-olds from low-income families has gone up over the past four years, participation among 13- to 17-year-olds in that income bracket continues to decrease, dropping from 38 percent in 2012 to 27 percent in 2022.” [v]

 

SPORTS AND SEL

“While organized sports are excellent SEL skill-builders, uniforms, referees, and rulebooks are not required for children to reap the social and emotional benefits of play. Like organized sports, all types of play offer opportunities to explore, imagine, and create. When children play with others, they practice cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution. Construction play, like building with LEGOs, activates children’s problem-solving skills. And through dramatic play, children take on the perspectives of others and practice empathy. So, get out there and play!” [vi]

Source: Edutopia

 

COACHES TRAINING

If we want to see playing organized sports as contributing to character and social emotional learning, sports coaches require training. There are organizations such as the Positive Coaching Alliance that specialize in this kind of training for coaches. 

 

“Are we as coaches concerned most with hoisting the championship trophy in the air at the end of the season, or raising up stronger character in our youth?” [vii] - Pete Paciorek

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON PLAY 

There are many resources on the topic of play. We cite a few below. 



Websites 

• The power of play – Part 1-5: This is a 5-part series from Michigan State University The Power of Play
• The Genius of Play has created easy to use activities, provides expert advice and more. And it's all FREE for anyone to use.

Videos

There are many TED talks and other videos on play. Below are some that we like. 

• TED Talk by Stuart Brown entitled “Play is more than just fun” 
• TED Talk by Peter Gray entitled “The decline of play”

 

Articles

• Embracing Learning Through Play by Elizabeth M. Ross
• Teaching Leadership Skills With PE Games by Donna Paul
• The Importance of Play for Adolescents by Heather Hayes

 

LIAS Blogs

You can also view previous LIAS Blogs on the topic of play here and on the topic of sports here. 

For a full briefing paper on the importance of play, click here.

Check out our upcoming webinar on The Importance of Play in Afterschool. To learn more and register, click here.

END NOTES:

[i] Arianna Prothero, Kids Are Getting Priced Out of Youth Sports. How Schools Can Help

[ii] IBID.

[iii] IBID.

[iv] IBID.

[v] IBID.

[vi] The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Connections, July 2024

[vii] Dr. Arthur Schwartz, What does the research say about the connection between sports and character?

 

How to Help Girls Develop Through Sports and Role Models

Source: www.pexels.com

By Sam Piha

There is an exploding interest in girls’ sports, as our understanding of the benefits grow. Through girls’ sports afterschool programs can promote leadership, engagement and personal empowerment.

“We know that sport is empowering, particularly for girls, and challenge gender norms. Sport participation offers girls an opportunity to build their self-esteem, courage and self-efficacy. It is a place where they can take up leadership positions and through sport programs girls' belief in their own ability increases. This translates into everyday life – it encourages them to take initiative, raise their voices and attempt things they never assumed were possible.

When community members see girls achieve in sport, they often recognize their potential to achieve in other domains.  Lastly, sport is a powerful tool and platform to strengthen social ties, networks, engage the community and promote positive messages. In short, wins on the field translate into wins off the field – One Win Leads to Another.” [1]

 

TIPS FOR DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP

According to Women Win, “Girls’ leadership can and should be an important part of program design. Developing the leadership abilities and opportunities within a program for the adolescent girl participants creates a pool of potential coaches, facilitators and female leaders for your sport programs. This, in turn, increases the potential for these girls to grow as leaders in their communities.

One of the most powerful ways to build leadership qualities in girls is to put girls in leadership roles. When girls are expected to lead others, they find power within themselves they might not know existed. This can come in the form of formal positions or informal relationships between girls. Creative program leaders and coaches find subtle ways to facilitate this process and support all forms of leadership.

