Virtual Teaching Tips
I've been conferencing regularly with my students who are registered in virtual school. We talk about what they're enjoying, what's easy, what's hard, and how it could be more manageable. We come up with strategies they can use or which they can ask their teachers about.
So, here's a list of 20 virtual teaching tips that work for autistic students (and will help your other virtual students, too)!
1) Build in movement. Give reminders to stretch and take breaks.
2) Don't demand the camera be on (it's hard to look and listen, they can be anxious about appearance, and it's a lot of stimuli to process)
3) Long lists of tasks due on Google Classroom can be overwhelming. Categorize them, remove old ones, or show them how to access these on Google Calendar - this layout can help them visually see deadlines/priorities.
4) Chunk assignments. Maybe assign part due tomorrow, part the next day to help them complete over time. (Families can also help with this! See my YouTube Video on how to do this: Chunk & Check-In Strategy Series)
5) Give visual checklists instead of wordy instructions.
6) If possible, reduce number of questions assigned. "There's 10 in this section, so pick 6 to do".
7) Tell them when they can reduce effort so not every task is so cognitively demanding. Can they submit it in point form?
8) Let them show knowledge in a way that benefits them sometimes. Comic strips reduce writing requirement and can be motivating to artists in our classes.
9) Instructions are best in multiple formats: written, visual, reviewed orally, in clear language and given step-by-step.
10) Tell them when they'll have work periods for tasks and when they are expected to do a little bit of a larger task each day. Remind them not to work all night. Some students want to finish what they've started in one sitting and need to be told that isn't always the expectation.
11) Review hidden rules of group interactions before breakout rooms. How should they share? How do they handle different ideas? How do they get help?
12) Build rapport. Tell jokes. Talk about interests. Be understanding. Let them know you relate to the stress this year!
13) Know they are working very hard to stay on track, even (maybe especially) if they have fallen behind. It can take them longer to process information, make a plan to start work, start and sustain through the task until completed. They may need help from adults for each step.
14) Increase processing time before picking someone to answer questions. We often pick those who answer the fastest.
15) Let them respond orally, in the chat, or with the thumbs up/down.
16) Remind them of things you want them to work on gently and privately.
17) Give specific praise and feedback so they know what you liked and what you want them to do.
18) Check in sometimes to see what feels manageable and what does not. Ask what would help.
19) Keep families informed. Several students have told me showing Google Classroom tasks they still have to do after school to a family member + talking through what they plan to accomplish helps them get work done. Suggest to families!
20) Be predictable. Teach your routines, make sure they know where to find information and how they can get help, and respond in reassuring, nonjudgmental ways. Help them feel safe. 💕