Date
18 April 2024

Support participation and build confidence

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8’

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Give instructions in close proximity

Give instructions in close proximity

Communication can be more effective up close. It can help reduce distractions and support attention.
Teacher at table with students

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Create a secure environment

Create a secure environment

  • Use the student’s name when addressing them.
  • Create clear, planned pathways for moving around the classroom. Minimise random obstacles.
  • Familiarise the student with a new classroom layout BEFORE making changes.
  • Encourage all students to position themselves in optimum environments to support their engagement and attention.
  • Discuss with the student the best places for them to sit to access information at a distance.
  • Make learning support tools – text-to-speech, graphic organisers, planning tools and so on – available for all students.
  • Create a culture where students support each other.

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Self advocacy traffic light system in a primary classroom

A blog post on how a student uses a traffic light system to let the primary classroom team know how well she can see.

Publisher: BLENNZ: Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ

Visit website

Website

Dance mat typing

A BBC typing programme, in the form of a game, that has been used to effectively support students with low vision.

Publisher: BBC

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8”:

Return to the guide “Low vision and learning”

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