• Be patient. Leadership is a skill that is developed over time. Ask girls what they are good at and how they want to build their skills and confidence. Encourage them to lead their own development.
• Allow girls to elect their own leaders.
• Highlight examples of good leadership.
• Let girls train others in sport-specific, practical and life skills.
• Show girls you value their opinions.
• Explicitly talk about and encourage discussions about leadership values to girls regularly.
• Lead by example as a coach or program leader.
• Support positive role modelling.
• Allow girls to choose if they want to fill leadership roles.
• Encourage girls to go out in community and be recognized.
• Reward acts of leadership with outward praise and formal honors.
• Reward exceptional performance with leadership roles.
• Give all girls opportunities to lead during practice, not just older, talented, non-disabled or more natural leaders.
• Constantly encourage goal setting and evaluation.
• Target inhibitors of leadership and address them, such as lack of confidence, peer pressure or poor mentoring.
• Seek to help every girl develop to her highest personal potential, as opposed to constantly criticizing or comparing girls to one another.
• Recognize quiet leadership in girls, those who are not outspoken or loud, but rather, those who will always run the extra lap with the slowest girl on the team.
• Create standards of what it takes to be a leader from both girls with and without disabilities

Personal empowerment and control are closely linked. Program partners report that when a girl feels like she has control over her body, her future and her environment, she begins to feel strong and powerful. It is important to give participants in your program some degree of control over the design of the program, especially when the intent of the program is to increase girls’ self-esteem. Girls are more likely to fully engage in activities that they help design.” [2]

Source: www.pexels.com

PROGRAM DESIGN: HOW TO ENGAGE GIRLS IN SPORTS 

• “Allow girls to choose paint colors and make decorations for the space where their sessions are held.
• Ask girls to vote on how they would like to be grouped for competitions, for example, by age, by region or by skill level.
• Give girls the choice of uniform colors and team names.
• Consult with girls and their families about time and duration of practices and training sessions
• Ask girls to create rules of conduct for sessions and penalties for breach of conduct.
• Pick a group of girls to interview and evaluate potential coaches.
• Ask girls which sport they would like to play.
• Ask girls which life skills topics they would like to discuss.” [3]

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS FOR GIRLS 

According to Women Win, “Girls are exposed to both positive and negative role models every day: a strong mother who stands up against domestic abuse or a female celebrity that uses her sex appeal to be popular. All of these people affect how a girl views her own potential. These are the people who girls use as references for whom they will become and whose behavior they will emulate.

Local examples provide more easily imaginable visions of success. A key component to presenting girls with role models is to make sure the success experienced by the role models is attainable and replicable in their minds. Research has shown that when individuals feel that the role model in front of them has attained a status unreachable to them, their presence can actually be demoralizing. If possible, find role models who exemplify an area in which girls have an interest and where they need help in personal development. Find a person who can share their personal experience with personal growth in that area. Men can certainly serve as positive role models; however, there is an inherent value in same-gender role modelling.” [4]

Source: www.pexels.com

Role Models: Some Tips

“A girl needs to see confidence, leadership and accomplishment in other women in order to envision herself with those qualities. A program designed to empower girls must provide powerful, positive role models. As program directors, it is helpful to expose girls to a diverse set of role models as consistently as possible. Strong role models can be women who are older, skilled athletes, coaches, community leaders, successful business people, celebrities, politicians, religious leaders, confident peers or any strong woman whose presence will resonate with the girls. Although there is power to showing girls women who are international heroines, there is also a power to exposing them to local people.” [5] -  Women Win

Women Win offers these tips to promote women role models: 

• “Organize events where role models speak to girls about their experiences.
• Try to pair up individual girls with older mentors with the intention of creating long-lasting relationships.
• Take girls to see athletic events with older participants. Arrange a meet-and-greet afterwards to allow girls to interact with players.
• Set up guest coaching sessions with successful coaches from your region.
• Ensure that all those in positions of power within the organization are serving as positive role models for participants.
• Seek role models outside of the sport arena. Invite a successful businesswoman or female politician to come to the program and speak to the girls.
• Consider inviting men or women with a disability to come speak, as they often have a powerful impact on girls with and without disabilities.
• Discuss the concept of “negative role modelling” with girls, i.e., simply because a person is successful does not mean that they are worthy of being a role model. Challenge girls to evaluate virtues, values and expectations related to these role models.” [6]

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE

In addition to the resources that are cited in the end notes (below), we also recommend a few additional resources.

• Women’s Sports Foundation- Designing a Quality Girls’ Sports Program
• Women Win- Engaging Girls in Sport
• Women Win- Guides

END NOTES

[1] Women Win, Empowering Girls Through Sport

[2] Women Win, Developing Girls’ Leadership

[3] Women Win, Girl-Led Design

[4] Women Win, The Power of Role Models

[5] IBID.

[6] IBID. 

