“Do not tell me what I cannot do. Help me find a way to do it.” J. Lutke quoting her daughter
(Streissguth, 1997)
Variety is the optimal teaching technique. Many teachers often rely on providing most information verbally. However, the FASD student has weak auditory skills. A visual style of teaching should be the base of learning new material.
- Pair oral information with visual information
- Provide visual images, photographs, and pictures cues to reinforce learning
- Write directions on the board or overhead
- Use videos
- Use computers
Use Multi-sensory Learning
Multi-sensory learning creates multiple neurological pathways to learn. This whole brain approach maximizes understanding, learning, and memory. Multi-sensory learning eliminates the possibility of information solely being presented in the student’s weakest sensory modality and, instead, ensures addressing a student’s learning strengths.
Involve as many senses as possible when learning: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile
- Sing songs and use music; words are often repeated
- Use dance and movement
- Use rhymes and rhythm games
- Use art
- Use drama; act out topics being discussed
- Use hand signs, employ body cues—use exaggeration
- Use puppets
Use Activity-based Learning
- Learn by doing—hands-on projects
- Work in groups where everyone contributes
Relate Learning to Student’s Life Experiences
- Read a menu
- Count change
- Pretend taking a bus–read the schedule, count the fare
Use Technology Tools
Technology offers several tools to help students learn, such as the computer, calculator, 
videos, voice recorder applications, dictation applications, and both text and audio books. These tools tap into different modalities to reinforce learning. They also offer other benefits, such as increasing attention, motivation, and allowing students to work at their own pace.
