In the Beginning; Think Structure

For many children who are identified as slow learners or have mental health issues a chaotic, stimulating environment will trigger negative behaviors or reactions. Children wil mental health issues perform best in a calm, structured environment. Children with special needs often are very sensitive to their environment and when their sensory organs are over stimulated, they may have difficulty discerning the information that a teacher presents. The child then becomes overwhelmed with stimulus and will usually try to obstruct the learning experience by acting out to avoid completing the assignment. If you are a teacher striving for a serene, learning environment that does not over stimulate your students, then begin by assessing your classroom environment. As you are reading this chapter, determine if there are any changes that you could construct in your classroom to enhance learning. Be aware that your students will be responsive to the anxiety or calmness that you present and they will follow your example.

pg. 13 (more to continue!)