Tips for Volunteering with Kids

Source: www.pexels.com

By Sam Piha

According to Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, “There are many charitable organizations that rely on volunteers to accomplish their missions. Talk to children about what issues really matter to them and what causes they would like to support. Are they concerned about the environment and pollution? Do they want to help rescue abused or abandoned animals? Do they feel sad about elderly people who have no children or grandchildren nearby to visit them? Do they want to make children in the hospital smile and not feel so scared? Is homelessness and poverty a great concern for them? Do they want to find a cure for a particular disease that someone in your family may have?

After identifying one or two particular causes, children can do research together to identify organizations that need and welcome volunteer support from children. Here are a few ideas for finding volunteer opportunities:

• Start volunteering locally. Go to a local church, temple, other religious organization, community center, school, or library to ask about local groups that support the cause(s) you’ve identified. Talk to friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors about your area of interest. Perhaps you already know someone who is volunteering for a charity that would be a good fit for your family. Local United Ways often have volunteer listings.


• Try national volunteer organizations. Most national organizations have websites that will connect you to local chapters and outline their specific needs and activities that support their cause. There are also some volunteer websites where you can search for child-friendly volunteer opportunities. Here are just a few suggestions: Big Hearted Families, GenerationOn, Points of Light, Volunteer Match, and Idealist.

Source: www.pexels.com

• Go straight to the source. If your children want to cheer up children in the hospital, visit or call a local children’s hospital with your child and ask what you can do. You may want to suggest specific activities like hosting a holiday party, doing arts and craft projects for children in the hospital, painting the fingernails of all the girls, dressing like a clown and painting faces, or whatever your child thinks of. If your child loves animals, you could visit an animal shelter together and offer to walk the dogs once a week. Be creative! If you are sincere and are suggesting something that doesn’t make more work for the employees or other volunteers, chances are you will get a warm reception.” [i]

DIFFERENT WAYS TO HELP

Source: www.pexels.com

To ensure that helping activities are meaningful to youth, it is best that they can identify which causes are most important to them. They can do some research on what the best way is to help. For instance, one program leader thought that donating canned goods would be a good way to support a local homeless shelter. However, after their own research, the young people learned that what they really needed were more jackets and coats. In another program in Minnesota, instead of donating clothing to poor children, the youth learned what was highly requested were ice skates. In response, they sponsored a drive to collect ice skates to distribute to others.  

Below, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children offers these additional ways to help. Please note that this website offers advice to parents, but their remarks are also relevant to youth programs. They suggest:

• “Donating Money: Even if children are too young for volunteer activities, they can help to raise money for their favorite cause. They can organize a yard sale or car wash with signs letting everyone know that the proceeds will go to your preferred charity. Many charities have walk-a-thons and other fundraising activities that welcome the participation of children. 
• Giving Toys: Many children have more toys than they can possibly play with. Before gift-giving holidays and birthdays, children can go through their toys. Parents can help them pick out ones to give away to children who don’t have any toys.
• Donating Clothes: Go through clothes together. You can talk about how even though they don’t fit them anymore, donating baby and kid clothes is still very useful to smaller children who may not have the money to go buy new clothes. 
• Food Drives and Donations: Many local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters welcome food donations. Children can organize a canned-food drive in their classroom (with your assistance and the teacher’s approval) and donate all the collected cans together. Some volunteer organizations even welcome holiday leftovers in large quantities. Take the youth to drop off the food so they can actually see where it’s going.” [ii]

For a full briefing paper on kids helping others, click here.

END NOTES:
[i] Bright Horizons, Teaching Children to Help Others
[ii] IBID. 

Neurodiversity in Education

Source: www.pexels.com

By Sam Piha 

According to Google AI, “Neurodiversity in education is important because it acknowledges and embraces the natural variation in how humans process information and learn. This approach encourages inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students, including those who may have conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. By embracing neurodiversity, educators can create more equitable and effective learning experiences for all students."

Here's why neurodiversity is crucial in education: 

