Adult led learning or child led learning? What is best at a time like this?
You’ve created the work pack and sent the instructions home. You’ve checked and sent all the login details and informed all the parents of the free online museums, zoo cameras and workouts. But how is the home learning really going to work for your students?
Let’s be honest, for some students the thought of regular homework alone is enough to send them into meltdown, so how will a whole day of work set by school go down? Those printed worksheets are for school time only right? Many students including those with autism, ADHD, attachment needs, high anxiety and many more without labels need opportunity for control and wellbeing. How long will parents of those students be able to maintain this approach to learning for, and how can we as teachers enable them to manage this time as effectively and positively as possible?
Need an alternative? Read on….How do you, as an adult, respond if you are told you HAVE to learn something new, and how long will you actually remember it for? Now think of a time you have discovered something for your self, and how that felt. What skills did you use?
Which way of learning do you think had a bigger impact on you?
Autistic students have no fear in expressing to us each day that interest = motivation = learning opportunity. And guess what? This exact same principle applies to any student. There has been no better time to follow your child’s interests through a child led learning approach, and you can provide a perfect environment for this to happen at home. Just remember, that it’s OK for your child to become an expert on anything they like! The vital life skills of discovery, curiosity, creativity and focus of attention are being practised. Not many worksheets or online games can provide this. There is also no right or wrong. No arguments over correcting work and varied opportunities in abundance to build self esteem and confidence.
Child led planning using special interests
Parents can easily draw out a bespoke special interest map on paper, (we have included an example and blank copy in this FREE resource). We suggest starting with one of the most engaging interests the child has until they become familiar with the format. The child will become an EXPERT in this field and so it is clearly written in the middle box. Surrounding this box, create a mind map of opportunities and involve your child with the decision making. For example: What would they like to find out about? What skills would they like to learn? What could they create? Who could they share their expert knowledge with? There is no limit to the tasks and activities you can come up with for child led learning. The great thing is that child led learning can be used for all ages and abilities too.
Child led learning later on turns into adult led learning. What are you motivated to learn about today?
CLICK HERE for a free and easy to use planning format.
thinking differently
The Autism Junction