Classroom Strategies & Adaptations
To see these strategies used in a context, visit the Case Study Examples page.
Relational Strategies
Classroom Setting Strategies:
Teaching Strategies:
Relational Strategies
- work as closely as possible with parents
- listen to an anxious student; let them explain what they are feeling and acknowledge (don’t trivialize) their anxiety, relate to their anxiety
- students need to have enough opportunity to verbalize their worries (often repeatedly) to gain understanding and perspective, it takes TIME to change anxious behaviour patterns
- be comfortable naming the anxious feelings for a student as they may not be able to do so; naming the feelings will help them gain a sense of control over them
- teach and structure positive self talk and problem solving
Classroom Setting Strategies:
- provide clear and predictable structuring of class routines and environment
- allow for physical movement such as a walk down the hallway, running an errand, moving desks, going to the washroom, washing their hands, music
- provide a safe place inside the classroom, and one outside; structure its use
Teaching Strategies:
- always accentuate the positive and acknowledge bravery
- ask yourself: how can I make this learning experience safe for all of my students?
- use visuals, provide written instruction, show/demonstrate the activity, provide exemplars
- use direct, literal, and simple conversation
- give anxious students advance, private warning for reading aloud, answering questions, upcoming changes in routine, structure, etc. Avoid strategies which may randomly put these students on the spot.
- provide test-taking strategies