1. Promoting Inclusivity and Acceptance: Neurodiversity helps to de-stigmatize different ways of thinking and learning, fostering a more inclusive and accepting environment for all students. It encourages empathy and understanding among students, as they learn about the unique perspectives and experiences of their neurodivergent peers. By valuing and celebrating differences, neurodiversity helps to create a more supportive and positive learning environment for all students, including those who may be neurodivergent. 
2. Enhancing Learning Outcomes: Neurodiverse students can benefit from a more flexible and personalized approach to learning that caters to their individual strengths and needs. By providing a variety of teaching methods and resources, educators can ensure that all students have access to the information and support they need to succeed. Neurodiversity can also help to foster innovation and creativity, as diverse perspectives can lead to new and more effective ways of problem-solving and learning. 
3. Supporting Neurodivergent Students: Neurodiversity provides a framework for understanding and addressing the challenges faced by neurodivergent students in the classroom. It encourages educators to implement accommodations and strategies that can help neurodivergent students to learn and thrive, such as providing sensory accommodations, clear instructions, and opportunities for self-advocacy. By recognizing and supporting their unique needs, educators can help neurodivergent students to develop their strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential. 
4. Benefits for All Students: Inclusive classrooms, where neurodiversity is embraced, can benefit all students by creating a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Neurodiversity can also help to improve social and emotional development, as students learn to interact with and support one another. By promoting empathy and understanding, neurodiversity can help to create a more inclusive and accepting society.” 

INTEGRATE SUPPORTIVE PRACTICES INTO CLASSROOM TEACHING AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

Christina Frasher

According to Christina Frasher, visiting assistant professor in the School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, “There are a variety of practices one can integrate into their teaching repertoire that support all students and in particular those who identify as neurodiverse. These strategies include integrating inclusive teaching practices, offering transparency and clarity, including choice and flexibility, and humanizing the learning environment.

As in all inclusive teaching practices, the most important place to start is by beginning with one’s self. Ask, what are your own assumptions on what makes a good student? Consider critiquing neurotypical patterns of communication and presentation that may be normative in academic environments. Reflect on the different patterns of communication and presentation that display interest and engagement and assess them for validity.

Additionally, you may want to inquire as to what your triggers in the learning environment are and what you may perceive as 'negative' behavior. Many neurodiverse individuals struggle with feeling misunderstood in social interactions, due to the random nature of neurotypical social interactions (Belek, 2018) and this can create miscommunication in educational settings. Knowing our own perceived modes of communication can be a tremendous asset in developing affirming teaching strategies that support all students. 

• Inclusive Teaching Practices: Integrating an inclusive design into your courses can support all students. A helpful first step is considering offering elements of Universal Design for Learning. Consider ways to offer multiple methods of Engagement, Representation and Action and Expression.

Additionally, consider the diversity of content and perspectives, can you offer non-western, non-ableist perspectives for example? Inclusive teaching practices are foundational to supporting a learning environment where all students are supported and can thrive, to expand your inclusive teaching practice consider exploring the resources offered below.

• Transparency and Clarity: One ongoing practice you can integrate into your teaching is to offer transparency and clarity to your course structure and materials. Transparency includes offering explicit directives on the how, what and why of assignments and course responsibilities. This includes offering guidance on the “how to” aspects of the learning environment, such as what classroom participation looks like, what are office hours, group work responsibilities, etc. 

A simple first step is to revise what you already have for clarity and organization (reduce language, utilize spacing and bullet points constructively). Other options include offering clear and consistent communication, establishing routines, and creating predictability which increases students’ confidence in navigating your courses.

• Student Choice and Flexibility: Another pathway to bolstering students is to offer choice and flexibility in course assignments and activities. Consider offering flexible due dates or integrating the use of tokens. It is important to have due dates and offer structure however to support regulatory practices in learning. 

Source: www.pexels.com

Providing choice in assignments , such as ways to integrate their major or particular interests they may have, allows students to bring their unique experiences and interests into educational settings, which can be very affirming for neurodiverse students. Adding multiple ways to be successful (such as in assignments and participation) can support neurodiverse students in bringing their strengths and assets to the learning environment.

• Humanize the Learning Environment: Finally, consider humanizing the learning environment of your courses. Imagine ways in which you can integrate your own authenticity into the learning environment (Hamilton & Petty, 2023), ensuring that this offering supports student learning and success. 

Explicitly create social connections and offer activities that build community such as games, art-making, listening activities, etc. Consider alternative attention supports (knitting, fidget toys, movement) and changing different sensory aspects in your learning environment (reduce lighting, etc).” 2

For a full briefing paper on neurodiversity, click here.

To learn more and register for this upcoming webinar, click here.

 END NOTES:
[i] Google AI, Why is Neurodiversity Important in Education?

[ii] Christina Frasher, Supporting Neurodiversity in Learning Environments

Neurodiversity: Terms and Definitions

Source: Genius Within

By Sam Piha

The Neurodiversity Working Group published a comprehensive glossary of terms related to neurodiversity. Below is a partial list of terms from this publication. 

