7 Must Haves for your back to school, neurodivergent supported classroom [S7 EP. 217]

Listen to the full episode below:

Our back-to-school series is in full swing, and we’ve got more for you this week! This episode is going to give you a lot to think about as you’re setting up your classroom for the year.

We’re sharing seven of our favorite must-haves (dare we say, GAME CHANGERS) when it comes to supporting neurodivergent  kids and adults in your classroom. Some of these tools you may have heard of, and they may seem like small things to try, but it’s the little things that make a big impact! 

And as we always say, what’s good for some is good for all! These tools will not only help your neurodivergent students, but also your neurotypical. Better yet, they are inexpensive but effective. 

If you try out any of these tools in your classroom, we would love to see it! Snap a picture on Instagram and tag us @bravenewteaching so we can see it and share with our community!

Check Out the Tools We Mention in This Episode:

• Kitchen timer

• Jumbo 1-minute sand timer

• 24 pack of sand timers

• Reyke key finders

• Calm strips

• Desk bands

• LED lights

Topics Discussed:

• Common things that throw off neurodivergent students

• Examples of useful timers to have in the classroom (and ways to use them!)

• Why key finders will be extremely helpful to you!

• How to use calm strips to help yourself, and students, with anxiety

• Getting to know your students’ behaviors at the beginning of the year

• Creating a designated space where students can go for a quick reset

• What to consider with lights in your classroom and an easy way to learn about student preferences

• How to craft a “parking lot” that’s actually useful

Resources Mentioned:

• Back to School with BNT: Free Checklist and Planner!

• Marie’s YouTube channel: The Caffeinated Classroom

• Join Happy Hour!

• Curriculum Rehab

• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching

• Follow Marie on Instagram: @thecaffeinatedclass

• Follow Amanda on Instagram: @mudandinkteaching

• Let us know what you think! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

check out other bnt episodes:

• Episode 216, The Unteachables: An Interview with Claire English

• Episode 167, Unpopular Opinions: Back to School

• Episode 168, Mistakes We’ve Made: Back to School

• Episode 110, August Dreams (September Realities) Back to School

• Episode 20, To Plan the First Week Back to School

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.