On episode 212, Emily Kircher-Morris and Jess Lahey discuss the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent students. Jess highlights the need for teachers to question traditional teaching methods and adapt their practices to meet the diverse needs of their students. They talk about the value of formative assessments, peer-to-peer teaching, and creating an inclusive learning environment. They also explore the overlap between substance abuse and learning differences, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. They discuss the need for teachers to gradually release responsibility to students, and empower them to advocate for themselves. Open-minded, reflective, and responsive classrooms best serve the individual needs of students.
Takeaways:
Question traditional teaching methods and adapt practices to meet the diverse needs of students.
Use formative assessments to gauge student understanding and provide targeted support.
Create an inclusive learning environment that values peer-to-peer teaching and individual learning styles.
Recognize the overlap between substance abuse and learning differences, and provide early intervention and support.
Gradually release responsibility to students and empower them to advocate for themselves.
This episode is brought to you by the Council for Exceptional Children, dedicated to high-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Attend their Annual Convention & Expo, March 13-16, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register now at cecconvention.org/, and if you’re a school principal, receive free registration by using the code 24CEC100.
If you see value in rethinking education and building a stronger classroom, consider joining the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub! It’s a group built for educators, and we’ll open registration again soon! Sign up to be alerted, and join us for the learning, sharing, and fun!
Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post and The Atlantic, and her biweekly column, The Parent Teacher Conference, ran for three years at the New York Times.
She also designed and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning animated series The Stinky and Dirty Show, and was a 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast from her empty nest in Vermont.
BACKGROUND READING
Jessica’s website
Threads
The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com
Decoding ADHD in Children: Early Diagnosis, Leveraging Strengths
Phases & Stages: Executive Function Growth Throughout Life
Beyond the Page: Empowering Young Minds
Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity in STEM
Ask Me Anything #8 with Emily Kircher-Morris
Parenting Self-Care: Looking Out for Number One
Declarative Language: A New Strategy for Neurodivergent Communication
Challenging What We Know About Autism and PDA
Education for Everyone Through Universal Design for Learning
A Quest For Meaningful Relationships
Not a Disease: Understanding Autism as Difference
Turning Neurodiversity Barriers Into Benefits
Dani Donovan on Motivation, Procrastination, and Her Viral Memes
Ask Me Anything #7 with Emily Kircher-Morris
The Tricky Transition From High School to Higher Ed
Unique Learning Challenges of Neurodivergent Brains
Creating and Fostering Autonomy and Motivation
Perspectives Series: Emotional Regulation
Perspectives Series: ADHD
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Your Sleep Guru Podcast
Anxiety Slayer™ with Shann and Ananga
Men Do Talk Podcast
The Dr. John Delony Show
On Purpose with Jay Shetty