“Acquired or traumatic brain injury: Acquired brain injury is damage to the brain caused by an accident or event. This condition can affect an individual’s cognition and behavior, through impairments to their memory, personal organization, communication skills and their ability to concentrate. 

Asperger syndrome: Asperger syndrome is a form of autism with mild or no impairment in the individual's capacity to use language. Asperger syndrome was removed from DSM-5 (see below) in 2013 and replaced with autism spectrum disorder (see below). However, many people were historically given this diagnosis and may still use this term. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that has three sub-groups – hyperactive ADHD, impulsive inattentive ADHD and combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD. Individuals may experience effects that predominantly fall within one category or a combination of categories. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern (at least six months) of inattention and/or hyperactivity- impulsivity, with onset typically in early to mid-childhood. The degree of inattention and hyperactivity impulsivity significantly interferes with academic, occupational or social functioning. 

Source: www.pexels.com

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC): ASD or ASC is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by persistent deficits in impulse control, sensory regulation, and the ability to initiate and sustain reciprocal social interaction, and communication. It is also characterized by restricted, repetitive and inflexible patterns of behavior and interests. It is worth noting that everyone with a diagnosis will have strengths and weaknesses, and some will have more autistic traits than others, but it is the degree and pattern of impairment which has led to the diagnosis of an ASD. 

Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a developmental learning disorder with impairment in reading. It is characterized by significant and persistent difficulties in learning academic skills related to reading, such as word-reading accuracy, reading fluency and reading comprehension. It affects language cognition in the brain, which manifests itself in difficulties in reading, writing and ordering speech. Working memory is also affected. 

Emotional and energy regulation: The ability to manage energy and feelings to suit a situation. The ability to manage feelings in ways that are acceptable to those around us. Impulse control: The skill of thinking before acting or speaking. The ability to pause and think something through. The act of inhibiting one’s behavior in a particular context. 

Equality Act 2010: The Equality Act 2010 is a law that protects people from discrimination. It means that it is illegal, under the Equality Act, to treat someone less favorably because of a protected characteristic including disability. A person can be classed disabled, and therefore afforded the protections of the Equality Act 2010, if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities. The duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace extends to those with neurodevelopmental conditions who fit the Equality Act definitions. 

Executive functioning: Executive functioning is a set of cognitive mental processes that help us get things done and regulate our behavior. The deficits in executive function skills are the cognition differences and behavioral traits that are measured by psychologists and psychiatrists to determine whether a diagnostic threshold is met for any particular condition. There are some variance as to the exact number and definitions of executive function skills in academia and other reference sources, however a summary of those for use in this glossary are as follows. 

Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity and difficulties with remaining still, most evident in structured situations that require behavioral self-control. 

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Hypersensitivity: An unusually high or intense response to a particular stimulus (for example, smell, texture or color). 

Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a tendency to act in response to immediate stimuli, without deliberation or consideration of the risks and consequences. ADHD affects an individual’s attention span, ability to focus and impulse control. 

Inattention: Inattention refers to distractibility, problems with organization, and significant difficulty in giving sustained attention to tasks that do not provide a high level of stimulation or frequent rewards. 

Intellectual disability: Intellectual disability is a developmental condition that can affect the development of an individual’s cognitive function and adaptive behavior skills. These two things can affect thinking, learning, problem solving and reasoning. 

Mental ill health: Under the neurodiversity umbrella, mental health refers to conditions that affect cognition and behavior, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD, anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. These conditions can occur for a number of reasons, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), exposure to single-incident trauma, repeat and persistent exposure to low-level trauma, the side effects of medication, exposure to certain substances, or as a response to a significant life event. 

Neurodiversity: Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe differences in the human brain in relation to a range of mental functions, such as sociability, learning and mood attention. The concept is a respectful way of thinking about our colleagues and communities. Neurodiversity aims to highlight the positive attributes of different neurocognitive functioning, rather than focus on deficits or deviations from a set standard. 

Neurodiversity movement: The Neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect and full societal inclusion for neurodivergent people. 

Processing: How quickly someone can make sense of, and respond to, information they have seen or heard. An Individual may have different processing speeds for auditory, motor and visual information. 

