Tell Students You Believe They Can Learn

• Explain to them that their brain works differently
• FASD is not their fault
• Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses

Create a Classroom Where Students Feel Lovable and Capable

• Greet each student in the morning & say something positive
• When students are leaving at the end of the day, shake each student’s hand (unless they’re hypersensitive) and say something positive

Create an Educational Environment Where FASD Students Will Thrive

• Few distractions
• Routine
• Consistency
• Predictability

Create Successful Academic and Behavioral Goals

Class Lessons Should be Presented with Modifications for the FASD Student (Chapter 4)

• Use a multi-sensory approach to teaching
• Pair visual with verbal instruction
• Have realistic expectations
• Proceed in small steps
• Give praise and encouragement
• Students should be capable of completing homework and class assignments
• Keep assignments short
• Lengthen assignments when students are confident

Be Creative to Ensure Success

• Troublesome academic skills can be skipped—go on to another skill (e.g., If the student is unable to solve long division problems after sufficient teaching, introduce a new skill such as fractions).
• Return to the difficult skill later on and try again
• Use checklists for big projects
• Teach students to check off small sections as they complete them

Acknowledge Positive Student Skills

• “Deborah is acting like a 3rd grade student. She has her pencil out and her book is on her desk.”
• “Sam has begun his work right away . Bravo, Sam!”
• Use praise
• Use stickers
• Use awards
• Contact parents with a “good news” call or note

Control Choices for Teams or Groups

• Put names on popsicle sticks and assign teams or activities randomly

Assign Buddies

• Buddy FASD students with students who are positive, patient, and kind.

Be Sensitive to the Many Difficulties Students Face

• Ask, “How can I help you get started?” rather than saying “You never start your work on time. What’s the problem?”

Remind Students That You Like and Appreciate Them

• Smile
• Use body language
• Give them a pat on the shoulder

Separate the Behavior from the Student

• Praise positive behavior, say, “great job listening” rather than “good boy” or “good girl.”
• When the student misbehaves, focus on changing the behavior . Explain to the student that he/she is not “bad.”

Find Things at Which Your Student is Successful and Focus on That When Possible

• “Drew, you are such a talented artist, would you draw the picture for our class newsletter?”
• Sport
• Social activity
• Art
• Music
• Craft
• Dance

Help Students Feel Needed and Give Them Class Responsibilities

• Line leader
• Class messenger
• Guinea pig feeder
• Teacher’s assistant passing out papers
• Sharpen pencils
• Erase the boards