Tourette syndrome: Tourette syndrome is a chronic tic disorder characterized by the presence of both chronic motor tics and vocal (phonic) tics. Minor and major motor and vocal tics are defined as uncontrollable, sudden, rapid, non-rhythmic and recurrent movements or vocalizations, respectively. In order to be diagnosed as Tourette syndrome, both motor and vocal tics must have been present for at least one year, although they may not manifest concurrently or consistently throughout that period.” [i]

For a full briefing paper on neurodiversity, click here.

END NOTES:
[i] Neurodiversity Working Group, Frequently used terms regarding neurodiversity 

Why Is Neurodiversity Important?

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By Sam Piha

 

According to Google AI, “Neurodiversity is important because it recognizes that human brains differ in their structure and function, and these differences are natural and valuable. Embracing neurodiversity promotes inclusivity, fosters innovation, and highlights the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with diverse neurological profiles. 

Here's a more detailed look at why neurodiversity matters:

1. Fostering Inclusivity and Acceptance: Neurodiversity acknowledges that there is no single "normal" way for brains to function.  It challenges the stigma and negative stereotypes associated with conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. By recognizing and valuing different ways of thinking and learning, neurodiversity promotes a more inclusive society where everyone feels understood and accepted. 
2. Driving Innovation and Creativity: Neurodiverse individuals often possess unique problem-solving skills, innovative thinking patterns, and a keen eye for detail. These strengths can lead to fresh insights, new solutions, and a greater ability to see connections that others may miss. Companies that embrace neurodiversity are more likely to be innovation leaders and attract and retain top talent. 
3. Enhancing Workplace Performance: Neurodiverse individuals can bring valuable skills like hyperfocus, analytical thinking, and strong recall of information. These strengths can be particularly valuable in fields like IT, data analysis, and creative industries. Research suggests that teams with neurodiverse members can be more productive and effective. 
4. Addressing Skills Gaps and Workforce Needs: In a world facing skills shortages in areas like technology and data analysis, neurodiversity can help tap into a vast and underutilized talent pool. By creating inclusive hiring practices and supportive work environments, organizations can benefit from the diverse skills and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. 
5. Promoting Wellbeing and Self-Acceptance: Embracing neurodiversity allows individuals to understand and appreciate their own unique strengths and challenges. It can lead to increased self-esteem, career aspirations, and a greater sense of belonging.  

In conclusion, neurodiversity is not just about understanding differences; it's about celebrating them and harnessing their potential to create a more inclusive, innovative, and thriving society.” [i]

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Neurodivergence is often viewed as a weakness, but neurodiversity offers an alternative perspective: Differences in brain functioning can be a strength. “'Neurodivergence is not a diagnosis, but more of a care philosophy. It's a more inclusive way to describe people whose brain functions differently,' says Colby P. Wiley, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Northwestern Medicine. 'This perspective emphasizes the positive aspects, aiming to highlight the strengths associated with the diagnosis rather than focusing on remediating the deficits.

 

Some strengths of neurodivergence include:

• Innovation and creativity

• Accuracy

• Unique problem-solving

• High levels of concentration

• Reliability” [ii]

 

Google AI elaborates:

• “Neurodiversity as an identity: The neurodiversity movement sees neurological differences as a natural part of human diversity, similar to other identities like race or ethnicity. 
• Focus on strengths: Neurodiversity highlights the strengths and unique talents of neurodivergent individuals, rather than focusing solely on challenges. 
• Beyond medical labels: Neurodiversity is not a medical diagnosis, but a social and philosophical perspective that challenges the idea of neurological differences as illnesses to be cured. 
• Legal and practical considerations: While some neurodivergent individuals may experience challenges that meet the criteria for disability under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, not all neurodivergent individuals are considered disabled. 
• Inclusion and acceptance: Neurodiversity promotes inclusion and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their neurological profile. 
• Social justice movement: The neurodiversity movement is also a social justice movement that aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.” [iii]  

For a full briefing paper on neurodiversity, click here.

BREAKING NEWS from the Afterschool Alliance

 

The federal government is saying it will release funds for local afterschool and summer programs--FY25 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds--to states next week. This victory for children and families is a direct result of your work. Every one of your efforts to communicate with lawmakers, mobilize parents and allies, and so much more mattered!!! 

 

Take a moment to celebrate!

END NOTES:

[i] Google AI, Why is Neurodiversity Important?

[ii] Northwestern Medicine, Understanding Neurodiversity: Exploring Differences in Brain Function

[iii] Google AI, Why is Neurodiversity not a Disability?